When Coach Willie H. Hill was hired as the track and field coach, in 1989, the Director of Athletics, at the time, Arthur J. McAfee, remarked,
“I’m confident that Mr. Hill will do an outstanding job with the Morehouse Track Program.”
McAfee’s optimism was not imagined, as the intrepid Hill went on to resurrect Cross Country as a varsity sport in 1990 and immediately challenge the SIAC’s established programs. It has been in track and field, however, that Hill’s Flying Tiger teams have received national acclaim. The "thinclads" have entered the national spotlight, as runners and jumpers, and have captured championships and received All-America honors.
Hill, a native of Pelham, South Carolina, was a standout in basketball, football and track, as a high school athlete. Upon graduation, he entered Ohio’s Central State University, where he quickly made a name for himself on both the gridiron and the cinders [track].
He was known as Will “The Thrill” Hill, for his exploits as an NAIA All-America running back and nationally-ranked sprinter on the school’s track team. His sprint performances resulted in his earning All-America honors for three years.
After a brief stint with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, Hill returned to his alma mater in 1974 and began his coaching career. He served as an assistant with the women’s track team for two years. He was handed the reins of both the women’s and men’s team 1976. He also found the time to serve as defensive backfield coach for the Central State football team, for three seasons.
Coach Hill has been at Morehouse since 1979 when he joined the football coaching staff. He served as the defensive coordinator of Maroon Tiger gridiron squads for 11 seasons, before assuming his duties with the Track and Field Program.
Hill also served as a dormitory counselor, and through the years, became a father figure and mentor, not only to his athletes, but to scores of Morehouse students of every description.
Despite having coached championship teams, countless All-America performers, individual conference and national championships, and being tapped seven times as SIAC Coach of the Year, Hill remains a humble and humane individual. He attributes his successes to study, discipline, and hard work.
Commenting after winning the SIAC Outdoor Championship in 1996, Coach Hill said,
“My satisfaction comes not so much from what I have done, but what the team has done.” He continued. “It’s all a matter of being knowledgeable about the meet’s events, not underestimating opponents, and having the ability to work with young people to be the best that they can be.”
Coach Hill is married to the former Claudia Freeman of Clark’s Hill, South Carolina. The Hills are the proud parents of four children: Maurice, Tarika, LaPaul, and Takira. A close-knit and supportive family, the Hill clan can often be seen working together at many of coach’s track meets.
