The Great Midwest Athletic Conference is saddened to hear of the loss of former Salem International Athletic Director Keith Bullion. The following statement was issued from G-MAC Commissioner Tom Daeger:
“The G-MAC is saddened by the loss of Salem Vice President and former Athletic Director Keith Bullion. Keith was a kind, bright, thoughtful man who we enjoyed the opportunity to work with over the last several years. He illustrated intense compassion for his students, athletes, teams and the entire Salem community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob and the Bullion family during this time.”
SALEM, W.Va. - The entire Salem International University community is mourning the loss of Vice President of Campus Operations and former Athletic Director and Head Water Polo Coach Keith Bullion.
Keith Alan Bullion, age 54, of Clarksburg, West Virginia and formerly of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, passed away Sunday evening, March 6, 2016 at Ruby Memorial Hospital of Morgantown, West Virginia.
He was born March 23, 1961 in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania a son of Robert Bullion of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania and the late Nancy Jean (Leonard) Bullion.
Survivors include his son, Robert Bullion and his fiancé', Terra Creak of Salem, West Virginia; a grandson, Mason and granddaughter Jailey; a sister, Kristine Finn and her husband Dan of McDonald, Pennsylvania; and three nephews, Jonathan, Brian and Shawn Finn.
Keith was a graduate of Bethel Park High School, Class of 1979. He attended Grove City College where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Biology, and earned his Master's Degree in Natural Sciences from SUNY Buffalo - Roswell Park Memorial Institute. While at Buffalo, he did all of his research for cancer, and had several of his research journals published. He also was the Swimming Coach and Water Polo Coach at Buffalo State College. He hosted the first three Collegiate Club National Championship for Water Polo. He was the sport chairman and tournament director for the 1993 World University Games and was the chairman and tournament director for the Empire State Games Water Polo tournament for six years.
After leaving Buffalo, he returned to Grove City College where he took over the Swimming program from Jim Longnecker after his retirement. Keith was a very successful coach during his tenure there, garnering four PAC championships with his men's teams. He also obtained a grant from USA Water Polo to start the Men's and Women's Water Polo programs there.
He then came to Salem International University in 2001 to rebuild the school's water polo program and teach biology and chemistry. His men's water polo team won the Eastern Division II Championships and earned a bid to the Collegiate Water Polo Association Eastern Championships for a shot at the NCAAs. He was named Southern Division Coach of the Year. When he took over the Swim Team, they won two WVIAC Men's Swimming Championships in 2003 and 2004, where he was named WVIAC Coach of the Year. He then served a seven year term as the Athletic Director there and became the head of the Championships Committee for the ECAC. Since December of 2013 at Salem University, he served as the Associate Director of Campus Operations, and most recently was promoted to Vice President of Campus Operations.
The family is honoring Keith's wishes for cremation. A graveside committal service will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Jefferson Memorial Park, on Curry Hollow Rd. near Bethel Park, Pennsylvania where he will be laid to rest with along with his mother.
A service honoring the life and legacy of Keith Bullion will take place Friday, March 18, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the gymnasium on the campus of Salem International University. The service is open to the public.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Keith's memory may be made to the Salem University Foundation Inc., 223 W. Main St., Salem, WV 26426. (Designate for Scholarships)
Professional services are under the direction of Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Ave., Morgantown, WV. To send condolences or other symbolic gestures, please visit www.smithfuneralandcremationcare.com