Died: Pat Clohessy, 93
On September 28. The Australian won the NCAA 3M in ’61 and ’62 for Houston, and in ’63 captured the AAU 3M title. As a coach he guided marathon WR holder/world champion Rob de Castella, among others.
Died: Roscoe Divine, 78
On September 17, in Eugene, Oregon; from cardiac amyloidosis. In ’66 the Oregon miler became American No 16 to break 4:00. The next year he placed 2nd to Jim Ryun in the NCAA mile. He took 5th in the ’68 Olympic Trials 1500. A 4-time U.S. Ranker, he was No. 3 in ’67.
Died: Hans Grodotzki, 90
On September 18, in Potsdam, Germany. Was silver medalist in the 5000 and 10,000 in the ’60 Olympics for East Germany. At both distances he World Ranked three times, with No. 2s in ’60.
Died: Dan Lavitt, 67
On August 23. As a hurdler at Missouri, he placed 6th in the 110s at the ’78 NCAA. He ran 4th in the ’79 NCAA Indoor and 3rd in ’80. Ranked No. 6 in the U.S. in ’80.
Died: Bill Schmidt, 78
On August 31, in Knoxville, Tennessee. As a North Texas State javelin thrower, he was the ’70 NCAA runner-up. He won the ’72 Olympic Trials while competing for the U.S. Army, and in Munich took the bronze medal. In ’78 he won the AAU title. Twice a World Ranker, he was No. 7 in ’72, 10 in ’73. He U.S. Ranked 11 times, with a No. 1 in ’72. Later headed up Gatorade’s world-wide marketing for 15 years. ◻︎
