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Bill Blythe

Bill Blythe, Hall of Fame Inductee
It’s a good thing dentist Bill Blythe was self-employed. If he worked for someone, it’s unlikely he would have been able to devote all the time he has over the years to help the local sports community. “It was a lot of long hours, but it was also a lot of fun,” says Blythe of his involvement. “And I couldn’t have done it without the strong support of my family and office staff and the great people who worked on the various committees and boards with me.”

Going over his various activities, one would have a difficult time finding someone else who has done more for the local sports community. Among his activities were: a member of the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Board of Directors for 15 years, including six years as president and master of ceremonies at the SBART’s weekly press luncheons; served five years (three years as president) on the Valley Stadium Inc. committee which raised capital for the stadium to be built at San Marcos High; and was a member of the UCSB Hoop Club, “UCSB Bench,” and UCSB Gaucho Gridiron Club and president of both the football and basketball support groups for three years. He also was involved in the resurrection of football at UCSB a few years ago.

In addition, he was co-chairman to head the Capital Campaign to raise the $850,000 to complete the construction of the UCSB Events Center.

Blythe also was co-founder of the Youth Basketball League and served as its first president for the first two years.

He likewise founded and was president of Student Activities, Inc., which raised considerable funds to pay the fees the Santa Barbara School District charged under its “Pay for Play” policy.

Blythe also was part of the original committee to start Las Positas Park and served on the board of directors. In addition, he was host for the local TV sports show “Athletic Round Table with Bill Blythe” for two years.

An active horseman, Blythe was a member of various riding organizations, including Santa Barbara Trail Riders and Rancheros Vistadares. And those are just some of Blythe’s many activities in the community.