Bill Cornell (1980) - Saluki Hall of Fame - Southern Illinois University Athletics

Bill Cornell

Induction:
1980
Class:
1965

Bill Cornell burst onto the track and field scene as a 17 year old, as he set a world record in the mile for his age group. In 1961, Bill accepted a track scholarship from Southern Illinois University, and he and his beloved wife, Rose, moved from England to Carbondale. During his four years as a Saluki, Cornell was a three-time All-American and twice finished second at the NCAA Championships. He took second in the mile at the 1962 NCAA Outdoor Championships, and the following year, finished second in the 880-yards. He graduated from Southern in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, and went on to earn a master’s degree from SIU the following year. Cornell returned to his alma-mater in the fall of 1982, taking over as the head men’s track and field and cross country coach. That same year, the Saluki cross country team won its first of five MVC titles under Cornell. On the track, the Salukis won eight MVC titles during Cornell’s tenure, which included a stretch from 1987-92 in which Southern won at least one conference title, indoors or outdoors, each year. Cornell was recognized as the MVC Coach of the Year eight times during his 18 years at the helm of the Salukis, and in 2005, was inducted into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Hall of Fame. During his 33 years as a head coach, Cornell mentored 11 Olympians, 49 All-Americans and four NCAA Champions.