Boston University is mourning the loss of BU Hall of Famer and former head track coach Billy Smith who passed away last week at the age of 84.

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 and 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, IC4A's and the Nationals. He also was twice selected to represent his country on the U.S. national team.

Following graduation from BU in 1955, Smith launched his career in coaching, and 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 was 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.

A wake for Smith will be held on Tuesday, December 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home in Scituate followed by a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m. at  St. Mary's of the Nativity in Scituate.
 
To see Billy Smith's full obituary click HERE


What they are saying about William G. "Billy" Smith
Robyne Johnson, Boston University director of track & field and cross country

"I was very sorry to hear the passing of former BU head coach Bill Smith. Although I only had the privilege of meeting Bill once in person, I felt I got to know him through the athletes that he coached based on how fondly they all spoke of him. I know his character left a lasting impression on how he shaped their lives both on and off the track."
   
David Hemery (Questrom'68,SED'88), 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist, BU Hall of Famer and former head track & field coach
 
"Bill Smith was a highly successful athlete at Boston English, the Army and Boston University, winning many major championships over 800m and failing by only one place to make the 1952 US Olympic team."
 
"Bill was a legendary coach. His greatest gift was advancing a huge numbers of Scituate girls to University scholarships through his development of their talent in track and field. His ability to draw out and develop talent was astonishing. Taking my own experience, my personal best over 400m at 16, was 53.8, after two years of work and doing almost no training, I entered Boston U as a walk on. Within two years I had run a 600yards European record of 69.8 seconds and two years later a 400m relay leg in the Olympics of 44.6 and won the gold in the 400m hurdles in a world record of 48.12. He taught me to see that there is a long way between what we think we can achieve and the multiple layers of improvement that are possible." 
 
"As a coach he was utterly dedicated. He had remarkable support from his wife Jean and his lovely, tolerant family of Billy, Susie and Gigi, enabling him to give himself to his track obsession. His degree was in exercise physiology. His preparation was meticulous, reading every book ever published on the sport; spending hours generating workouts, which he would write on 3"x5" cards; using his intuition to assess the energy of the athletes and modifying the sessions accordingly; giving his energy to match the required dedication he expected from his athletes. An illustration of this last point is when a blizzard began at noon, he still drove to BU from Scituate at 2pm and stood with his back to the wind and snow while a did several 800's, on the small wooden track which was on the football field in that era. His workouts were at times extremely tough however he told me that he never asked us to do anything that he had not done himself. He was tough and uncompromising and at the same time extremely caring; a unique soul with whom it was my privilege to work."
   
Tom Mahan (ENG'78, ENG'80), BU Athletic Hall of Fame chairman and Track & Field Hall of Famer
 
"Bill Smith or Smitty as so many of us came to know him, was the consummate coach and teacher. He had an almost instinctive ability to know what approach would bring out the best in his athletes. His highly successful tactics ranged from simply suggestion, or a well place bit of sarcasm, to being forceful and demanding of improvement. This was his unique brand of "tough love". 
 
"When first meeting Coach Smith, I was struck by his very friendly demeanor and casual, almost laid back style. In short order, I came to realize it belied his passion, knowledge, cutting dry wit and enormous character."
 
"I will always have great fondness for Smitty.  He was the man that brought me to Boston University after seeing something in me that frankly, I couldn't see.  He put me and on the path to un-tapping the potential that he knew was there."
 
"I, along with the countless others whose lives Bill touched, will be forever grateful. Thank you coach!"