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Published on 05/19/1999 All articles from this issue

Stanford honors Payton Jordan, former coach and local resident

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Town Crier Staff Report

On May 1, Stanford University dedicated Payton Jordan Plaza, named for the longtime Stanford track and field coach and former Los Altos resident.

Jordan and his wife Marge - who recently moved to a retirement community in Santa Barbara - were on hand for the dedication, which took place during the annual Big Meet between Stanford and Cal-Berkeley. The plaza is at the north end of Stanford's Cobb Track & Angell Field.

Jordan, who coached at Stanford from 1956-79, won six national championships and produced seven Olympians and six world-record holders. He also coached the USA track team at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

"One of my main goals as a coach was to let the kids know I cared about them," Jordan said. "I didn't expect them to win for me or for the school. I wanted them to run for themselves. That's what athletics is about; it's an expression of yourself."

After retiring, Jordan started sprinting in Masters Track and Field competitions. He holds world records in the 100 and 200 meters for those age 80 and over.