Clyde Hart, a former track and field coach, passed away at the age of 91 on November 1, 2025, after a year-long battle with cancer.
He was married to Maxine Hart for 69 years, and they had two children, Greg and Scott.
Clyde Hart was a track and field coach at Baylor University and retired after 42 years on June 14, 2005. He led Baylor men to 20 indoor and outdoor NCAA 4×400 relay titles.
He was named head coach for the U.S. men at the 1985 Pan American Junior Championships and served as president of the Collegiate Coaches Association from 1989 to 1991.
He was the only coach who instructed Michael Johnson, the gold medal winner at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. Likewise, he coached Jeremy Wariner and Darold Williamson to gold medals in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
USATF named him Nike Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2006, and he was honored with the USATF Legend Coach Award in 2017.
Many of you know that Coach Hart has been battling cancer for the last year. Well, as my Mom put it, Heaven just got richer, because Coach has gone to be with the Savior.
Brice Cherry
Clyde Hart’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
Clyde Hart, the son of Thomas Clyde and Emma Lee Hart, was born on February 3, 1934, in Eudora, Arkansas.
He was a revered figure in the world of track and field and a devoted family man who passed away after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
Hart’s life was one of profound dedication, both on the track and at home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Dr. Maxine Barton Hart, professor emeritus of Information Systems at Baylor University.
They met at Baylor University in 1954, and after graduation, they married on August 25, 1956, at First Baptist Church in Gladewater, Texas.
Maxine was his steadfast partner and a source of unwavering support throughout the coach’s life and career. They had two sons, Greg Patterson Hart and Scott Barton Hart.
Hart’s legacy continues through his family, including his grandsons, Ryan Walter Hart and wife, Taylor; Mason Clyde Hart and wife, Nicole; his granddaughter, Kennedy Ann Razo, and her husband, Nathan; and his great-grandson, Thorne Hart.
Similarly, he shared a close bond with his brother, James B. Hart, and his wife, Carolyn; his sister-in-law, Ann Barton Jones; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Gerald Cobb.
Coach, thank you for all you did for Baylor Track, Baylor University, for me and for all the athletes you gave an opportunity to. My thoughts and prayers go out to Maxine and your family. Rest In Peace Coach, you will be missed!
Brand Baker
Hart will be remembered for his incredible coaching achievements and the lasting impact he had on the lives of his athletes, colleagues, and, most importantly, his family.
The Hart family will soon announce the memorial service to celebrate the life of the coach.
Rest In Peace, Clyde Hart.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Clyde Hart was a state champion sprinter at Hot Springs High School and graduated from Baylor University in 1956.
- He had worked for an oil company in Wink, Texas, before coaching at Little Rock Central High School.
- He had received the W.R. White Award and the Herbert Reynolds Service Award.
