The University of Akron Athletics
Hall of Fame
Terrell, Jr., William
William Terrell, Jr.
- Induction:
- 2013
- Class:
- 1985
1978-80
Sprinter
Bill Terrell turned down an opportunity to play defensive back in football at West Virginia University to run track in his hometown at The University of Akron.
A product of the former Central-Hower High School, Terrell developed a close affinity to UA and, eventually, to Hall of Fame track coach Al Campbell.
Terrell had a hall of fame career as a sprinter. His freshman season of 1978 proved to be historical. He was one of 28 newcomers who joined 15 veterans to produce UA’s second undefeated season in its track history, going 7-0-1, marred only by a 71-all tie with Kent State. That year, Terrell turned in the fastest time of 9.7 in the 100-yard dash and teamed with three other Zips to post best times in the 440 yard and 400 meter relays.
His sophomore season proved to be his most rewarding. He not only was second on the team in scoring, but established school records with career-best times of 10.48 in the 100- meter and 21.35 in the 200-meter dashes. His 100-meter time was not broken until 1999. Better yet, he qualified for the NCAA Championships and reached the semifinals in the 200 meters, won the 100-meter dash at the Mid-Continent Conference Championship to earn All-MCC honors and ran a leg on UA’s record-breaking 400-meter relay team.
He closed out his three-year career by earning the Tommy Evans Award as the outstanding track athlete, by winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes and picking up points in three other events, at the 25-team field UA Invitational. By season’s end he had a part in UA record-breaking times in two more relays, the 800 meters and the sprint medley.
Terrell earned his MBA in human resource management.
Sprinter
Bill Terrell turned down an opportunity to play defensive back in football at West Virginia University to run track in his hometown at The University of Akron.
A product of the former Central-Hower High School, Terrell developed a close affinity to UA and, eventually, to Hall of Fame track coach Al Campbell.
Terrell had a hall of fame career as a sprinter. His freshman season of 1978 proved to be historical. He was one of 28 newcomers who joined 15 veterans to produce UA’s second undefeated season in its track history, going 7-0-1, marred only by a 71-all tie with Kent State. That year, Terrell turned in the fastest time of 9.7 in the 100-yard dash and teamed with three other Zips to post best times in the 440 yard and 400 meter relays.
His sophomore season proved to be his most rewarding. He not only was second on the team in scoring, but established school records with career-best times of 10.48 in the 100- meter and 21.35 in the 200-meter dashes. His 100-meter time was not broken until 1999. Better yet, he qualified for the NCAA Championships and reached the semifinals in the 200 meters, won the 100-meter dash at the Mid-Continent Conference Championship to earn All-MCC honors and ran a leg on UA’s record-breaking 400-meter relay team.
He closed out his three-year career by earning the Tommy Evans Award as the outstanding track athlete, by winning the 100 and 200 meter dashes and picking up points in three other events, at the 25-team field UA Invitational. By season’s end he had a part in UA record-breaking times in two more relays, the 800 meters and the sprint medley.
Terrell earned his MBA in human resource management.
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