New track and field coach ready for spring 2018
Skylar Blankenship
Sports Editor
Starting in the spring 2017 semester, Jeffrey York will be coaching the recently reestablished outdoor men’s and women’s track and field teams.
York already has plans for the team that will be joining the college’s 16 intercollegiate athletic programs. The goal for the first season is recruiting and getting good numbers: about 20 men and 20 women.
York has begun recruiting, and the newly-built Outdoor Sports Complex is a tool that will be used to attract athletes. York has already received word back from interested athletes.
“The kids that come are impressed with the facilities. If they see a nice track and all the things that come with that, it really does sells itself,” said York.
As for the future goals for the track and field teams York said, “Ultimately, I would like to build a decent program.”
In the upcoming year, York is looking forward to meeting all those already part of the Hudson Valley community and those who will be joining, but he is not looking forward to accommodating the unpredictable spring weather into the practice and meet schedules.
York has always been an athlete participating in football, baseball and basketball, but because it was in track and field that he excelled, that was the sport he decided to continue with. After graduating from Troy High School, York went on the compete in track and field at the University of Albany.
While at UAlbany, he set several records and won several awards and honors. York became the college’s first ever Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America when he ran the 55-meter high hurdles in 7.23 seconds. For the 1994-95 season, York earned the University Male Athlete of the Year Award. He also was inducted into the school’s Track and Field Wall of Fame and Athletics Hall of Fame.
York is a five-time NCAA champion with three titles in 110-meter high hurdles and two titles in the 55-meter high hurdles. He is also an eight-time All-American in the 110-meter high hurdles, 55-meter high hurdles, and 4-by-400-meter relay.
After college, York continued his track and field career, turning pro. He competed in several U.S. Olympic affiliated races, including the 1995 U.S. Olympic Festival, where he placed fifth in the 110-meter high hurdles. In 1990 and 2001, York was the Penn Relay Olympic Development Champion for the 110-meter high hurdles.
While he was competing professionally, York coached at UAlbany under his old coach Roberto Vives, usually as a volunteer.
York said, “Coaching is fun for me, it is like teaching.”