A Hornet Legend Passes: Remembering Jim Kiefer

Longtime Hornet instructor and legendary track & field and cross country coach Jim Kiefer passed away at his home in Murrieta on Friday, September 25, 2026.

For nearly three decades, Kiefer was a fixture at Fullerton College serving as an instructor and leading the Hornet track & field and cross country programs from 1979 to until his retirement 2007. His impact stretched far beyond victories, records and championships. He was a dedicated teacher, coach, husband, father, mentor and friend whose influence was felt by generations of student-athletes.

Kiefer arrived at Fullerton College in 1979 with an already impressive coaching resume. His career included stops at San Diego State University, Warren High School, El Camino College and UCLA before he found a home with the Hornets. His background as a field-event specialist gave him the opportunity to work with some of the finest track & field athletes in the country.

During his time at UCLA from 1976-79, Kiefer served as head field event coach and assistant track coach under Hornet and Bruin legend Jim Bush. Under his guidance, the Bruins produced numerous All-Americans and national champions. A 1979 UCLA track media guide described Kiefer as one of the nation's respected young field-event coaches noting the success of his athletes in NCAA competition.

Among the elite athletes Kiefer worked with during his career were 1976 Olympic long jump champion Arnie Robinson, former triple jump world-record holder Willie Banks, Olympic shot put medalist Dave Laut, pole vault standout Mike Tully and Olympic high jumper Doug Nordquist (another FC legend).

It was at Fullerton College where Kiefer built the largest portion of his legacy when he took over the reins of the Hornet track & field and cross country programs in 1979. Kiefer became an important part of an athletic department steeped in tradition alongside the likes of Hal Sherbeck (football), Margo Davis (softball), and Colleen Riley (women's basketball). Kiefer hit the ground running starting both the women's cross country team in 1979 and the women's track & field team in the spring of 1980.

Early in his Fullerton tenure, many athletes set or broke dozens of school records, and Kiefer was named Conference Track Coach of the Year in 1983. That season, he guided Fullerton to the South Coast Conference track & field championship. In his final season as the women's track coach in 2006, Kiefer put his final touch on the team guiding them to an Orange Empire Conference championship. After that incredible season, he would hand the job over to his longtime assistant coach and protege Gina Bevec.

"We have lost a truly great man- my mentor, my friend, and someone who made a lasting impact on so many lives. He helped so many student-athletes develop, grow, and establish themselves in the athletic world. He always wanted the very best for his student-athletes and was incredibly kind, dedicated, and committed to helping others achieve excellence. His guidance, friendship, and belief in others meant so much to so many. He will be deeply missed. Those who had the privilege of knowing him knew that when he became your friend, it was a friendship that would last a lifetime. I am grateful to have known him, learned from him, and called him my friend. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. The man, the myth, the legend and forever a Hornet", said Bevec.

His influence also reached well beyond the Fullerton campus. Kiefer served in numerous leadership roles at major track & field competitions, including the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials and the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where he worked with the Athletes Control Center. He also coached and administered international sports exchange teams traveling to Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and Europe.

A student of his sport throughout his life, Kiefer was a frequent speaker on the track & field clinic circuit and became involved with the Amateur Athletic Foundation's coach education program. In 1999, he received an Outstanding Service Award from the United States Track & Field Officials Committee for his contributions to the sport.

His connection with his athletes often lasted long after their competitive careers ended. Olympic high jumper Doug Nordquist, a former Fullerton College state champion, continued working with Kiefer after college. In 1992, Kiefer spoke proudly not merely of Nordquist's athletic ability, but of his work ethic and balance in life, which was a glimpse into the values Kiefer emphasized as a coach and mentor.

Kiefer was equally devoted to his family. Along with his wife, Linda, he raised three children Jim Jr.- a former Hornet baseball player, Kathleen and Megan- a former Hornet track & field athlete. The same qualities that defined him professionally (commitment, loyalty and dedication) carried into his life as a husband, father and friend.

After fifty-six total seasons of helping young men and women grow and achieve their dreams, Jim was still giving back. He began volunteering as the assistant coach at Vista Murrieta High School, which was just around the corner from his new home in Murrieta, California.

More than just a man with a stopwatch, Coach Jim Kiefer dedicated his life to teaching, coaching and helping others reach their potential. Fullerton College Athletics is better because he was a Hornet.

A Celebration of Life will be held later with further details to follow.

James Carlysle Kiefer 1946-2026.

Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet.

(Fullerton College Athletics)