SALEM – The city council Thursday held the first reading of an ordinance which would rename a section of East Pershing Street in honor of a famous former Salem coach. 

If approved, the proposed ordinance would give the section of East Pershing Street in front of Sebo Stadium between Lincoln and Ohio avenues the honorary designation “Earle Bruce Way” in memory of the eponymous hall of fame coach. 

First discussed in an April 21 meeting of the public services committee, the honorary designation was proposed by Salem Athletic Hall of Fame Chairman Matt Mowery. At that meeting Mowery said the designation would be “a meaningful way to honor not only [Bruce’s] accomplishments on the field, but also his deep ties to Salem and the influence he has had on generations of athletes,” and that the designation would coincide with Bruce’s induction into the Salem Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. 

Bruce began his lengthy head coaching career in Salem in 1956 and led the Salem Quakers to a record of 9-1 in 1958 and 8-1 in 1960, finishing his coaching career in Salem with a record of 28-9 over the course of four seasons.

After leaving Salem, Bruce served as the head coach of several college 

football programs including the University of Tampa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Colorado State University, and The Ohio State University, and was inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame. 

As an honorary designation, if the city council does approve the ordinance, it would not affect any mailing addresses in the area. 

The city council will meet next at 7 p.m. on May 19.