ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Joel Williams, the track and field coach at UNC Asheville, died over the weekend after a battle with cancer, the school announced Monday.
Williams was in his sixth season as head track coach, and was an assistant for the Bulldogs for 13 years before that. Throughout his tenure, he coached more than 100 individuals to all-conference honors and helped lead the program to 12 appearances at the NCAA national championships.
A staple of track and field throughout western North Carolina, Williams was a successful coach at Watauga High School. The Pioneers’ girls team captured three straight state outdoors titles (1995-97) and won the 1997 indoor championship.
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“The impact that Joel made on our university extends far beyond wins, records and championships,” said UNCA Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. “He was a man of deep character who led with humility, integrity and a genuine love for his student-athletes. Joel had a rare ability to make everyone around him better, and his presence will be profoundly missed across our campus and within the track and field community.”…