Bill Byrne

BYRNE Bill Byrne, the man most consider the godfather of women's professional basketball in the United States, and Hall of Fame innovator in sports development and administration, succumbed quietly and comfortably to esophageal cancer March 6 at his home in Columbus, Ohio. He was 70. Born William Joseph Byrne in Stoutsville, Ohio in June 14, 1936, Bill excelled in school basketball and baseball programs that carried him through his education. Bill began his illustrious career as an organizer/coach/athlete for locally sponsored slo-pitch softball and basketball teams, and tournaments, in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas back in the 1960's. He continued supporting his highly competitive teams through his own successful business ventures such as Athletic Lettering and Sporting Goods - this name became synonymous with local and regional championship teams, and competing very successfully on the national level. Bill founded National Scouting Association (NSA) and performed successfully in representing and placing athletes from the collegiate and amateur ranks to the professional level. NSA became the springboard for many of the future endeavors in Bill Byrne's sports career. Founding the very successful semi-pro Columbus Bucks team of the Midwest Football League (MFL), and being named the Commissioner for the MFL was Mr. Byrne's introduction to sports development on the national level and world stage. In 1973, real estate magnate Thomas Origer hired Bill as player personnel director to design Origer's Chicago Fire to compete in the newly established World Football League for the 1974 season. What started out as a dominating team turned injury plagued. Financial woes forced the Chicago Fire to fold the same year. However, Bill's personnel design was enough to gain the attention of John Atkins, of whom, hired Bill to bring his proficiency to Atkins' Shreveport Steamer for the 1975 WFL season. The World Football League folded in October of the same year. The WFL experience was a positive one for Bill and formulated his capability in conceptualizing and developing successful sports ventures such as the American Professional Slo-Pitch League. Mr. Byrne's proudest career moment was the realization of a dream. The formulation of what most people said could not be done. His Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) commenced play on December 9, 1978 - a true milestone for the kid from Stoutsville. Bill retired from the forefront of sports development and administration in 1980 and spent most of his time tending to his family, racing his thoroughbreds, and various business ventures. Mr. Byrne achieved great success in his career as a sports and entertainment developer, administrator, and promoter; but his greatest success was his love for family, his devotion to his wife and children, and the development of friendships and relationships that lasted throughout his life. His contributions to sports will be remembered through the Halls of Fame and memory. His contribution to family and friends will echo throughout the lives of present and generations to come. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Garnet; brothers, Homer (Marilyn), and Charles (Doris); sister, Odessa; sons, William, Hubie (Hilde), and B.J. (Tracy); daughter, Tami; six grandchildren, Michael, Taylor, Spencer, Connor, Leif, and Kyra; and a lifetime of friends. William Joseph Byrne - your fun-loving lust for life, strong conviction, and the strength and quiet dignity you showed when faced with the terminal illness that took you away from us will always be a exemplar of the man I aspire to be - thank you, Pop. O'Byrne Motto: Certavi et Vici (we strive and we win).