Fred C. Billing

A member of the United States Naval Academy's Class of 1925, Billing was the first Navy player to be elected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Billing began his lacrosse career at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn from 1914-18. After high school, Billing attended Princeton University from 1919-21 and the U.S. Naval Academy from 1921-25 where he was selected as a first team All-American as an attackman in 1923, 1924, and 1925.

Billing was one of the greatest dodgers of his era and a fine stick-handler in the days when stick-work did not have the universal perfection it has today. In addition to playing lacrosse, Billing played football, hockey, and tennis. In his graduation year at the Academy, he received a letter of Commendation and was awarded the coveted Thompson Cup for his athletic ability.

Billing participated as a lacrosse player for 21 years, starring for the Crescent Athletic Club and Montclair Athletic Club lacrosse teams after his Academy years. He coached for two years and officiated for five. Billing was active in promoting lacrosse among prep schools in New Jersey.

Billing was a commander in the Naval Reserve from 1941-46 and received area and combat ribbons. Toward the close of World War II, he was recalled to the Naval Academy as the officer representative for lacrosse.

Fred Billing passed away in 1970.