We are extremely saddened to share that long time supporter of Shocker Track Club, Wichita State University Track & Field, and masters track and field, Bill Butterworth, passed away peacefully at home on August 20, 2021. Bill, as he insisted on being addressed, was the namesake of our annual Indoor Meet held at Wichita State’s Heskett Center.
Larry Staton described Bill like this – “What a guy! A true gentleman in every way. Very gracious. One of the most encouraging individuals I have known. We made many road trips to track meets together. He had stories that filled in the gaps on every trip. I recall his response when he was told that we were going to name the indoor after him. He received that news so humbly but was hesitant in doing so as he thought others more deserving. He was an accomplished Masters athlete at the National level. I know he was on a 4×100 that set a National record at one time and he may have a Standing Long Jump record. Bill never talked about his records. But, he did show me over 1,000 medals that he had won. Most, if not all, were Gold. He competed in Hurdles, 100 and 400 Meters when he was younger but injured a quad muscle that took him out of those events and High Jump. He continued with Discus, Shot Put, Hammer and Standing Long Jump. I am sure that many of you have stories about Bill. I know you will miss him.”
Bill will most definitely be missed and cannot be replaced!