COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The Maryland Track & Field Community mourns the passing of former Terrapins Head Coach Stan Pitts, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 82.

Pitts first served at the University of Maryland as an assistant coach and was later the head coach for seven seasons from 1981-1987.

"Stan was not only a great coach but a great friend," said former Maryland Head Coach Frank Costello. " I was fortunate enough to have Stan as my Assistant Coach while at Maryland when things got tough, I could always count on Stan to come through. He will be missed by all the athletes he trained and his friends."
 
In his first year as Head Coach for the Terrapins in 1981, Pitts led the men's outdoor track team to a first-place finish at the ACC Outdoor Championships. After his time as a coach at the University, Pitts settled in Clarksville, Va. where he remained an active community member serving as both a real estate agent and President of the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce. 

Prior to his tenure as head coach, Pitts held a Master's degree in Education and taught Physical Education at the University of Maryland for 20 years. 

"Coach was tireless and had a big heart. And he was one of the most honest men I've ever met," said former team captain Dave Ungrady '80. "His legacy was his strong ability to manage and care for people, with their best interests in mind. 
 
Pitts (1938-2020) is survived by his wife, Janice, two sons, two daughters and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Additional Quotes
"Stan cared about the development of all his student-athletes. He kept consistent standards for his team and treated everyone favorably."
 
"Whether an athlete was a walk-on or on scholarship, Stan rewarded his athletes unconditionally. He had the best interest for his student-athletes and was widely known for recruiting locally."
 
-Former Assistant Coach John Gretz