Since joining the UHS cross country and track and field program in 1995, Head Coach Jim Tracy has helped build a running dynasty. Coach Tracy was recognized as girls cross country Coach of the Year in 2004 by the California Coaches Association.
During his tenure, UHS cross country teams have combined for 27 Bay Counties League or Conference titles and 21 North Coast Section titles (eleven for the girls and ten for the boys), The girls team has won the state title four of the past nine years, and the boys team finished third in the state in 2008. The Red Devils’ eight girls state titles are the leading total of any girls cross country program in the state, including winning the Division V State Championship in 2009 and 2010.
A native of the Bay Area, Jim attended Archbishop Riordan High School, running Varsity Cross Country and Track. He attended the University of California at Berkeley. He gave UHS Cross Country 8 State Victories- making him the most successful coach in California Cross Country history.
Dear Coach Tracy
We’ve never met, but our teams (Uni and Pasadena Poly) have competed against one another since 1997. Not only has Uni’s teams experienced great successes, but the way in which they’ve won has been consistently impressive. I learned early on that Uni teams always ran very well at the end of the year. Your teams always had a magical peak after the NCS championships-I found it difficult to predict how much faster your squads would run at Fresno. I was surprised to hear of your diagnosis. I know ALS can be quite a challenge. I followed Charlie Wiedemeyer’s case and his powerful ministry through ALS. I trust your teams got “their fight” from you and know you’ll be strong through this. I will keep you in my prayers.
God Bless you through this Jim,
Sincerely
Rick Caragher
Pasadena Poly
Dear Jim,
I did not know you, but ran against you in high school. You were faster than me, but we had a good team. Anyway, I read the inspirational story about you and your team in yesterday’s New York Times. My best wishes for your good health and the success of your teams in the future.
best,
Steve Denney
Mills High School class of 1968
I saw the story on Holland, and then got to know your story. You are a wonderful man.
God bless and keep you through these times, Mr Tracy.
dGb!
♥
We are so proud of you, Jim. You have inspired so many of your students to give 150% to their running and their team. You have shaped them into successful, confident people. They appreciate your honesty and caring. We admire you for all that you have done for them.
Sending you positive thoughts and all our love,
Christine and Kenny
Jim – As part of your family, we were very sad to hear of your condition. I have enjoyed talking to you about cross country and track over the years at our holiday gatherings and your passion for what you do is very inspiring. I wish you the best of luck and please know you have my family’s support and blessing during this time. I look forward to seeing you this weekend at Christmas!
Love,
Kari
Hi Jim,
You won the varsity race in my first high school X-country meet. It was Riordan vs. Ygnacio Valley at Golden Gate Park in 1965.
Take care,
Steve
Hey Tracey….Ernie Rivas here. Boy do I remember the glory days of Excelsior. You were always a contributor to the team effort at championships. If you were in a race, we all had to run fast. To beat you in a race, one had to put in a very strong all out effort and run a pretty fast time. I also enjoyed your humor and jokes. You sure knew how to keep us laughing at parties and club events. I’m glad to have discovered that you became a coach.