Jim Bush facts for kids
James Stanley Bush (born September 15, 1926 – died July 10, 2017) was a very famous American track and field coach. He is known best for coaching at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) from 1964 to 1984. During his time at UCLA, his teams won five national championships in outdoor track and field. He also coached 30 athletes who went on to compete in the Olympic Games!
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Early Life and Coaching Beginnings
Jim Bush was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Bakersfield, California, and finished high school there in 1947. He then went to Bakersfield College and later to the University of California. While in college, he ran in races like the 440-yard dash and high hurdles. He graduated in 1951.
Bush coached for a total of 43 years. He started his coaching career right after college in 1952 at Berkeley High School. After one year, he moved to Fullerton Union High School. He coached there until 1959. Then, he became a coach at Fullerton College. He quickly turned their track program around, making it one of the best in the conference. In his second year, his team won the state title!
In 1962, Bush started coaching at Occidental College. His teams at Occidental even beat UCLA three years in a row. This success caught the eye of UCLA.
Coaching Success at UCLA
When UCLA's legendary coach, Ducky Drake, retired, Jim Bush was chosen to take his place. From 1964 to 1984, Bush led the UCLA Bruins to amazing success. His teams won the NCAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 1966, 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1978. The 1978 win was shared with the University of Texas at El Paso.
Coach Bush helped many athletes become champions. He coached 30 Olympians during his time at UCLA. Some of the famous athletes he coached include Wayne Collett, John Smith, Greg Foster, Willie Banks, and Quincy Watts. He was known for being a tough but fair coach. For example, he once removed a world record holder, Dwight Stones, from his team because Stones wanted to compete in only a few meets.
Working with Professional Teams
Even after leaving UCLA, Jim Bush continued to work with athletes. He also became a speed advisor for professional sports teams in Los Angeles. He helped players from the Dodgers (baseball), Kings (hockey), Lakers (basketball), and Raiders (football) improve their speed.
His work with the Raiders and their star player, Marcus Allen, helped them win a Super Bowl. Because of this, Jim Bush earned a Super Bowl ring! He also received a World Series ring with the LA Dodgers and an NBA championship ring with the LA Lakers. He almost won a National Hockey League ring with the LA Kings when they finished second.
Later Career and Recognition
In 1991, Jim Bush returned to college coaching at UCLA's rival school, the University of Southern California (USC). He coached there until he retired in 1994.
Bush received many honors for his incredible coaching career. In 1987, he was elected into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. This is a very special honor for people who have made a big impact on track and field. He is also a member of many other Halls of Fame, including those for Fullerton High School, Fullerton College, Occidental College, UCLA, and the United States Track Coaches Association. He was even the president of the United States Track Coaches Association.
Today, a track and field championship meet in Southern California is named in his honor: the Jim Bush Southern California USATF Championships. The award for the 110-meter hurdles at that meet is also named after him.
Passing
Jim Bush passed away on July 10, 2017, in Culver City, California. He was 90 years old. He left behind a great legacy as one of the most successful and respected track and field coaches in history.
Images for kids
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Jim Bush at the 2011 Jim Bush Southern California USATF Championships
