Cincinnati Athletics Coaching Legend Bill Schnier Passes Away

Rest in peace.

The Cincinnati Bearcats student section cheers on the team as a flag with the C-paw and Big 12 Conference logos is waved after a touchdown in the second quarter during a college football game between the Baylor Bears and the Cincinnati Bearcats, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. | Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

CINCINNATI —  The Bearcats lost a legend this weekend.

Former Cincinnati track and field and cross country head coach Bill Schnier died at 80 years old this week.

He led the team for 33 seasons from 1980 to 2013 and was inducted into the James P. Kelly Hall of Fame in 2012. The stalwart notched conference coach of the year honors 15 times and was twice selected as Ohio Cross Country Coach of the Year. 

Schnier oversaw 136 individual conference champions, 25 NCAA national championship meet qualifiers, 10 All-Americans, and two Olympic medalists. 

“Coach Schnier was a foundational figure in the history of Cincinnati Athletics,” Director of Athletics John Cunningham said in a press release. “Over his 33 years leading our track and field and cross country programs, he shaped the lives of hundreds of student-athletes and built a championship culture. His impact went well beyond the track—he helped establish our women’s program, mentored Olympians and All-Americans, and represented UC with class every step of the way. We are deeply saddened by his passing and forever grateful for his remarkable legacy. Our thoughts are with his wife, Kathy, and the Schnier family.”

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, three children, and their spouses after an illustrious career leading the program.

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