Billy Bye

Billy Bye was born on June 19, 1927, in Thief River Falls.  Bye’s accomplishments in TRF athletics during his years as an underclassman in Lincoln High School included being the leading scorer in football, a regular guard on the basketball team, the Region 8 broad jump champion and the Region 8 golf champion.

     Bye moved from Thief River Falls after his sophomore year due to his father’s leaving the Superintendent of Schools position in TRF to take the position of Superintendent in the Anoka school district.  In Anoka High School, Bye made several outstanding athletic achievements including lettering every year he participated in football, basketball, baseball, golf and track.  He was also elected All-State in football and baseball, won six events in the district track meet, finished second in the state broad jump, second in the State Golf Championship and was selected to play in the High School All-Star Game.

     While participating in the football program at the University of Minnesota, Bye was a four-year starter on offense and defense, a leading scorer, punter and passer, and was elected captain of the North Team in the Shrine Bowl Game.  He was also elected Minnesota’s Most Valuable Player, was inducted into the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame, received the College of Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumni Award and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from former University President, Nils Hasselmo.

     Billy Bye’s strength on the football field led him to a professional career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  He also served as the original business manager of the Minnesota Vikings until 1966.  Bye coached high school football in Detroit Lakes, Minnetonka and Edina High School, where he led his team to victory at the State Championship and was named Minnesota High School Coach of the Year.

     For ten years, Bye was a sports broadcaster for University football games with his partner, Ray Christianson, on WCCO Radio.  Bye has