Charles Edward Greene (1944 - 2022)

Born 21 Mar 1944 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas, United States

Died 14 Mar 2022 at age 77 in Lincoln, Lancaster, Nebraska, United States

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Biography

Charles Greene is Notable.

Charles Edward Greene is a notable figure due to his outstanding achievements in athletics, particularly track and field. His remarkable sprinting abilities earned him recognition as the number one high school sprinter in the nation in 1963, and he achieved significant success at the University of Nebraska and the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His dedication to sports, his resilience in face of challenges, and his commitment to community involvement, education, and advocacy further solidify his status as a notable individual who made a positive impact on the world of sports and beyond.^[1][2]

Charles Edward Greene, born on March 21, 1944^[3], in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas^[4], lived a remarkable life marked by athletic excellence, military service, and commitment to community and education. Charles's mother was Bertha Greene, and while his father's name is unknown, it was his mother who provided the early support and foundation for his journey.^[1]

Shortly after Charles's birth, his mother relocated to Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, and later to Washington State, near the Grand Coulee Dam.^[1] In 1950, he lived in Seattle, King County, Washington, where he spent his formative years.^[5] He attended O'Dea High School, a private Catholic all-boys school in Seattle, where he excelled in sports, particularly in football and track.^[1][2][4]

Charles's journey in track and field began in the fourth grade, but it was during his high school years that he truly showcased his exceptional abilities. He won the Washington state high school championship in the 100-yard dash and achieved the distinction of capturing both state titles in the 100 and 220 during his senior year. His remarkable performance in the 100 at the Golden West Invitational in Sacramento, California, earned him recognition as the number one high school sprinter in the nation in 1963.^[1][2][4]

The year 1963 marked another significant milestone, as Charles was offered a scholarship to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Although freshmen were initially not permitted to compete on varsity teams, he quickly gained the attention of his fellow athletes during intramural competitions. He participated in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and other national-level meets. In early 1964, he pushed the legendary Bob Hayes to a world record performance in the 60-yard dash, taking second place at Madison Square Garden's indoor meet in New York City. Despite a setback at the US Olympic Trials due to an injury, he used the experience as motivation to elevate his competitive drive.^[1][2][4]

Over the next three years at the University of Nebraska, Charles Greene established himself as the nation's leading collegiate sprinter. He secured three consecutive NCAA titles in the 60-yard indoors from 1965 to 1967, and three consecutive NCAA titles in the 100-yard dash outdoors.^[1][2][4]

While at Nebraska, he was not only dedicated to athletics, but also active in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). He earned his degree in 1967 and, after attending ROTC summer camp, returned to Lincoln to work on a graduate degree while preparing for the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.^[1][2][4]

The "Night of Speed" at the 1968 AAU outdoor national championships was a defining moment in Charles's career, as he competed in the 100-meter final and capped off a historic evening of sprinting. His performance earned him two medals at the Mexico City Olympics, including a bronze in the 100-meter final, despite suffering an injury in the race's final meters.^[1][2][4][6]

In Mexico City, Charles not only earned accolades, but also met his future wife, Linda Arnone, on a blind date. They married on January 18, 1969, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and began a life together that would take them on diverse adventures.^[4]

After retiring from the US Army in 1989, holding the rank of Major, Charles served as an executive for Special Olympics International, traveling the world and making a difference through sports. He later worked for the University of Nebraska in Student Affairs before retiring, remaining a dedicated advocate for community involvement and education.^[1][2][4][7]

Despite health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2010, Charles remained committed to education and the Olympic Games. He contributed his expertise to creating and teaching an OLLI course on the History and Impact of the Olympic Games.^[1][2][4]

Charles Edward Greene's legacy is celebrated in his inductions into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1992, the US Olympic Hall of Fame, and the University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2015. His life is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and passion for making a positive impact. Charles passed away on March 14, 2022, in Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in sports and service to the community.^[1][2][4][8]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11} Hornbuckle, Adam R., Spring Hill, Tennessee, Encyclopedia of Arknasas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Charles Edward Greene (1945–2022)." Accessed 26 Oct 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9} Wikipedia contributors, "Charles Greene (athlete)," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Greene_(athlete)&oldid=1160380453 (accessed October 26, 2023).
3. ↑ U.S., Select Military Registers, 1862-1985: Ancestry.com. U.S., Select Military Registers, 1862-1985 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. This collection was indexed by Ancestry World Archives Project contributors. Original data: United States Military Registers, 1902–1985. Salem, Oregon: Oregon State Library. Ancestry Record 2345 #3176133
4. ↑ ^{4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10} Newspaper Clipping, Lincoln Journal Star, Lincoln, Nebraska, 16 Mar 2022, Wed. - Page B4. "Charles Edward Greene Obituary." Accessed 25 Oct 2023.
5. ↑ 1950 United States Federal Census: National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Seattle, King, Washington; Roll: 2805; Page: 9; Enumeration District: 40-398 Ancestry Record 62308 #66170213
6. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, 21 Jun 1968, Fri. - Page 16. "Charles Greene Has Night; Beats Hines in Record Time." Accessed 25 Oct 2023.
7. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Omaha World-Herald, Omaha, Nebraska, 13 Jun 1997, Fri. - Page 26. "Alumnus, Olympic Star Takes UNL Judicial Post." Accessed 25 Oct 2023.
8. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Olympian, Olympia, Washington, 13 Mar 1983, Sun. Page 52. "Charles Greene Cover Story Continued." Accessed 25 Oct 2023.

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q1064623