Edward A. "Coach" PARKER

I loved Coach Parker. I will keep a good thought for him and remember his kind and giving nature every time I am able to keep my patience with one of my Boy Scouts. Mr. Parker taught me more about running, life, responsibility, caring and selflessness than all my mentors combined. I will never, ever forget him, and how much he meant to me and my fellow runners from the 1966 - 67 Cross Country and Track teams at Mills High School. He helped me to be a better man.

He was one in a...

I ran track at Mills from 1965 to 1968. Mr. Parker impressed me as someone who had a cool temperment, yet was totally involved in his coaching. He coached us all year except during the fall when we ran cross country. He took us to many interesting places for track meets, and encouraged us to run above our level. It was also my main social outlet at the time and it is nice to see some names of people I remember back then.

Spring, 1965, there I was on the Mills High School Track, dressed in blue jeans,tee shirt and tennis shoes. "Let's go see what you're made of", he would say as my parents watched. I jumped onto the track and took my place behind 3 girls and 3 boys and off we all went for a 220. Of course, I thought I was done but little did I know I had 19 more to do!
As a pretty young 12 year old, I wasn't exactly sure where this was all going but I knew I was hooked! This funny little man wearing...

In 1964 I walked onto the San Mateo High School track and met Ed Parker. He introduced me to Olympian Pat Winslow who encouraged me to "sign up!" To see if I had any talent, Ed asked me to run a 220. I asked him how I should pace myself. He said "full speed the whole way". I thought he was nuts but I ran full speed, finished the distance and signed up for what was to become a wonderful, positive life altering adventure. Later we moved practice to Mills High School and ran for the...

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Mr. Parker was a huge influence in my life as my track coach. Little did I realize what he taught me extended way past high school and track. He made me believe I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. My favorite bit of advice is when he told us "Be sure to eat healthy, because staying fit takes work and it won't be so easy when you are older." Well he wasn't kidding... I laugh every time I am on a diet and think of that. Today I am a certified SPINNING instructor and tribute that...