Former Track Coach Jerry Hassard Passes Away

Former Bryant University track coach, Jerry Hassard, passed away unexpectedly in his North Kingston, R.I. home on February 11 at the age of 61.

As an athlete, Hassard was the 600-meter high school state champion indoors and the 800-meter champion outdoors in 1968. At the University of Rhode Island, he was the IC4A champion in the 600.

He began his coaching career in the 1970s as head coach for the St. Xavier Academy girls track team and led them to two undefeated seasons. He also coached at East Greenwich High and founded the R.I. Women's Track Club.

From 1975 to 1995, Hassard was the head coach of the University of Iowa's women's track and field team. He coached 50 All-Americans, 44 Big Ten champions and three NCAA champions over the course of his two decades and was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1989.

In 1983 and 1984, he was the middle-distance coordinator for the U.S. Olympic Development Team.