PROVO -- Legendary BYU track and field coach Clarence Robison passed away Monday night in his sleep at the age of 83. The former Cougar great was responsible for raising BYU's track and field program to a level of national prominence in his many years of service to the Cougar community.
"The loss of Clarence Robison is felt not just throughout the BYU community but also the national and international track and field worlds," said BYU Director of Athletics Tom Holmoe. "We have lost one of the greats, but his presence will continue to be felt by all who knew him and all who have been or will be affected by his legacy."
Robison was the men's head coach at BYU for 40 years, from 1948 through 1988. He also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Team in 1989. 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. BYU's track and field complex was named in his honor in 2004.
Robison was active in civic and religious service for more than 50 years, including service in England and Turkey. He is survived by his wife Monita, nine children, 41 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His son, Mark, is currently the head coach of the BYU men's track and field team.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. at the Grandview South Stake Center on 1150 N. Grandview Avenue in Provo, Utah. A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Berg Mortuary located at 185 E. Center Street in Provo, Utah.