PROVO -- Brigham Young University has announced it will name the track and field complex in honor of former BYU track and field head coach Clarence Robison during the annual Robison Invitational on April 24, 2004.
To kick off the celebration, BYU will host a reception in his honor with friends, family and former student athletes on Friday evening, April 23, 2004.
"Clarence Robison is a giant among coaches and among men," men's athletics director Val Hale said. "He put BYU's track & field program on the map. In addition to being a legendary coach, he has directed much of his life to the Church, serving as a regional representative, mission president and missionary. It is fitting that the track complex now bear his name."
Saturday, April 24, current men's head coach, and Robison's son, Mark, will conduct an unveiling ceremony at the outdoor track complex beginning at noon. BYU President Cecil O. Samuelson is also expected to be in attendance.
"With all that this man has done for BYU track & field, he deserves every recognition possible," Mark Robison said.
Robison was the men's head coach at BYU for 40 years, from 1948 through 1988. As an athlete, he was a member of the 1948 Olympic team and held school records in the mile and two-mile run.
His BYU teams won 24 conference championships - eight in the Skyline Conference and 16 in the Western Athletic Conference - and tied for the NCAA National Championship in 1970. He coached more than 100 All-Americans, including more than 20 national champions and 26 Olympians.
Robison is a member of the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, the BYU Hall of Fame and the United States Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame.
Robison has been active in civic and religious service for more than 50 years, including service in England and Turkey. He and his wife Monita have nine children and 41 grandchildren.
All former BYU track and field athletes are invited to attend both the reception and ceremony. Please contact the men's track and field office at (801) 422-3830 for additional information.
Coach Robison will also be honored during pre-game ceremonies on Monday, Feb. 23 prior to the BYU vs. Air Force men's basketball game at the Marriott Center.