Legendary Coach Loved Every Day at MJC

I attended MJC as a student athlete from 1951-1953.  I was encouraged to attend MJC by then Coach Stan Pavko.  My two years at MJC were very rewarding.  The faculty and the coaching staff were great.  I also made lifelong friends.  After two years at MJC I transferred to San Jose State University and received my B.A.  Later I received my M.A. from San Francisco State University.  I was a teacher and coach in the bay area for several years, the last three at Contra Costa College.  In the spring of 1969, Leon Lafaille, physical education department chairman, contacted me and asked if I would be interested in coming to MJC to teach and coach men’s cross country and track and field.  (In 1983 I became women’s head coach as well)  After several interviews, in September 1969, I was on the MJC faculty and a coach!

I was a professor and coached cross country and track and field (men and women) from September, 1969 through May, 1997, when I retired (28 years).  I taught tennis and advanced first aid for six years after I retired.  MJC gave me my start and then I gave back for all it did for me.  I still try to help out when I can at home track meets and the MJC Student-Athlete Hall of Fame.  It was a dream come true.  There was never a day that I did not want to go to work.  I had great students, a friendly faculty and administration.  It was fun, enjoyable and rewarding.  I was thrilled to be inducted into the MJC Athletics Hall of Fame both as an athlete and as a coach.  I also was proud to receive the Purdy Award for Excellence in Education in 1997.  Thank you MJC, it was an honor to serve you!

- Jack Albiani, Retired MJC Professor of Physical Education and MJC Coach, Class of 1953