University of Houston Athletics
Houston to Honor First African-American Letterwinner
1/31/2020 6:16:00 PM | Track and Field
William Ross to be honored on Saturday
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Track & Field team will honor former student-athlete William Ross at the Houston G5 & Super 22 Invitational.
"I am grateful to Coach Johnny Morris for giving me the same chance as everyone else to be a member of the UH track team. I am especially proud of Coach Burrell for exercising the leadership that he has in recognizing me during Black History Month. May God bless UH and our entire athletic department."
Ross competed for the Cougars from 1965-1968 and is the first African-American letterwinner in program history, earning letters during the 1966-68 seasons. The former student-athlete competed in multiple events for Houston including the 100-yard, 220-yard, 440-yard Relay, the Sprint Medley, Long Jump and Mile Relay.
In 1969, Ross joined the United States Army and served for five years, earning an Honorable Discharge with the rank of Captain. Ross graduated from the University of Houston with degrees in Accounting and Finance and currently works as a Certified Public Accountant.
Ross lives in the Houston area with his wife of 49 years, Rochelle Lawrence. The couple have two children, William Anthony Ross and Elizabeth Ann Ross, who are also graduates of UH.
The recognition will take place prior to the 4x400-meter relay on Saturday night at approximately 6 p.m. inside Yeoman Fieldhouse.
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 --UHCougars.com--
