Boston University

A nationally ranked middle-distance runner, William G. "Billy" Smith set several Boston University indoor and outdoor records during his undergraduate career at the University, most of which stood for many years until they were broken by his "pupils."

Smith ran everything from the 440 to the mile for Hall of Famer Doug Raymond and could be counted to score in every meet. He represented the Terriers at all of the national meets, including the Milrose Games, Philadelphia Enquirer Meet, the New York and Boston K. of C. meets, the Penn Relays, IC4As and the Nationals. He still held the Boston Garden record in the Bingham 880 at the time of his induction and was twice selected to represent the United States on the national team.

Following graduation, Billy launched his career in coaching, and for 15 years served as an assistant coach and then head track coach at Boston University before turning over the reigns to David Hemery in 1976. Smith's ability for recognizing and developing track talent in internationally known and respected.

His most "famous" protege is Hall of Famer David Hemery, who Smith discovered, recruited and later developed into the gold medal winner and world record holder in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles at the 1968 Olympic games. Hemery completed his set of Olympic medals four years later when he won silver and bronze medals at Munich.