I’ll always treasure our conversations and his wisdom.” Formative yearsīorn March 9, 1922, Douglas grew up in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood, where he showed off his remarkable athletic ability, running and playing basketball and competing in other sports at Taylor Allderdice High School.Īt just 14, Douglas met Jesse Owens, the legendary Black Olympian who won four gold medals at the 1936 Games in Berlin. Herb was a true Pitt ambassador who kept company with Presidents and world leaders. Douglas Scholarship, he helped many track and field student-athletes attain a Pitt degree, and he always encouraged them to pursue graduate studies. “Herb had an unwavering commitment to our University and athletics department. He was a friend and mentor to me for more than two decades,” said Alonzo Webb, head coach of Pitt's men's and women's track and field and cross-country teams. It is so fitting that our future indoor track will be named in Herb’s honor, ensuring his name and legacy live on to inspire future Pitt student-athletes.”ĭouglas received a standing ovation when he was inducted into the inaugural Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame class in 2018. Four years later, at a celebration for Douglas’ 100th birthday, Gallagher announced an even greater recognition: the 300-meter indoor track planned for Pitt’s future Victory Heights facility would be named for one of the Panthers’ all-time greatest athletes: Herbert P. Pitt Athletics is forever indebted to his passion and support. His incredible intellect and determination were only surpassed by his personal kindness. “On a personal note, one of the greatest blessings for me here has been getting to know Herb and listening to the stories he shared and lessons he taught me. That is certainly the case at the University of Pittsburgh, where his life and legacy are truly enduring,” said Heather Lyke, director of athletics at Pitt. Whether it was as an Olympic medalist, accomplished business executive or personal mentor, Herb impacted and was loved by so many. “Herb Douglas led a remarkable life that inspired people the world over. In 1948, Douglas graduated from the University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and placed second in the Olympic trials in the long jump.Ī few months later, he won a bronze medal in London’s 1948 Summer Olympics. I am proud to have called him my friend, and Karen and I will be keeping his family and circle of loved ones close in thought as we begin to honor his remarkable life and legacy.” Unsurprisingly, Herb left an indelible mark on this world, while leaving an incomprehensible hole in the hearts of so many. “He was both a champion himself and a champion of others, never hesitating to open doors of opportunity and help people pursue their own success. “In every role that he filled, as an aspiring athlete from Hazelwood, as a student-athlete and University trustee, and as an esteemed businessman, Olympian and community leader, Herb Douglas excelled,” Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said. Olympic medalist - and a University of Pittsburgh alumnus who served on its Board of Trustees and was later named an emeritus trustee - died Saturday, April 22, 2023.
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