July 19, 2007

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Jack Pyrah, 88, the longtime Villanova University coach who served as Jumbo Elliott's right-hand man and continued to hold the title of "assistant emeritus," passed away Thursday, July 19, 2007. Throughout his career, Pyrah carved a name for himself in the Track and Field and Cross Country realm, especially in the Villanova community.

In December of 2006, Pyrah earned the most prestigious honor of being named a member of the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. His induction class consisted of 11 other honorees from across the nation.

Pyrah's reign at Villanova dates back to 1966 when Elliot approached him on a flight to an indoor track meet in Cleveland. Elliot asked Pyrah if he would be interested in a job, as he needed someone to run the cross country program and assist with track and field in the spring.

The Wildcats won three straight NCAA Division I cross-country titles in 1966, 1967 and 1968. Pyrah coached the Wildcats to another national championship in 1970 and guided Villanova to eight IC4A cross country titles, including six straight beginning in 1966.

Pyrah's cross country team achieved an unprecedented "triple crown" in 1968 when it won the IC4A, AAU and NCAA championships.

Over the course of his career, Pyrah worked with such Villanova greats as Marty Liquori, Eamonn Coughlan, Sydney Maree and current Villanova coach Marcus O'Sullivan.

Though he retired from coaching in 1991, Pyrah, continued to attend Villanova meets. An indoor track meet at Villanova is named in his honor and he attended the Penn Relays each year since 1933.

"Jack was a great example to the athletes on the Villanova team," O'Sullivan said. "He was a huge inspiration to me as both a runner and a coach. His loyalty and dedication to Villanova was unmatched. Jack had a huge impact on so many Villanovans throughout the years and we will truly miss not having Jack's presence around the Villanova track & field program."

Pyrah served as the interim head track and field coach in 1981 following Elliott's death that March. Pyrah guided Villanova to four victories at the Penn Relays and a Big East Conference championship before returning to his familiar assistant's role at the end of the season.

Pyrah's coaching career began with Philadelphia's Shanahan Catholic Club in 1942. Pyrah was the track and field chairman of the Mid-Atlantic AAU when Elliott hired him at Villanova.

Funeral arrangements are pending.