Monkarsh, affectionately nicknamed “Monk,” had a great athletic career at Bennett. He starred in baseball, basketball and football, earning seven varsity letters with an aggressive style that marked his play in all three sports. Bill was the All-High catcher on the ’55 Cornell Cup baseball champions. He also was All-High honorable mention in football during his senior season.
After graduation, “Monk” signed a professional baseball contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later signed with the Detroit Tiger organization during his five-year career. After his pro baseball career came to an end, Monkarsh took up tennis and became one of the areas finest tennis players, winning a MUNY Open Doubles title with David Loder.
He graduated from the University of Buffalo in physical education, and later coached there. His UB baseball and tennis teams achieved an amazing total of 560 wins during his tenure at the university. Over 40 of his baseball players signed professional contracts, including major leaguers Joe Hesketh and Dennis Howard.
It is rare that any athlete has accomplished as much as Monkarsh did, both as an athlete and as a coach.