Wayne Collett (60) one of the greatest athletes in UCLA track & field history, lost a long battle with cancer this morning. Collet was a spectacular quartermiler, but also excelled in the hurdles, sprints and relays. His college coach, Jim Bush, called him "the greatest athlete I ever coached."
In 1972, he won an Olympic Silver Medal in the 400 meters in Munich, Germany. During his four-year UCLA career (1968-71), Collett won Pac-8 titles in the 440-yard intermediate hurdles and 440-yard dash. In NCAA competition, he anchored three straight mile relay championship teams. He also placed second in the 440-yard intermediate hurdles in 1970. The Bruins won the NCAA team title in 1971.
Collett was an attorney who was very active in the UCLA community. He is survived by his wife, Emily; his sons Aaron and Wayne II; and his mother, Ruth. Wayne was a Triple Bruin with Bachelor’s in Political Science in 1971, MBA in 1973 and JD in 1977. He also served on the UCLA Alumni Assn. Board of Directors. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.
GO BRUINS.
(Via Email) RIP Wayne Collett: One of the Great Bruins, Loses Battle With Cancer
almost 2 years ago
Nestor
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Fantastic Bruin and an International Track Star
Paired with John Smith, that tandem dominated the 400 meters and the Bruins dominated the 4 × 400 relay.
Wayne was a year ahead of me in law school. His passing certainly puts things into perspective, including feeling bad about this past basketball season.
So sad.
I watched him and the rest of 4×400 relay team absolutely dominate. Can anyone help me remember the others? Think one guy was named Dan something?
by mplsbruin on Mar 17, 2010 8:54 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Sounds like a great guy.
my heartfelt prayers go out to his family and loved ones. The Bruins Family feels his absence already.
The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mother. John Wooden
Watched him my freshman year
Wayne was a special runner. He was one of the greatist on a star laden squad in 1971. I’m so glad I got to watch him in person my freshman year. I didn’t know he was a fellow Bruin lawyer. What a special person. My condolences to his family and friends.
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