Bill’s passing, although announced recently, occurred on January 11, 2025.
Highlights
- Bill Clinger, the pioneering coach of GVSU’s men’s track and field and cross country programs, passed away at 95.
- He was instrumental in establishing the programs and led the teams to significant achievements despite limited resources.
- Clinger’s career at GVSU spanned 12 years, during which he earned multiple accolades, including the NAIA District 23 Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year awards and the 1983 GLIAC Cross Country Coach of the Year honor.
- His legacy continues to be honored through events like the annual Bill Clinger Classic.
Bill Clinger, the pioneering coach of Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) men’s track and field and cross country programs, passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 95.
His death was announced by current head coach Jerry Baltes, who acknowledged Clinger’s foundational contributions to the university’s athletic department.
Clinger Had An Illustrious Career At GSVU For 12 Years
Clinger began his tenure at GVSU in 1968, establishing the men’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs.
Despite operating with limited facilities until 1980, he led the teams to significant achievements.
Notably, during the 1974-75 seasons, the Lakers secured the NAIA District 23 Indoor Championships.
Under his guidance, the cross country team finished as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) runner-up four times.
In 1983, Clinger’s cross country squad became the first from GVSU to qualify for the NCAA Division II championships, finishing 13th nationally.
Clinger’s dedication to the sport and his athletes earned him multiple accolades, including the NAIA District 23 Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Coach of the Year awards in 1974-75 and the 1983 GLIAC Cross Country Coach of the Year honor.
His influence extended beyond team achievements; he mentored individual talents like Bob Eubanks, who still holds school records in the 100m (10.5 seconds) and 200m (20.8 seconds) events.
Bill Is Remembered Fondly By The Numerous Lives He Made Better As A Dedicated Coach
Jerry Baltes, GVSU’s current head track and field and cross country coach, announced Clinger’s passing, reflecting on the profound impact Clinger had on the program and its athletes.
Baltes emphasized Clinger’s deep care for his student-athletes and his ability to achieve remarkable success with limited resources, laying a strong foundation for GVSU’s track and field legacy.
Following the announcement, multiple GVSU community members came forward to pay their respects and remember Clinger.
Jeff Finn, a former Track and Field Student-Athlete, wrote,
Coach Clinger inspired Lakers to strive to do their best. To look beyond where they were to where they could be. God bless this man for his many outstanding contributions to Grand Valley State students.
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Al Owens from Grand Valley State Athletics wrote,
When I reflect on Coach Clinger, I see a vivid image of him in a GVSU windbreaker and a classic White Bucket Hat on his head, with his orange VW Beetle parked nearby.
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My fondest memories at GVSU are from Track and Cross Country while being coached by Bill Clinger. Running both spring and fall for three years meant spending a lot of time together.
While specific details about Clinger’s surviving family members and their statements have not been publicly disclosed, the outpouring of support from former athletes, colleagues, and the broader community underscores the lasting impact of his life’s work.
In recognition of his contributions, Clinger was inducted into the GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.
His legacy continues to be honored through events like the annual Bill Clinger Classic, hosted by GVSU, which attracts numerous collegiate athletes and serves as a reminder of his enduring influence on the sport.
Bill Clinger’s commitment to excellence and his pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on Grand Valley State University and the broader track and field community.
Additional Information
- GSVU coach Bill Clinger is not to be confused with William Floyd Clinger Jr., an American attorney and Republican politician who represented northwest and north-central Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1997.
- The “GVSU Bill Clinger Classic” is an annual event hosted by Grand Valley State University and features various track and field competitions. The event typically takes place in January at the Kelly Family Sports Center in Allendale, Michigan.
