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Family, friends and former athletes reunite to honor legendary gymnastics coach

As he stood under the glare of the spotlight momentarily struggling to fight back his tears, Col. William M. Meade brought to a close an era of accomplishment that has been unmatched in school history - the era of his father.

But there weren't many tears shed, people in black clothing or in somber reflection.

Instead, there was a much lighter air bringing the occasional burst of laughter as former athletes reflected on their fondest memories of legendary SIU gymnastics coach Bill Meade.

"He was the one person I could depend on," said former All-American gymnast Dale Hardt. "He was the one person I couldn't let down."

In 2001 Meade, his family, friends and former gymnasts gathered for a reunion on the campus where he helped usher the sport to prominence.

And on Saturday they met one last time to celebrate his life.

Organized by former Saluki All-American gymnast Herb Voss, the memorial "Celebrate the Life of Bill Meade," brought 75 people to Shryock Auditorium in honor and remembrance of the man known simply as coach.

"We're honoring a wonderful person," said Rick Tucker, an SIU gymnast from 1964 to 1967. "Someone who has changed everybody's lives."

Meade, who died Nov. 26 from complications from a lung tumor at the age of 79, coached SIU gymnastics for 34 years until the program was dropped in 1989.

Meade coached 15 individual NCAA National Champions and guided the Salukis to four NCAA Division I National Championships in 1964, 1966, 1967 and 1972.

"His reputation and his respect was worldwide," said former All-American, National Champion and Olympian Rusty Mitchell.

SIU Athletic programs have enjoyed much success, from track and field in the past to, more recently, that of softball, swimming and diving, men's basketball and football. But the most successful program in school history is gymnastics, and Meade was the driving force.

Meade's teams went seven years, from 1961 to 1968, without suffering a loss in dual meet competition, winning 68 straight meets. The streak is the longest of any SIU program and still stands today.

"The memories are really all centered around what he did with gymnastics," said his son.

"He loved it so much and he was so successful at it that my mom, my sister and myself, we were just happy being a part of supporting that because he had enough love for gymnastics that it spread to us," he said.

The program concluded with a photographic dedication to the legendary coach accompanied by his favorite song, Elvis Presley's "My Way."

"This is their time for closure," said his wife Joan. "I have had my time. They needed this because they loved him, and he loved them and I love them.

"In 2001, 196 people came back for us to have a marvelous time together and we did, and today we also had a marvelous time together."