Northeastern University Athletics

Dr. Willie J. Cater was elected to the Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in the sport of track and field.

Cater was one of the greatest sprinters in the history of Northeastern track, while establishing himself as one of the University's premier student athletes in the mid-sixties. After spearheading an undefeated freshman team that foreshadowed a 50-1 three year varsity run, Cater embarked on a storied track career. Cater dominated the sprints in his sophomore season of 1964, while racking up huge point totals in the mile relay, long jump and hurdles. He blazed to victory in the 45 yard dash in his first Greater Boston Track Championship in 1964. He would garner additional headlines in 1965 as a junior, with the added twist of a new heart to his sprint scenario. Cater underwent open heart surgery in October, and totally shattered all recovery prognoses. Cater returned to the oval war 83 days later for the indoor meet against URI, apparently none the worse for wear. The surgery was obviously an immense success, as Cater helped the Huskies to yet another mile relay crown in the BAA meet indoors. Outdoors, he proved to be back in form with a first against UMass in the 440.

As a senior, the Huskies were 10-0 indoors, and Cater was nearly perfect in the low hurdles, claiming every dual meet race but one, and finishing third in the Greater Boston Championship.

Cater's zeal for an appreciation of athletics did not waver after graduating from Northeastern with a BS in Pharmacy in 1967. He was the school physician for Weymouth North High School for two years.