Jan. 10, 2011

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham Athletics community lost a decorated former athlete and coach on Saturday with the passing former track athlete and coach, Thomas J. Byrne, FCRH '64. He was 68 years old.

A graduate of Fordham Prep and Fordham University, Byrne was a standout track athlete in the early 1960s. He set the school record for the 220-yard low hurdles at 24.2 seconds, and was a part of four school record relay teams, which included the 440-yard relay (1962 - 42.2), the indoor mile relay (1962 - 3:18.8), the sprint medley relay (1962 - 3:22.6), and the distance medley relay (1963 - 9:55.4). He won the 1962 Junior Metropolitan Championship in the 220-yard hurdles, and was a two-time champion with the mile relay team at the Millrose Games in 1962 and 1964.

Byrne returned to his alma mater as assistant coach for cross country and track for Artie O'Connor, and later succeeded O'Connor as head coach in 1970. Over his coaching tenure, Fordham had 10 NCAA All-Americans, led by Marcel Phillippe in the early 1970s. Phillipe would become an IC4A Champion in the mile run, and an individual champion in the 880 yards at the Millrose Games. Of those who ran and were recruited by Byrne, nine are members of the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame.

Byrne also coached the 2-Mile Relay to an NCAA event title in 1973, while the 1975 2-Mile Relay team also earned NCAA All-American honors.

Fordham also qualified twice for the NCAA Cross Country Championship under Byrne in 1974 and 1976.

Details on services for Byrne can be found at the McGrath & Son Funeral Home, by clicking here