University of Guelph Athletics

For over 40 years, Bill Clausen played an integral role in the Department of Athletics at the University of Guelph, announcing his retirement in 2017, leaving behind a lasting impact across campus. After coming to Guelph in the early 1970's, Bill joined the Department of Athletics where he would go on to hold a wide variety of roles, ranging from the management of the intramural office to serving as an assistant coach on numerous varsity and club teams to facilities manager of one of the most rapidly growing campuses in Canada. Bill's tireless work ethic made him a vital member of not only U of G's Department of Athletics, but also a dependable contact for event managers and facilities supervisors across the province. It was not uncommon for Bill to, after a full day of work in Guelph, travel to McMaster, Toronto, Waterloo, Windsor or Queen's to help assist his fellow OUA colleagues in running special events on their respective campuses. Under Bill's watch as facilities manager, the University of Guelph experienced significant growth in facilities that few institutions in Canada can relate to. The list of projects that Bill oversaw since taking over as the Department's facilities manager in the 1990's include: two new fieldhouses/domes, a twin-pad arena, outdoor soccer fields, beach volleyball courts, a lengthy list of developments to the Gryphons football stadium and a $45 million state-of-the-art athletics centre. Aside from overseeing daily on-site operations, one of Bill's greatest attributes was his ability to mentor student employees and facilities managers throughout the province. Bill sat on numerous industry-leading boards, including organizations such as Sports Turf Canada and the Ontario Rec Facilities Association.