COLUMBUS, Ohio – The track and field and cross country world has lost a legendary coach in the form of Wilfred K. "Bill" Schnier who passed away recently at the age of 80 years old. Coach Schnier notably spent 33 years coaching at the University of Cincinnati after a standout running career at Capital University. 

Schnier is a 1966 Capital graduate and remains a prominent figure in the Capital track and field record books primarily in the 800-meter run and the 4x800-meter relay. During his time in the Purple and White, Schnier set the school record in the 800-meter run in 1966 with a time of 1:54.14 That record stood strong until 2013 and remains the second fastest 800-meter run in school history. Additionally, Schnier was a part of the record-setting 4x800-meter relay that ran a time of 7:51.04. That record still stands today. 

In addition to his time running on the track, Schnier played two years of baseball for Capital University. His efforts on the track for Capital earned him induction into the Capital University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. 
After his own collegiate career at Capital, Schnier went on to begin his coaching career and to earn masters degrees from Wright State University and Indiana University in 1977. Additionally, he earned a doctorate in human performance from Indiana in 1987. 

As a coach, Schnier notably led the University of Cincinnati's track and field and cross country program from 1980 until 2013 where he coached 136 conference champions, 25 national qualifiers, 10 All-Americans, and two Olympic medalists. He was named conference coach of the year 15 times and was twice named Ohio Cross Country Coach of the Year among many other distinct accomplishments. 

Just one year after his induction to the Capital hall of fame, Schnier was inducted into the Cincinnati James P. Kelly Hall of Fame in 2012. 

Coach Schnier is survived by his wife Kathy, three children and their spouses, and eight grandchildren.