Franklin High School’s former track and field coach, William “Bill” Heydt, Sr., was inducted into the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame this past Sunday for his long-time coaching, commitment and leadership.

Heydt coached the Golden Tornado football team for 22 years and the outdoor track team for 37 years, bringing home two in Class M outdoor track championships. After the outdoor team’s success, Heydt led the creation of an indoor track team.

“Hard work, commitment and sportsmanship were at the forefront of Coach Heydt’s philosophies for his athletes, and the best way to instill these values was to teach by example,” read the NHIAA’s press release. “It was not talent that made an athlete successful but rather their abilities to try their best and be committed to the process.”

The Pennsylvania native settled in New Hampshire with his family after graduating from college in Colorado. He became a physical education and health teacher for the Golden Tornadoes and became assistant principal later.

Heydt taught Franklin’s renowned current athletic director, Dan Sylvester, and coached him during his football days. According to Sylvester, Heydt was always in the weight room practicing the health and wellness he preached.

“I played football for Coach from ‘80-’82, and he was also my health and PE teacher. Also, he was the assistant principal at FHS when I started my teaching career. My respect for him goes beyond words,” he said.

His passion made him a leader, speaking at conferences and camps across New England about football and track. Although retired now, Bill Heydt still attends Franklin’s games and is remembered for his impact on athletics.

“His passion for storytelling is second to none, but it’s always about football or track and field. This is just a testament to the passion that he had, especially for Franklin High School and the community,” said Sylvester. “He was passionate but always under control and displayed great sportsmanship.”

So much so that Franklin High School awards a track and field athlete who exhibits leadership, dedication and sportsmanship the “Coach Bill Heydt Award” every year.

Alexander Rapp can be reached at arapp@cmonitor.com.