Wilfred "Bill" K. Schnier

Wilfred “Bill” Schnier, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, and mentor, passed away on July 19 at the age of 80 from injuries sustained in an accidental fall.

He is survived by Kathryn, his wife of 49 years; his children Lorraine (Ben) Effler, Ellen (Bryan) Daniel, and Keller (Jessica) Schnier; and his beloved grandchildren: Erich, Baron, and Ruden Effler; Emerson and Eloise Daniel; and Harrison, Nora, and Rory Schnier. He was preceded in death by his brothers David and Greg Schnier.

Known to many as Billy, Bill, Coach, Dad, or Grandpa Wilf, he was a man of deep faith and service to others and left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Bill’s kindness, generosity, and ability to connect with people reached across Cincinnati, the country, and the globe.

Bill was a proud graduate of Wilbur Wright High School (and Orville Wright Middle School) in Dayton and Capital University in Columbus. At Capital, he excelled as a student-athlete, setting the school record in the 800-meter run in 1966 with a time of 1:54.14—a record that stood until 2013 and remains the second-fastest in school history. He was also part of the record-setting 4x800-meter relay, a mark that still stands today. He later earned master’s degrees from Wright State University and Indiana University and, in 1987, a doctorate in human performance from Indiana.

That same drive and passion shaped his legendary coaching career. Bill led the University of Cincinnati cross country and track and field teams for 33 years, from 1980 to 2013, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches of any sport in UC history.

He coached 136 individual conference champions, 25 NCAA national championship qualifiers, 10 All-Americans, and two Olympic medalists. He collected 15 conference coach of the year honors, was twice named Ohio Cross Country Coach of the Year, and was recognized as the Conference USA Coach of the Decade in both cross country and track and field. His teams won 12 conference titles, and 47 school records were set during his tenure.

Among the many outstanding athletes he coached were NBC Olympic track and field analyst Lewis Johnson, 2008 Olympic gold medalist Mary Wineberg (4x400 relay), and Olympic silver medalist David Payne (110 hurdles). He coached distance star Eric Finan, who was named the BIG EAST Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2012. Bill was instrumental in launching the UC women’s track and field and cross country programs. After retiring from UC, he served as head coach of the Philippines national track and field team.

Bill’s extraordinary career earned him induction into five Halls of Fame: the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Hall of Fame, Capital University’s Athletic Hall of Fame, the Greater Cincinnati Running Hall of Fame, the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Trotwood Madison High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Even after his retirement, Bill never stopped mentoring athletes or serving his community. He volunteered as an assistant track and cross country coach at LaSalle, Walnut Hills, and Aiken High Schools. A dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he was a founding member of the Feed Your Neighbor food ministry and often transported fellow members to church and other appointments. He volunteered at his grandchildren’s schools, working with students in reading and math.

It is no coincidence that Bill’s retirement came just one year after his first grandchild was born. He was a devoted grandfather who rarely missed a game, performance, or recital, and he delighted in taking his grandchildren on new adventures.

Bill loved traveling the world (and every nook and cranny of Ohio) and connecting with people from all walks of life. His kind and generous spirit will be remembered for many years to come.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1553 Kinney Ave., Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Visitation will be Friday, August 8, from 4–8 p.m., and Saturday, August 9, from 9–10 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Bill Schnier Track and Field Scholarship at The University of Cincinnati Foundation, P.O. Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219, or to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Trinity Lutheran Church Operating Fund - https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZDJF/campaign/C-11BGR