My Buckhannon News Article

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Former Western Michigan University Director of Athletics, Dr. Leland Byrd, has passed away at the age of 94. Dr. Byrd served as Athletic Director from 1984 through 1992. Nicknamed the "Hammer" by his friends, Byrd died at his West Virginia home, surrounded by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth, and other loved ones on Jan. 19, 2022.
 
During his tenure at WMU, the Broncos won multiple league championships, including the 1988 Mid-American Conference Football Championship, earning a bid to the 1988 California Bowl.
 
Western Michigan dominated the MAC in women's volleyball during the Byrd years, garnering MAC Championships in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988. Other highlights during Byrd's administrative leadership of the Broncos includes the 1985 MAC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship, the 1986 Central Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament Championship, and the 1989 MAC Baseball Championship.
 
After starting his career in coaching and athletic administration, Byrd served as the Director of Athletics at West Virginia University from 1972-1979. An All-American guard, Byrd was the first thousand-point scorer in Mountaineers men's basketball history. He earned three degrees from WVU, including his doctorate in 1967.
 
Following his tenure at WVU, he became the Executive Director of the Eastern Eight, a group that eventually became the Atlantic 10 Conference. He left the A-10 in 1984 to take over the Athletic Director position at Western Michigan, before retiring from athletic administration in 1992.