SALEM — City council will consider a proposal to give an honorary designation to a section of East Pershing Street.

The public services committee voted unanimously Tuesday to forward a proposal to give the section of East Pershing Street in front of Sebo Stadium between Lincoln and Ohio avenues the honorary designation “Earl Bruce Way” in memory of the eponymous hall of fame coach to the city council for review in an upcoming meeting.

Salem Athletic Hall of Fame Chairman Matt 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.”

Mowery noted that there were currently no listed addresses in the area, and the approval of the designation would coincide with Bruce’s induction into the Salem Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

“Even as his career took him to the collegiate level, Coach Bruce never forgot his roots. He regularly returned to Reilly Stadium to connect with former players, catch Quaker football games, and remained a proud supporter of Salem football throughout his life,” said Mowery

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, ultimately being inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame.

City Council President Evan Newman asked if the Athletic Hall of Fame or the Salem Alumni Association would be willing to contribute for the cost of signage to reflect the honorary designation and Mowery confirmed that the Athletic Hall of Fame would do whatever was needed to help.

The proposal will still need to be approved by the city council before the honorary designation becomes official and as an honorary designation would not affect mailing addresses.

City council will meet next at 7 p.m. on May 7.