Raymond “Ray” Will – Athlete/Builder

Inducted 2014

Portugal Cove-St. Philips “Athlete/Builder” Raymond “Ray” Will made Newfoundland and Labrador his home in 1977. Originally from Erith in the United Kingdom Ray moved here with the reputation as being a great distance runner and shortly after his arrival he quickly lived up to that status. From 1978 -1982 Ray competed in the masters age group (ages 40 – 44) and was never defeated provincially. During 1978 and 1979 Ray was the top ranked Masters runner in the 1,500 meter, 3,000 meter, 5,000 meter, 10,000 meter and marathon categories in all of North America. For his outstanding achievements Ray was voted as the Newfoundland and Labrador Track and Field Association’s Athlete of the Year in 1979. In 1978, while Ray was still competing successfully, he began his transition into a volunteer coach career that spanned some thirty-five years. This role took on the responsibility of coaching at the local, provincial and national levels of competition. During this time Ray was head coach of the Memorial University Cross Country Team, coach of the Canadian Women’s Cross Country team, and coach of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games entry. These roles lead Ray to several prestigious events including the Olympic Games, the World Track and Field Championships, the Commonwealth Games and the Pan-American games. His influence on track and field in Newfoundland and Labrador was enormous as athletes coached by Ray set almost all current provincial track records between the 400-meter and 10,000-meter categories in all age groups. For his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the sport Ray was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame in 2009. Ray Will’s achievements speak to his induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.