George Young

George Young was one of the gutsiest distance runners in the annals of U.S. track. At the 1959 Pan American Games he finished fifth in the 3,000 metres steeplechase. In his Olympic début he failed to survive the heats of the 1960 steeplechase but, in 1964, he placed fifth and improved to take the bronze medal in 1968. He also ran in the 1968 marathon, placing 16th, and in his fourth Olympics he ran only in the 5,000 m and was eliminated in the heats. Prior to becoming a school teacher, George Young attended, at various times, Northern Arizona, Western New Mexico, and Arizona. He won the AAU steeplechase three times, the three miles once, the marathon once, and he was twice the AAU indoor three mile champion.

Young initially taught general science at Casa Grande Union High School and then coached cross-country and track & field at Central Arizona College for 25 years, after which he served as its athletic director. In his honor, the campus arena was named the George Young Activity Center.

Personal Bests: Mile – 3:59.6 (1972); 2 miles – 8:22.0 (1968); 5000 – 13.29.4 (1972); 6 miles – 27:54.8 (1972); Mar – 2.30.48 (1968); 3000S – 8:30.6 (1968).