Bill RacichBy any measure, Racich's accomplishments as coach were impressive. The Bears won 11 Centennial Conference championships, including five in a row from 2003-07 to become the only school in league history to accomplish that feat. Racich coached 56 Centennial Conference champions and over two hundred Middle Atlantic and Centennial Conference placewinners. With Racich at the helm, Ursinus could claim 17 NCAA All-Americans and two CoSIDA Academic All-Americans. In addition, five Ursinus wrestlers have won the prestigious Chris Clifford Award, while six others were named Outstanding Wrestler at the conference championships.
Prior to becoming wrestling coach, Racich was a standout athlete. At West Chester University, he was a four-year varsity performer and a team captain in 1974-75. He was a four-time conference finalist and a two-time NCAA Division I qualifier. In 1974 Racich won the 118-pound Middle Atlantic Conference championship, and his West Chester team was MAC champions in 1971, 1972 and 1974.
In 1975, Racich was the East Coast Conference Champion at 126 pounds and captained the team that defeated Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, Illinois, and Indiana on a Midwest tour. In 1978 he placed fourth in the USA National Open Freestyle Championships at 136.5 pounds, helping his New York Athletic Club win United States Wrestling Federation Championships.
In addition to his wrestling accomplishments, Racich was a high-level rugby player since competing for Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in 1971, and a founding member of the West Chester University Rugby Club.
For all his accomplishments, Bill Racich is a member of the Conshohocken Sports Hall of Fame (1986), West Chester Wrestling Hall of Fame, Philadelphia-Whitemarsh Rugby Hall of Fame (1999), Plymouth-Whitemarsh Distinguished Graduates Hall of Fame, Ursinus College Hall of Fame for Athletes (2001), Southeast Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame (2003), Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2003), and the Division III National Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2003). Earlier this year, Racich was honored with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
"Bill always used to talk and joke about 'living the dream' and how great it was to coach kids," said Ursinus Director of Athletics Laura Moliken. "He'd say, 'they don't' really change; you just have to adjust how you teach the sport.'"
"Every time we spoke, he couldn't help but gush and show pictures of his granddaughter wearing dresses and bows and wondering if she might be a wrestler one day."
In announcing his sudden passing, Ursinus' statement read, "A coach for the better part of four decades, Racich brought an incredible enthusiasm for his role as a teacher and mentor, and leaves behind a legion of student-athletes who were forever changed for the better by his presence."
Respected Pennsylvania wrestling writer and historian Tom Elling told InterMat, "He was widely respected by all who knew him not only as a wrestling person but as a human being. I am so glad we inducted him (into the Pa. Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame) before this stunning and tragic death took place."
Some of Bill Racich's past wrestlers shared their memories of their coach on his Facebook page.
"Bill Racich was literally Superman," wrote Matt Cubbler. "He was in his mid-60's and looked like he was in his mid-40's. He could out run, out jump and out work every kid on his wrestling team at Ursinus College. His joy for life, his passion for traveling and his commitment to his wife, Julia and son, Cole was unmatched. He had that inner drive that most men can only dream of possessing - myself included. He was a long-time friend, mentor and client that I looked forward to seeing every single week. And now he is gone and it sucks."
"Coach, you made such a positive impact on my life as well as so many others," wrote Mark Barber. "I can't even count the number of times that I have thought to myself, 'Man, life is hard but I've been prepared for this, I really need to thank Coach Racich for knowing how to push us through the hard times while also providing the support system when necessary.' You took care of us when we were sick, weak and in need of a friend or even father figure. You were the first one to congratulate someone on accomplishments outside of the wrestling room. You taught us about priorities and what is important in life. I will forever be thankful for the years I got to spend as one of your wrestlers. Love you Coach."
Bill Racich is survived by his wife Julia (affectionately known as Jules) and son Cole.
UPDATE 9/25/2018
Funeral arrangements for Coach Racich have been announced.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fieldhouse at Ursinus College, 601 E. Main St., Collegeville, Pa. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Following the interment, a reception will be held in the Fieldhouse
.
Those attending the funeral service and burial are asked to park in the West Lot at the college. The entrance to the West Lot is located off 9th Ave., Collegeville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Wrestling Program at Ursinus College, c/o the Ursinus College Advancement Office, 601 E Main St, Collegeville, PA 19426.
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