Al Oerter - Related Biography: Coach Bill Easton

One of the greatest track coaches at the university level, Millard E. "Bill" Easton was born September 13, 1906 in Stinesville, Indiana. He attended Indiana University where he was coached by Billy Hayes.

Easton first made his mark as a coach at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He coached the Drake track team from 1941 to 1947 and in that time the Drake cross-country team won three consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) titles—1944-46.

From Drake, Easton moved on to Kansas University, which he built into a powerhouse of track and field during the 1950s. During his 18-year tenure as track coach his teams won 39 conference championships. The cross-country team won the national title in 1953 and the outdoor team won the 1959 and 1960 national titles.

While at Kansas Easton coached thirty-two All-American athletes and four Olympians. He was also coach of the 1968 Mexican Olympic team. Easton was inducted into seven halls of fame including the U.S. Track & Field hall of Fame (1975), the National Track & Field Hall of Fame (1975), Drake relays Coaches Hall of Fame (1976). Easton died October 7, 1997.