Legendary Coach Bill Squires Passes At 89

 

 

 

The passing of Bill Squires wasn’t unexpected given his failing health, but nonetheless registers as a body blow to the running community at large. Fun loving, eccentric, passionate about the sport, Squires pre-dates the Kenyan running camps whose survivors would devastate the US running scene. Many US post-collegiate groups would sprout following the Kenyan explosion, but what was possible decades earlier was on display with what “Coach” did with the Greater Boston TC.

 

 

 

 

Six individual Boston Marathon winners. Five individual NYC Marathon winners. The 1979 US XC Champions.

 

 

Off keen insight translated in an unusual vernacular of “sturdleys” “guppies” “wackos”, off scribbled individual workouts on napkins at the Eliot Lounge, the methods were unorthodox but the results speak for themselves.

 

 

From the BAA release:

 

 

“The Boston Athletic Association mourns the passing of the legendary coach and athlete Bill Squires, who died today, Thursday, June 30. This is an immense loss for our running community. Bill was a cornerstone of the Boston running community and will be forever remembered for his passion and dedication to our sport. His spirit will live on within each of us who had the opportunity to benefit from his wisdom and guidance. His greatest gift was bringing together and inspiring athletes and teams to strive for excellence in a way that few coaches could. From his time with the B.A.A. to the Greater Boston Track Club and beyond, Coach Squires leaves a legacy that brought our sport to new heights and recognition. To his family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you.”