AGGIE LEGEND BILLY PICKARD DIES

  

A legendary name in Aggie football history has died.

Billy Pickard with former President George Bush.
Billy Pickard with former President George Bush. (KBTX-TV3)

Billy Pickard died early Monday morning at the age of 81 after suffering a stroke.

Pickard’s affiliation with Texas A&M began in the fall of 1952 as a freshman in the Corps of Cadets, then later became a student football trainer under coach “Bear” Bryant.

Pickard served as the athletic trainer at Port Arthur, Nederland and Brazosport High Schools.

Pickard was hired as head athletic trainer at A&M in 1965 by then athletic director and head football coach Gene Stallings. He went on to work for 10 A&M football coaches in all. And although he retired in 2009, Pickard remained a regular at the football complex and attended last Thursday’s practice.

Last fall marked Pickard’s 50th Aggie football two-a-days, and every Friday before home games Aggie head coach Kevin Sumlin had Pickard address the squad.

In 2004, the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association named Pickard to the organization’s Hall of Honor. He was honored in 2009 with Billy Pickard Day at Kyle Field.

Funeral services for Billy Pickard are pending.

What’s your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
Back to top button