Died: Jairus Birech, 32
On September 18, following an illness. The Kenyan steeplechaser finished 4th in the ’15 Worlds after winning silver in the ’14 Commonwealth. A 7-time World Ranker with a best of 7:58.41 (No. 12 on the all-time world list), he was No. 1 in the world in ’14 & ’15.
Died: Ming Campbell, 84
On September 26, in London. The Scottish sprinter (actual first name Menzies) ran on the British 4×1 that placed 8th in the ’68 Olympics. He later became a noted politician.
Died: Jack Daniels, 92
On September 12, in Cortland, New York. The coach and physiologist revolutionized distance running with his ’98 book Daniel’s Running Formula and worked with many Olympians in his role at Nike’s Athletics West and later. His athletes won many NCAA Div. III titles at SUNY Cortland. Runner’s World called him “The World’s Best Coach.”
Died: Mark Finucane, 68
On August 31, in Johnson City, Tennessee. An NCAA All-America in cross country, he placed 30th for East Tennessee in ’75. In ’84 he won the TAC 10K title on the road.
Died: Lew Hoyt, 82
On September 10, in Sedona, Arizona. An early 7-footer, he was the ’63 NCAA champion in the high jump for USC and tied for 5th in the ’64 Trials. A 3-time U.S. Ranker, he was No. 3 in ’63.
Died: Ken Matsuda, 90
On September 15. Former cross country and assistant track coach at USC, he also coached a number of Olympic medalists. In ’84 he was manager of track & field at the Los Angeles Olympics and in ’92 was meet director for the Olympic Trials.
Died: John Sherwood, 80
August 19, in Sheffield. Bronze medalist in the ’68 Olympic 400 hurdles for Great Britain. He also won silver the next year at the European Championships. A 4-time World Ranker, he was No. 2 in 1967. ◻︎
