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Charles “Ace” Heberling ’49 is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., and came to Washington & Jefferson College from Perry High School. Heberling was a multi-sport athlete at Washington & Jefferson College. He lettered in football and baseball. During his three years on the football squad, Heberling played running back alongside W&J Athletic Hall of Fame members Melvin Bassi, Walter Cooper and “Deacon” Dan Towler. Heberling also lettered three years for the W&J baseball team as one of the squad’s top starting pitchers.
Following graduation, Heberling began a career as a salesman, while also working as a high school and college football and basketball official for 15 years. His great work as an official elevated him to the National Football League as a referee. His career in the NFL lasted 23 years. During his 23 years, he was the head referee for three Super Bowls. In 1976, the WPIAL was rapidly growing as one of the top scholastic organizations in the country and Heberling was selected to become the league’s first full-time executive director. He was a catalyst in establishing a league office to manage the organization on a daily basis.
Under his leadership, all four WPIAL championship football games were contested at Three Rivers Stadium during a one-day period in 1986. In 1992, Heberling started the WPIAL Scholar-Athlete program which has awarded over 50 students scholarships from more than 40 high schools. Heberling retired from the WPIAL in 1997 after 21 years. The WPIAL today stands as a model around the county for high school athletic organizations. Heberling is known by many as the man who has had the greatest impact on high school athletics in western Pennsylvania in the 100-year history.
Earlier this year, Heberling was inducted into the inaugural class of the WPIAL Hall of Fame. Heberling has also served as a game day observer for officials in college and the NFL.
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