IATC | IATO Inductee 2023
His coaching accomplishments are impressive enough to stand alone when it comes to handing out awards. His dedication, support and service to track and field and cross country are equally worthy.
After graduating from Cedar Rapids Jefferson in 1968, Bill moved on to Upper Iowa University and earned degrees in American History and Physical Education.
His next stop was Williamsburg, and albeit retired, he is still there. In his 35 years as a teacher and coach, as well as 25 years as the Athletic Director, at Williamsburg High School, Bill Neal showed that he could lead young men and women to success in athletics and in life. Bill showed in his career at Williamsburg and beyond, that he is not afraid to step up and do what he can to make our sports better and to turn the experiences of young athletes, into lifelong memories. Bill Neal was a successful coach, and not just in track and field and cross country as most might think.
He coached girl’s golf for 4 years and had one state qualifier and in 14 years of coaching boys’ basketball his squads compiled a record of 166-86. Bill coached boys cross country for 8 years and had 6 state qualifying teams. In his 25 years as a boys or girls track coach 18 of his teams won conference titles; with the girls winning 10 in a row. Seven times his teams finished in the top 6 at the state meet and his girls 4×800 teams won gold in an unbelievable 7 state meets in a row. After Bill retired in 2003, the Raiders won again in 2004 and 2005, just for good measure. Over his career, Bill Neal led Williamsburg athletes won 112 conference championships and medals at 95 state meets.
Bill has received numerous awards over the years, a direct reflection of his coaching prowess. He has been a Drake Relays referee, IATC girl’s track and field coach of the year, IATC senior all star meet coach, 5 time track and field regional coach of the year, 3 time regional cross country coach of the year, and 8 time conference coach of the year. Some would argue that Bill has become more involved in our sports since retiring. He is in his 18th year as IATC treasurer. Bill has worked many meets as a highly respected track official and starter. He is currently co-head coordinator for combined events at the Drake Relays. He has worked several Division 1 and Division 3 national cross country and track and field meets, and he has been the starter for D-3 regional and national cross country meets.
It takes people like Bill Neal to keep our organization successful. Bill has tremendous experience as a coach and administrator but he is willing to learn new things, take on new roles and do whatever is needed to keep our sports moving forward and making lifelong memories for kids. Bill is joined here today by his two daughters, Amy Kay and husband Ryan from Cedar Rapids and Beth Keaney and husband Zach from Cedar Falls. These 2 young ladies ran on 5 of the 9 state champion 4×8 teams at Williamsburg. Bill would like you to believe that his coaching had little to do with their accomplishments, but I would guess they would beg to differ.