We have learned of the passing of Bill Tidwell.
He was one of the all-time great track and field athletes at Emporia State.
He was a 4 time NAIA National Champion in the 880 and mile. Winning both events in 1956 and 1957.
He also held the national record in the 880.
His NAIA 1,500 meter record set in 1956 stood for twelve years until it was broken by fellow Emporia State Hornet, John Camien.
Following his collegiate career, Tidwell became a teacher, coach, and administrator.
He was named the Physical Education Department Chair at Oberlin College in Ohio in 1959 before returning to Emporia State as Chairman of the Physical Education Department and as the Athletic Director in 1971.
He was a charter member of the Emporia State Hall of Honor, he was also inducted into the NAIA Track and Field Hall of Fame, Drake Relays Hall of Fame, and the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
