Track and Field

Sprints & Hurdles
Coach

 

Coach James King is entering his 10th season working with the Sprinters and Hurdlers.  Maggi Escudero El Capitan/Nebraska (100 Hurdles) and Richard Del Rincon Monte Vista/Oregon (100M) are two local high school products that became State Champions under Coach King's tutelage and went on to Big 12 and Pac 10 success.  His ability to maximize an athlete's potential has been instrumental in the team's overall success.

Coach King has bridged the gap from top level competitor to coach.  Ranked top 10 internationally from 1974-1984, Coach King was an Olympic Trials competitor in 1972, 1976, 1980, and 1984.  He was a Pan Am Games champion in the 400-meter hurdles in 1975 and placed third in 1983.  Coach King is currently competing at the Masters level and holds world records in the 400-meter hurdles and 400-meter dash (age 35 and older and age 40 and older).

Coaching is a source of great joy for Coach King, who states, "The best part of doing what I do is seeing the improvement that athletes make no matter what their level is.   I already believe in them - the joy and satisfaction comes when they begin to believe in themselves."  These are typical words from a coach who instills a solid work ethic and positive attitude in his athletes.  He provides a wide range of training, from the workouts performed by his state meet contenders to the base training provided to incoming freshman.  His coaching record reflects his expertise.

Coach King has worked throughout the San Diego area including Mesa College from 1982-1984, San Diego City College from 1987-1989, and Grossmont College from 1993-1994.  He pursued a Business and Management degree at San Diego State while actively competing and coaching.  He obtained a Culinary Arts degree from Mesa College which he utilizes in his other job as a chef at the Village Cafe at the Princess Cruise Resort.