CT Mourning Loss Of Cross Country, Track And Field Legend Bob Haddad

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Bob Haddad, one of the preeminent and most colorful names in Connecticut high school track and field and cross country circles for decades and for whom a major meet is named, has died.

He was 76.

Haddad died on Feb. 22, according his obituary from the Potter Funeral Home. Among his survivors are his wife of 51 years, Elaine.

Haddad was a Willimantic native who graduated from Windham High School, then went across High Street to earn bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Connecticut University and then went back across the street to serve for 37 years in the Windham School system as a well-known math teacher, coach and athletic director. In 1999, Haddad was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Haddad's passion was coaching the the cross country, and Track and Field programs for the Whippets. He established the indoor track program at WHS, along with the Windham Invitational Cross Country Meet, which has now named after him.

Haddad's WHS teams captured a trio of cross country class championships, one indoor and a half-dozen outdoor class titles and the 1977 CIAC State Open cross country title. Haddad also helped organize the state meets for several years.

The track at Windham High is now named after him.

Calling hours are scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Burial and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

See Haddad's full obituary here.