Former LSU track coach McClure dies

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http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/19312614.html

Former LSU track coach McClure dies


Compiled from staff reports and university releases
Published: May 28, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:50 a.m.

Bill McClure, the LSU coach who instituted the highly successful women’s track team, passed away Saturday. He was 86.

His funeral was held Tuesday in Baton Rouge. He will be buried in his hometown of Abilene, Texas.

McClure, a Marine Corps World War II veteran, was head track coach at Abilene Christian, South Carolina and LSU and served as an assistant coach for the 1972 U.S. Olympic team.

McClure is a member of the Abilene Christian Hall of Fame and the United States Track Coaches’ Hall of Fame. At ACU, McClure was a four-year football letterman and team captain.

Records released by the U.S. Track and Field Federation show McClure coached 145 All-America athletes in his 47-year career. He coached athletes who held world records in the 100- and 220-yard dashes, the 440- and 880-yard relays, the mile relay and indoor pole vault. McClure coached 34 All-Americans at LSU from 1976-1981.

He retired from Samford University in 1996.

His family requested memorial donations be made to LSU, the University of South Carolina, Abilene Christian College or Samford University track and field programs.