Bruce graduated from McMurry University in 1961, with a BS degree, majoring in P.E. and a composite in Social Studies and Science. He received his Masters of Education in Administration from West Texas A&M University in 1981.
His compassion to excel in sports allowed him to play basketball under the legendary coach C.E. (Nig) Womack; however, his desire to run track, provided him an opportunity to attend college on a full athletic scholarship, first at Cisco JC, then at McMurry University. He was awarded All-American honors both years at Cisco, after two successful seasons breaking several JC records and unofficially tying the world record in the 100-yard dash. He was recruited by Grant Teaff of McMurry and continued his tenure there. He won several medals in most of the major meets across the United States. While at McMurry, he unofficially broke the world record in the 100 yard dash with a time of 9.2 seconds, but not counted because of excessive wind. His dream of competing at the Rome Olympics in 1960 was shattered by a pulled hamstring at the NAIA championships just before the trials in Palo Alto, California.
Bruce coached at some small schools of his choice before moving to Dumas, a large AAAA school in the Texas Panhandle, where he and his wife stayed for 21 years. He started out as head track coach, but was elevated to Athletic Director after five years, and remained there for 12 years before taking on administrative positions just before retirement. After his retirement, he moved back to his roots in Abilene where his two children and grandchildren lived. He soon became involved in First Baptist Church of Abilene, served on the Creating Tomorrow/Heritage and Hope Committees, which were involved in the renovation of the Sanctuary, choir room, and many other projects. Bruce was a tireless worker for McMurry, serving on several committees that were responsible for new projects being built on campus. He loved serving as a track and cross country official throughout the years. In 1991, he was inducted into the McMurry Hall of Honor; and then in 2012, he was inducted into the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame. These two honors made him very proud to be selected along with the many great athletes from the Big Country.
He would like to be remembered as someone that had the desire to NEVER GIVE UP, and "CAN’T" just wasn’t in his vocabulary. His proudest moments were his ability to inspire young people to go above and beyond what they thought they were capable of achieving. He taught them Respect, Pride, Dedication, Character, and most of all Integrity. The most important thing in his life was his devotion to his family. His love for his wife Jim. His children and grandchildren were next, and he gave them every ounce that was left.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jim and his parents, Bill and Lula Wood Land of Hawley, Texas.
Bruce is survived by one daughter Donna Hartman (Roben) of Frisco; one son John Land (Sheila) of Georgetown; four grandchildren Cody Kidd (Kasie) of Abilene, Kristy Kidd Canella (Matthew) of Colorado Springs, CO, Tyler Land (Mallory) of Georgetown, and Lauren Beard (Cutler) of Abilene; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 85, Abilene, TX 79604 or the McMurry University Track Program, Box 188, McMurry Station, 79697.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.6