Jack Shaw
The coach who produced 56 All-Americans and won six MAC outdoor titles at Western Michigan University.
John F. "Jack" Shaw (June 1, 1938 – January 9, 2009) was the Western Michigan University men's track and cross-country head coach for 32 years, taking over from George Dales in 1970 and retiring in June 2002. Born in Kane, Pennsylvania, Shaw died at age 70 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. During his tenure, he produced 56 NCAA All-Americans — more than any other coach in WMU history — and led the Broncos to six Mid-American Conference outdoor championships, including back-to-back titles in 1995 and 1996.
- Role
- Western Michigan University Men's Track and Cross-Country Head Coach
- First Appearance
- 1970
- Status
- Retired in June 2002; died January 9, 2009
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Shaw's coaching career began before college, guiding Warren High School of Pennsylvania to a state cross-country championship in 1966. He then served as an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh, Marshall University, and Ohio University before arriving at Western Michigan. Under his leadership, WMU claimed five MAC cross-country titles, including consecutive championships in 1976 and 1977. His squads placed fifth in 1970 and 12th in 1989 at the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. Shaw was named MAC Coach of the Year in outdoor track six times, five times in cross country, and once for indoor track. He was enshrined in WMU's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.
In Their Own Story
Shaw earned his bachelor's degree in Geology from Muskingum College of Ohio, where he was captain of the track and field team and set a varsity record in the 120-yard hurdles in 1960. He served in the United States Army from 1962 until 1968, developing his desire to coach during military service. He earned his master's degree from Western Michigan University. In 1971, Shaw married Karen Olson-Shaw, and they had two sons, Scott and Timothy. The annual home outdoor track meet at Western's Kanley Track Stadium is named The Jack Shaw Classic in his honor.
Reader's Guide
Shaw produced 56 NCAA All-Americans at WMU: 29 in outdoor track and field, 21 in indoor track, and six in cross country. Notable athletes include Jack Mclntosh, who placed second in the 800 meters at the 1979 outdoor championships (1:46.76) and seventh in 1980 (1:49.86). Vinton Bennett earned third place in the high jump outdoors in 1991 (7-5.25) and 1992 (7-4.25). Brian Keane placed fourth in the javelin in 1993 (235-1) and 11th in 1995 (221-6). In cross country, Jeromee Liebenberg placed 14th in 1970 (28:46) and Gary Harris placed 18th that same year (28:50). Shaw's teams won two Central Collegiate Conference outdoor track titles (1995, 1996), one indoor CCC title (1993), and three CCC cross country crowns (1970, 1996, 1999).
Did You Know?
- Shaw produced more NCAA All-Americans (56) than any other coach in Western Michigan University history.
- He led Warren High School of Pennsylvania to a state cross-country championship in 1966 before coaching at the collegiate level.
- Shaw set a varsity record in the 120-yard hurdles in 1960 as an undergraduate at Muskingum College.
- He served in the United States Army from 1962 until 1968, where he developed his desire to coach.
- The annual home outdoor track meet at Western Michigan University is named The Jack Shaw Classic.
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