NEWPORT NEWS - The Apprentice School Department of Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of former Director of Athletics and Hall of Famer, William "Bill" Casto, who passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the age of 80.
A lifelong leader in athletics and education, Casto dedicated more than four decades to coaching, administration, and the advancement of athletics at the high school, small college, and major college levels. His leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping opportunities for student-athletes across the country.
Casto attended Glenville State College, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding student-athlete, serving as a four-year starter on the football team and a starter on the wrestling team. He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and later earned a Master's Degree in Human Resource Development from George Washington University in 1982. Casto also completed post-graduate work at West Virginia University, the University of Virginia, and Wake Forest University.
Casto began his coaching career in high school athletics, leading football programs at James Wood High School in Winchester, Virginia, and Warren County High School in Front Royal, Virginia. He later coached at Shepherd College in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, The College of William & Mary, and The Apprentice School.
He spent more than 15 years as Director of Athletics at The Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia, where he oversaw all co-curricular activities, including the intercollegiate athletic program, the student association and its related initiatives, and the development and implementation of the institution's Student Services program. As one of three operational managers of the school, Casto also assisted in the planning, evaluation, and management of the institution's broader operations.
Casto went on to serve ten years as Chief Executive Officer of the USCAA, helping guide the association through a transformative period of growth. In 2005, he stepped into the role of Executive Director to lead a project team focused on revitalizing the organization, improving its national profile, and elevating the quality of its national championships.
Under his leadership, the USCAA experienced remarkable growth. Membership doubled from approximately 40 institutions to more than 80, while the association's budget expanded to more than ten times its size in 2005. During this period, the USCAA National Office also expanded its staff, adding six full-time employees. Casto also led multiple strategic project teams that evaluated the organization's direction and implemented action plans to sustain long-term growth and opportunity for member institutions.
In addition to his work with the USCAA, Casto represented Tidewater, Virginia, on the Board of Directors for Virginia Amateur Sports, where he served for ten years.
Throughout his career, Casto received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to athletics and student-athlete development. In 2007, he was inducted into the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Hall of Fame Founders Club for his work with the organization, where he continued to serve on the advisory board. In 2008, he was named Peninsula Sports Club Person of the Year for long-time achievement. In April 2013, he was inducted into the Glenville State College Athletic Hall of Fame as a student-athlete. In 2017, he was inducted into the USCAA Hall of Fame for his leadership and dedication to the development of the Association, and he was named to the Apprentice Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
Following his retirement from athletics administration, Casto pursued another passion: wood carving. Known for his distinctive artistic approach, he carefully selected weathered wood, often driftwood hundreds of years old, to create interpretive and stylized sculptures. Over the years, his work earned several awards and recognition within the art community. He was also host at heart. He loved organizing reunions with his old friends from the '60s, bringing friends and family together at his home, and always making sure that everyone felt welcome.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Casto was known for his warmth and generosity and was considered a mentor by those who had the opportunity to work alongside him.
Casto was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Casto. He is survived by his daughter, Katie, who he often said was his proudest accomplishment.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday at his residence. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.
