Former U of I track coach Hassard dies

 

Former U of I track coach Hassard dies

 

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Former University of Iowa women's track and field coach Jerry Hassard passed away unexpectedly at his North Kingston, R.I., home February 4, 2012. He was 61 years old.

Hassard was Iowa's head women's track and field coach from 1975-1995.He coached 50 All-Americans, 44 Big Ten champions and three NCAA champions, including 1985 NCAA 10,000-meter champion Nan Doak and 1992 and 1993 NCAA 5,000-meter champion Tracy Dahl.

Hassard was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1989.

He is survived by his loving mother, Dorothy Hassard of East Greenwich; his brother, Daniel Hassard and his wife, Regina, of East Greenwich; his brother, David, and his wife, Susan, of Ashaway; several nieces and nephews and his longtime friend and companion, Dody Burkey.