William Francis "Pooch" Donovan Sr. (September 19, 1866 – August 21, 1928) was an American athletic trainer and coach.
[2] Donovan competed in track and football and was a member of the Natick Ladder Truck Team with future college trainers Keene Fitzpatrick, Mike Murphy, and John J.
[4] Controversy ensued when the Boston Herald challenged Donovan's eligibility and amateur status by recounting his athletic past, which included running races for payment and cash prizes.
[4] In reaction to the controversy, Andover severed athletic relations with Exeter, initiating a three-year hiatus in the Andover–Exeter rivalry.
[6] He served as the athletic trainer at Brown University from 1896 to 1897 then returned to the Worcester Academy, where he trained Arthur Duffey and John W.