William J. "Coach" Squires, Sr.

Coach Squires recruited Bruce Lehane, Tommy Dempsey, Mike Burkes and several others to attend and run at Boston State. I didn't have the money for car fare and had other offers to attend college closer to home. I regret that decision. For a time, I would see Bill at various meets around the City. He was always encouraging and I needed that encouragement. What Jack MacDonald, Bill and the members of the GBTC did as a group as a team lifted me in some real bad times. What I had hoped for...

I first met Coach Squires in 1958 at a 10 mile road race in Providence, RI. We became friends and a few years later he suggested that I enroll at Boston State College where I organized a running club. The college athletic director asked if I knew a good track coach and I suggested the experienced , successful running coach Billy Squires.

Extending sympathy and sincere condolences to Coach's family. Coach connected on a one-to-one basis, and he got his message through while never trying to control or take credit. His satisfaction came the progress he made through back-and-forth conversations, the repetition of ideas while sometimes/often (?) needing to come at "it" from different angles, thinking on one's own, and -- most of all -- instilling the self-confidence that can only come from within. He was not only a player's coach,...

Coach always had geat advice to give, we are all very fortunate to have learned from him both on and off the track.

It was sad to hear the news about the passing of a wonderful person in our lives. We both ran for Coach, first at different points in our lives and later at the same time. He had a great sense of humor, sometimes indecipherable instructions (for which our Sisu team frequently relied on Gerry to translate), and an incredible knack for getting a great performance out of you with workouts that didn't seem that difficult. He left you wanting more. Our condolences to the family. Thank you...

While having a beer with Coach Squires back in the day at the Eliot Lounge, I was " griping" that I did not choose my parents better so that I would be able to run faster! Coach Squires acknowledged my lament. Then he suggested I show up the next evening at the BC track to observe his top runners, his "horses", do a "ladder" session. Their workout was astounding! Coach Squires was the very best!

I met Billy at age 17 my first year at Boston State. I continued to be friends with him as a coach and a mentor through the Greater Boston Track Club. We remained in contact by phone when I moved to North Carolina. His inspiration inspired me to coach at Dedham High School for 30 years. I will miss him. My deepest sympathies to his family.

There is so much about Coach that I will miss - his sense of humor, caring, appreciation of life, benevolence, thoughtfulness. He enjoyed helping people to no end and loved the sport of running and all it offered. His legacy will continue in those whose lives he touched. Forever. Thank you, Coach. Paul Clerici