Possibly the luckiest coach in the Capital Athletic Conference is Hood’s cross country and track & field mentor Brent Ayer.  In addition to having the opportunity of building the Blazers’ programs, Ayer gets to work with his long-time friend and mentor Jack Griffin, a volunteer assistant since 2008.  Griffin  has been involved in track & field for more than six decades, served as a coach for the US Olympic teams in 1964, 1976 and 1984 and has countless other credits in coaching and officiating in the track & field community. 

As the CAC heads into its first Men’s & Women’s Indoor Track & Field Championship season, today’s INTRODUCING … feature is on legendary coach Jack Griffin.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport?  I have coached at every level for a total of 56 years, including three Olympic Games (1964, 1976, and 1984), 38 years at the high school level, 28 years at the club level, 7 years at Frederick Community College, and 5 years at Hood College.  I have coached seven USA teams in international competition, including three trips to Russia.

What was your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  At NYU, I majored in Physical Education.  My coach was a two-time U.S. Olympic Coach.  He gave me the confidence and knowledge that I could be a good coach.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place to visit?    The Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden because it is the premier indoor track & field meet in the world.  It is a great show put on with style and class (how many athletic contests have their officials wearing tuxedos?) and so many of the world’s great athletes participate.

Other than your team, what organizations do you participate in?   USA Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, Western Maryland Track Officials Association, the Frederick High School Alumni Association.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your college athletic career?   As a senior at New York University in 1953, I placed third in the javelin throw at the New York Metro Intercollegiate Championships held at Randall’s Island.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students today?  The lack of job opportunities in our current weakened economy.  It has become harder and harder for students and parents to afford higher education and young people face more difficult prospects in looking for work after college.

If you would change any one item in your community what would it be?  I would like to see more coverage of Track & Field in the local media.  When combined, participation in Track and Cross Country outstrips every other sport in America, yet coverage almost always lags behind ball sports.

Other than family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  I had the privilege of coaching with Ed Temple at the 1964 Olympic Games held in Tokyo.  Temple was the coach of the legendary “Tigerbelles” of Tennessee State University, who he led to 34 national titles.  He gave me insight into working with elite athletes.

What is your favorite form of entertainment? Spending time with my four grandchildren, aged 3 to 15, and watching them interact.

What is your favorite source of information?  Universal Sports for its coverage of international track & field, Track & Field News, various publications covering the technical aspects of track & field.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would it be? Have fun, try many activities, and avoid playing any sport out of season.

Outside of the CAC, who is your favorite sports person?  Brooks Johnson who is coaching the number one ranked hurdler in the world (David Oliver).  We coached together in two Olympic Games and at the World University Games and against each other when he headed DC International and I headed the Frederick Track Club.

Name three people that you’d like to have dinner with?  I would love to get my three best athletes together after so many years to relive their best efforts.  Debbie Thompson, who once held the world indoor record for 60 yards, Tammy Davis, who once held indoor world records for the 50, 60, and 70 yard hurdles, and Cheryl Poirier, the national champion in the 100 meter hurdles.