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.