Former OSU Coach Ralph Tate Passes Away
Courtesy: okstate.com
Release: 01/11/2008
Courtesy: okstate.com
Former OSU coach Ralph Tate (left) passed away Wednesday.
STILLWATER, Okla. – Former Oklahoma State track and field coach Ralph Tate passed away in a Sand Springs nursing home this Wednesday, Jan. 9.
A 1948 graduate of Oklahoma A&M, Tate coached the Cowboy cross country and track and field teams from 1968-82, guiding his alma mater to Big 8 championships in 1972 and 1973 and district titles in 1972, 1973 and 1975. Tate was recognized as the District V Coach of the Year in 1972 and 1973. He led the Cowboys to a fifth place finish at the NCAA Championships in 1973 following a seventh place showing in 1972. During his time as coach, he mentored 29 All-Americans.
In addition to his coaching exploits, Tate was also a star sprinter, hurdler, jumper and vaulter for the Cowboys in addition to suiting up for the A&M football team in 1942 and 1946. He set a school record when he was clocked at 14.00 in the 120 yard high hurdles at the 1946 Texas Relays.
Tate was a 2007 inductee into the Oklahoma State University Athletics Hall of Honor and was enshrined in the Drake Relays Coaches Hall of Fame in 1998.
His time as an athlete was interrupted by World War II, when he left to serve his country in 1944 before returning to Stillwater in 1946.
Services are pending with Strode Funeral Home and will be held in Stillwater. Burial will be in his home town of Tishomingo.