HALL OF HONOR
Jack Rourke was a fixture on the Colgate scene for 45 years as coach of track and cross country and athletic trainer until his retirement in 1957. He began coaching track in 1908 in his hometown of New Britain, Conn., and came to Colgate in March of 1912 to “lend a hand” to Asa Leonard, who then was doubling as graduate manager of athletics and coach of track. In 1913, “Jack” took over as cross country and track coach, a position he held until 1956. During his tenure, his squad captured twentyone college mile relay championships including the indoor, outdoor and American championships in 1943. He reached what he considered his zenith as a coach when Al Diebolt set the world record in the 500-yard run at the New York Athletic Club Indoor Games in 1942. One of the better known track coaches in the country, he was president of the Track Coaches Association of America in 1933 and 1934 and served as a member of the board of trustees of that group from 1934 to 1936. “Jack” was also one of a select few to serve as an honorary coach at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
