Baldwin Wallace Hall Of Fame Coach Dead At 79

BEREA, OH — Baldwin Wallace (BW) University Athletics Alumni Hall of Famer William Taraschke died this week, the university announced.

Taraschke was 79. He was a long-time cross country and track and field coach for the school. In his honor, the university has started the Dr. William Taraschke Fund. Taraschke is survived by his wife Dennie, son Jeff, daughters Jody, Kristie, and Kathy, and grandchildren Kaitlyn and Madison.

"The BW cross country and track and field coaching staff and team joins the rest of BW, family and friends in mourning the loss of Coach Taraschke," said Head Track and Field Coach Jordan Hill. "There are simply no words that can justly describe the impact he had on the lives of thousands of student athletes, the BW community and the sport of track and field."

A two-time Mid-American Conference discus champion at Ohio University, Taraschke grew up in Toledo and graduated from Libbey High School. He received his undergraduate degree in 1964, his master's degree at Southern Illinois University in 1966 and his Ph.D. from the University of Toledo in 1984. Taraschke also coached at the high school level in Ohio at Milan Edison (1966-69), Canton GlenOak (1969-71) and Brookside (1971-75).

Taraschke grew up in Toledo and graduated from Libbey High School. He received his undergraduate degree in 1964 and his master's degree at Southern Illinois University in 1966. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Toledo in 1984.

He was also a high school coach at Milan Edison, from 1966 to 1969, Canton GlenOak (1969-71) and Brookside (1971-75).

He was a defensive coordinator for Chadron State College, in Nebraska, from 1975 to 1983. He came to Baldwin Wallace University in 1984. When he first became a Yellow Jacket, he was an offensive backfield and kicking coach for the football program, then he took over the cross country and track and field teams.

Taraschke led the men's and women's track and field team for 31 seasons, and the Yellow Jackets men's and women's cross country teams for 24 years. He was also a professor in the Division of Health and Physical Education.

During his tenure as the track and field coach, Taraschke led 35 teams to OAC championships, including 15 consecutive women's crowns from 1988 to 2002. Sixteen of his women's outdoor teams won OAC championships, including seven straight on two separate occasions. He was named NCAA Division III Women's Track and Field National Coach of the Year in both 1997 and 2002.

In 24 seasons leading the cross country program, Taraschke led 12 women's squads to OAC titles and 12 student-athletes to OAC Runner of the Year award (nine women, three men).

"All the memories and stories that former athletes, coaches and colleagues are remembering and sharing since his passing simply provide evidence of his magnitude and prowess," said Hall of Fame distance runner Tim Budic. "The amazing thing is, not one story or memory are the same. Coach T had the incredible ability to create intimate relationships and impact with each and every one of us. Profound, unforgettable and personal. That was his heart... the look in his eyes, the simple nods of affirmation that provided us all security. You were never unsure of his genuine care for you."