Bill “Kaner” Kane Holyoke High School Cross-Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track Coach Born and raised in the Elmwood section of Holyoke, Bill “Kaner” Kane returned to his roots in 1974 as a science teacher and ski team coach at Holyoke High School. He soon began coaching cross-country and track with his beloved wife Eileen. Some thirty years later, Bill was inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 2007. Upon receiving this prestigious award, he humbly said “I’ve tried to teach them a little bit about this sport and an awful lot about society’s loftiest ideals, like brotherhood and sportsmanship and perseverance. It has been about celebrating the unbridled thrill of life’s victories and getting through the crushing pain of life’s defeats – about winning with humility and losing with dignity.” Bill has not let personal challenges cause him to lose sight of his professional mantra to “Do your best” as he leads by example. Instrumental in building both the indoor and outdoor track programs at Holyoke High, he contributed his talents to the design process for the Rogers Field Sports Complex. The 22-acre stadium complex seats 3000 and includes an eight-lane NCAA track, venue for other field events, tennis courts, an outdoor volleyball court, handball court, two full-sized basketball courts, a press box, ticket booths, field house and concession stand. Bill’s talents and integrity have brought him international acclaim as well. He has officiated at two Olympic trials, NCAA championships, the Goodwill Games and the Atlanta Olympic Games. Bill also received state-wide recognition in 2005 and again in 2014 when he received the respected Joao Rodrigues Distinguished Service Award from the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association for his outstanding service to schools.
Inducted: 2007