June 18, 2012

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Fighting Illini men's track and field legend George Kerr passed away on June 15, in the West Indies at the age of 75. Kerr was one of the most decorate collegiate track and field athletes of all time, winning two individual back-to-back NCAA Championships in 1959 and 1960 and competing in three Olympic Games.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Illini great George Kerr," head coach Mike Turk said. "Our prayers and condolences go out to the Kerr family."

Kerr also won seven Big Ten titles, three in the 800m, two in the 400m and two in the 4x400m relay. In addition, two of Kerr's times still rank among Illinois' top-10 career lists including his 400m time of 45.98 and his 800m mark of 1:46.40, both set in 1960.

Post collegiately, he competed in the 1960 Olympics where the former Illini won a bronze medal for the West Indies team in the 800m and was a member of the men's 4x400m relay team. Kerr was also the first athlete to have the Jamaican flag hoisted for a gold medal when he won the 400m and 800m at the Central America and Caribbean Games held at the National Stadium in 1962.

He is survived by his wife, Fay, five children and seven grandchildren.