Beloved Greenwich High School Track Coach, Mentor Dies: Principal

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich High School principal Ralph Mayo announced this week Bill Mongovan, a beloved track coach and member of the school's "athletics family," has died.

In a letter to families Tuesday, GHS principal Ralph Mayo said Mongovan was a member of the school's athletic department for many years and had coached track and cross country teams for over 50 years. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"Needless to say," Mayo said in the letter, "Bill has had a positive and lasting impact on many of our student athletes."

According to Mayo, Mongovan was a "Hall of Fame coach" who has been recognized for his work on the national stage.

"We at Greenwich High School were fortunate to have him with us for so many years," Mayo said, "as a coach, mentor and friend."

According to Gus Lindine, the high school's director of athletics, Mongovan coached cross country, indoor track and track and field in Greenwich for 55 years, both at Greenwich High School and at St. Mary's of Greenwich high school prior to its closure.

"Coach Mongovan has been a positive influence for so many of our student-athletes," Lindine said. "He was one of the kindest and friendliest people you could ever meet. He genuinely cared about our kids, was always supportive of our coaches and loved being a Greenwich Cardinal."

Greenwich High offered counseling through each house team Tuesday and access to remote support Wednesday.

Students are also encouraged to contact 211 or the Den at 203-655-4693 for additional support during the holiday break should they need it. Details on services for Mongovan will be shared when they become available, Mayo said.