I knew Bill, we were friends. RIP.

Keith,

Thank you for writing this story on Bill Green. I did not know him, personally, but I do know those who did.

Chariots of fire are as rare as bright comets. Bill Green was one of them. So was Hal Davis.

keith...just read about bill green. as a cub. graduate...class of 64...it especially pains me to read of his passing. what a wonderful young man. memories of times gone by....cubberley closing in 79...

The the Green family (Mr. Green) I'm so sorry to hear the news of Bill. I meet your son/brother in the spring of 1978 at a track meet. We became track rivals who had great respect for each other. We had one of the greatest battle of my high school career in January of 1979 at the old Cow palace beteen my self,Bill and Ted White of Richmond. I attended the U of Arizona and Bill U.S.C. we would speak at differant meets thru our college days. As much as I enjoy seeing Bill from time to time I always enjoyed speaking to you also Mr. Green. God bless you all.
Raymond Threat, Pittsburg High school. Pittsburg Ca./ U of Arizona

Thanks Keith for the wonderful article. You just don't seem to have humble athletes anymore. Cubberley was a great school with some great people

I ran track at Cubberley High School, but quit due to painful shin-splints early 1979 season. I knew Bill, and his brother Rod. Bill especially had encouraging words for me---he was an amazing athlete no doubt,and we were transfixed on his abilities from the bleachers, but what I remember most, was his demeanor---just the nicest guy in the world who always gave you the time of day; that is, if he wasn't flyin' by at a high rate of speed.
I remember my conversations with Bill on the bleachers at Palo Alto High when he'd come visit in 1980, the year I graduated from Paly. He'd always have something interesting or funny to say, but was quiet and contemplative as well.
I am truly saddened by his passing, and regret not being able to chat with him after all these years, it would have been fun to catch up. My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends. -Bret Michel

That's the best photo ya got of Bill? Besides being smart, sweet, and funny, my friend was also extremely handsome.

Sarah, I don't mean to make too much of your statement, because there is no need to, for a variety of reasons. I would just say that the published picture showed Bill Green in action. Look at his explosive cut! From an athletic perspective, he is very awesome, if not exactly "handsome". Good enough for me!

Perhaps you were looking from a different perspective?

Cheers.

Keith,

Very nice article and thanks for coming to Bill's service. I remember our O.J. Conversation.

Raymond,

Thanks for the kind words about Bill. I remember you well and have a picture of you and Bill from a race here with me in Michigan.

Bret, Sarah, & Craig,

Thanks for the comments. I kind of like the picture. Bill often took a hat off before a race so his hair was a bit rough. His legacy lives on. His nephew Rod Jr. (14) ran in his first meet in a few years last week. He won the 200, 400 & 800. Bill and I never did that.

Regards,
Rod Green

I just saw his bench over at the Cubberly track. The name on the plaque brought me here. They did a nice job--it has a few flower pots on the edges and is in a cool and shady redwood grove on the western end of the track.

You can access the track from the rear parking lot at Cubberly (near the ball fields) or the entrance on the Nelson Drive side. It's a nice spot to spend a few minutes remembering and watching all the activity going on at the various fields.

Thanks. I coached bill and his brother rod and friends at cubberly in spring 1979. Bill was the most gifted and
Naturally talented athlete iI had ever seen or coached. We won the ccs that year and almost won the state meet in sacramento, with just bill and our mile relay team. I felt bill would go in to win an olympic medal in the 400. Bill was quiet, kind, humble, polite, and a true champion. He knew god had given him a great gift. I will always feel honored to have coached and known bill green. My sympathy and prayers to the green family.hmm

I used to go to all the cubberly hs track meets in spring 1979. My brother john foster had been an all american high hurdler from stanford under payton jordan and coached at cubberly. Watching bill was like watching an olympian run against hs boys. Bill would get the baton and pass sic runners in the blink of an eye. It was exciting and fun to watch him run. My sympathy to the green family. Bills life and positive deeds will not be forgotten. He will always be one of the best to come out of california and our beautiful penninsula ..sf bay.

Bill was part of a great cubberly track and field team that year..he never made himself out to be anyone bigger than any if his team members, even if he was the star. They sure had a lot of fun that championship season of 1979. What ever happened to coach ken..and all the other great coaches and athletes ? Where are they now ? I was a fan and follower of the team and a cub graduate 1973. Thanks for remembering bill. The fastest gun in the west in 1979 !!! You shoulda seen them all blaze !!! Speed city palo alto !!!

Just heard about the death of Bill at the San Jose State Track and Field reinstatement presentation. I first met Bill when I was a senior in high school and he was a freshman. He reminded me of myself when I was a freshman except bigger and stronger.

We connected because of being name-sakes and had a plessnt conversation. Despite all of his early success he prssent himself as a humble and nice person. I later ran into him a few years later when he was running for USC and I for SJSU. We both ran anchor leg on the 4 x 200 relay.

It was a pleasure meeting Bill and I think it was a great gesture for the city to put a bench and plaque honoring Bill. And to the Green family, so heartfully sorry for you loss God bless.