James “Jim” Waldorf
James “Jim” Waldorf was an outstanding athlete at Commodore Perry High School and Slippery Rock State College, who translated his talents into a tremendous coaching career. At Commodore Perry, he lettered 3 years in track and 4 years in wrestling. He won the District 10 championship in the 880-yard run and also placed 4th in the event at the PIAA State meet.
At Slippery Rock State College, he earned 9 letters - 4 each in cross country and track and 1 in wrestling. He was a three-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference champion in the 880 (1962-64) and a PSAC runner-up in cross country. He was a former school and conference record-holder in the 880 (1:55). Jim went on to a great coaching career at Mercer High School, 15 years in cross country, 17 years in track and 2 years in wrestling.
His teams won three Mercer County Athletic Conference titles in cross country (1985-86-87) and six MCAC track championships. Five of the Mustangs cross country teams qualified for the state meet and three were in the top 5 in the state.
Two teams (1970 and 1972) won District 10 titles in cross country and more than 30 athletes earned state medals. His 3200-meter relay team won the state title in 1985 and dozens of his athletes went on to continue running in college and beyond.
Jim also continued his own running career. At age 42 he ran 4:55 for one mile and 10:15 for two miles. At age 56, he ran a 5:32 mile.