Murray State University Athletics
Racer Great Bill Cornell Dies At 76
3/29/2016 1:15:00 PM | General, Hall of Fame
SIU Athletics Article I Southern Illinoisan Article I Page Theus Funeral Home
The Murray State University community is saddened by the passing of coaching legend Bill Cornell. He died March 28, 2016. William Charles Cornell was born October 30, 1939 and was 76 years old.
"I worked with Bill for fifteen years," said former Murray State women's track coach Margaret Simmons. "He was a real inspiration. He was a great athlete in his day, well-liked by his students, a father to his athletes, and a great friend. He will be missed."
A native of England, Coach Cornell was a standout athlete. At the age of 17, he set the world record in his age group for the mile run. He went on to attend Southern Illinois University. At SIU, Cornell was a three-time All-American, finishing second in the half mile and mile in the 1962 NCAA Championship.
Following his graduation, Cornell was named the Murray State men's track and field cross country coach in 1967. He led the cross country team to an Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 1968, 1969 and 1981. He also led the men's track team to an indoor track title in 1980. For his efforts, Cornell won OVC Coach of the Year in on four separate occasions.
While at Murray State, Cornell coached three cross country All-Americans including Tommie Turner, the first OVC track athlete to win an NCAA championship. Turner won the 600-yard dash at the NCAA Indoor Track Championships in 1970. Four other Racers earned positions on the Olympic team under his tenure.
In 1982, Cornell was named head coach at his alma mater Southern Illinois. He led the Salukis to five Missouri Valley Conference cross country championships, four indoor track and field championships, and four outdoor track and field championships. During each of those championship seasons, Cornell was named Coach of the Year.
He was also named District-V Outdoor Coach of the Year in 1992. Cornell retired from coaching in 1999.
In his career, seven of Cornell's athletes became Olympians and 28 earned All-American honors. He was inducted into the SIU Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Murray State Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2005, he was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame and the United States Track & Field, Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Coach Cornell is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Rosemary; a sister, Wendy Petlech of Malden, Essex, England and a brother, Brian Cornell of Coffeshall, Essex, England.
A celebration of his life is in the works and is scheduled for June. More details will be announced shortly as to plan for his family, friends and athletes can attend.
Page Theus Funeral Home in Leesburg, Florida is in charge of arrangements in Leesburg, Florida.
The Murray State University community is saddened by the passing of coaching legend Bill Cornell. He died March 28, 2016. William Charles Cornell was born October 30, 1939 and was 76 years old.
"I worked with Bill for fifteen years," said former Murray State women's track coach Margaret Simmons. "He was a real inspiration. He was a great athlete in his day, well-liked by his students, a father to his athletes, and a great friend. He will be missed."
A native of England, Coach Cornell was a standout athlete. At the age of 17, he set the world record in his age group for the mile run. He went on to attend Southern Illinois University. At SIU, Cornell was a three-time All-American, finishing second in the half mile and mile in the 1962 NCAA Championship.
Following his graduation, Cornell was named the Murray State men's track and field cross country coach in 1967. He led the cross country team to an Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 1968, 1969 and 1981. He also led the men's track team to an indoor track title in 1980. For his efforts, Cornell won OVC Coach of the Year in on four separate occasions.
While at Murray State, Cornell coached three cross country All-Americans including Tommie Turner, the first OVC track athlete to win an NCAA championship. Turner won the 600-yard dash at the NCAA Indoor Track Championships in 1970. Four other Racers earned positions on the Olympic team under his tenure.
In 1982, Cornell was named head coach at his alma mater Southern Illinois. He led the Salukis to five Missouri Valley Conference cross country championships, four indoor track and field championships, and four outdoor track and field championships. During each of those championship seasons, Cornell was named Coach of the Year.
He was also named District-V Outdoor Coach of the Year in 1992. Cornell retired from coaching in 1999.
In his career, seven of Cornell's athletes became Olympians and 28 earned All-American honors. He was inducted into the SIU Sports Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Murray State Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2005, he was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Hall of Fame and the United States Track & Field, Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Coach Cornell is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Rosemary; a sister, Wendy Petlech of Malden, Essex, England and a brother, Brian Cornell of Coffeshall, Essex, England.
A celebration of his life is in the works and is scheduled for June. More details will be announced shortly as to plan for his family, friends and athletes can attend.
Page Theus Funeral Home in Leesburg, Florida is in charge of arrangements in Leesburg, Florida.
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