Since the inception of Wayland Baptist University’s track and field program in 1964, one man has been involved as athlete, coach, administrator, and loyal supporter. It is therefore fitting that Dr. Bill Hardage become the first track and field athlete inducted into Wayland’s Athletics Hall of Honor.
            When J. Vernon Hilliard founded the track program at Wayland in 1963-64, his first recruit was Lazbuddie native Bill Hardage, who had run rack and played football the year become at Hardin-Simmons in Abilene. Hardage transferred to Wayland after Hardin-Simmons dropped its football program and used his talent and work ethic to set school records in the broad jump, 220, 440, and as a relay team member. Following graduation from Wayland in 1965, Hardage would later coach Wayland’s track team for more than 11 years, with leaves of absence to complete a master’s degree at Texas Tech and doctorate at East Texas State.
            Since leaving the athletic department, Hardage has been in progressively responsible administrative positions at Wayland, serving as a strong advocate for track and the entire athletic program. His leadership and dedication have been vital ingredients in the success of all of the university’s athletic teams. At the time of his induction in 1992 Hardage was vice president for administration and external programs at WBU.