Barrington RI Coach And Compiler Of Gourley's List Died Wednesday Night

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

John Nepolitan photo - (Bob Gourley, left, with Jim Spier)

The high school throwing community nationally, and the Barrington High family of Rhode Island, lost a close friend this week with the passing of Bob Gourley. 

Ocean State Running reported that Gourley died Wednesday night from medical issues (non-COVID) that had worsened over the past month.  

Gourley was the author of the weekly Gourley's List, a national boys and girls ranking of indoor weight throw and hammer throwers that was a labor of love for 20 years. Gourley's List has been a staple on DyeStat for two decades. 

In Rhode Island, where the two events are officially sanctioned, Gourley's Barrington High throwers were always near the top of the weekly lists and frequently on the top of podiums within the state and at national championships. Gourley volunteered his time to coach the throwers at Barrington for 38 years and was connected through the meets he put on and the technical training that he shared with athletes and other coaches. In that way, he was somehow connected with practically every high school thrower in the state, and beyond. 

"Words almost cannot express how wonderful of a coach and person Bob was," said Barrington head coach Bill Barrass, who worked alongside Gourley for 18 years. "He was one of my dearest friends."

At The Outdoor Nationals Presented by Nike, at Eugene's Hayward Field, the top three finishers in the boys hammer, and the girls champion, were part of a large contingent that made the trip West from Rhode Island. Gourley was unable to make that trip but was with them in spirit. 

As recently as two weeks ago, Gourley was on The Hill, the nickname for the Barrington High throwing circle, watching and advising athletes.

Gourley was at the heart of Rhode Island's track and field identity as a hammer and weight throw hub. Although hammer has long been a part of the high school track landscape in Rhode Island, Gourley's efforts raised the profile of indoor weight throw in particular. 

"The way he advocated through his List, and everything he did for these atheltes, was integral to what (hammer and weight throw) is in Rhode Island," Barrass said. "He is irreplaceable."

Two of his recent throwers, Adam Kelly (2015) and Bobby Colantonio Jr (2016), ranked seventh and ninth all-time in the indoor weight throw. Colantonio, who throws for Alabama, is No. 6 on the all-time hammer list and Kelly, who threw at Princeton, is tied for No. 7. 

Colantonio, who overcame a cancer diagnosis after his high school graduation in 2016, offered these words about Gourley:

"Coach Gourley was one of the most down to earth humans you’ll ever meet. Always full of joy and positivity that was contagious. He coached for the love of sport, providing new opportunities to adolescents, and the well-being of all that he encountered. Not for a single second that he coached (did) he ever make anything about himself. Everything he did was for us kids to grow as both an athletes and as good people. When I had my battle with cancer he would visit me in the hospital constantly. When I recovered and began my collegiate career there was not a single meet that went by that Coach Gourley hadn’t texted me wishing me luck and congratulations after. I would also get constant uplifting messages about throwing, life, and simple messages to make me laugh. I am thankful everyday for all that Coach Gourley has done for me, the sport of hammer throwing, and the lives all over the world he impacted. Coach Gourley you are Loved, Missed, and your Legacy will never fade. Until we meet again, Coach."

Gourley routinely purchased equipment or shoes, or paid entry fees, to help kids stay involved with the sport. 

A fund has been established to keep that effort alive. Donations can be made to: