Paladin

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Michael Brown

Track and field may be merely a sport to most, but to first-year LBCC men's cross country coach George Mehale, it provided a world of opportunity that has extended beyond athletics.

In a career that has spanned from sports to business to writing, Mehale's journey has been atypical of many men in his position and who have accomplished as much as he has. Born under the repressive apartheid government in South Africa, Mehale found athletics to be his way out.

"I came to America on a track and field scholarship with nothing in my pockets, no family and had to work several jobs to get my master's degree," Mehale said. "Nothing is unattainable if you're determined."

Prior to becoming coach of LBCC's cross country team and also an assistant coach with the track and field team, Mehale's resume includes stops at several community colleges and universities.

Oklahoma State, USC, where he coached under former LBCC track and field coach Ron Allice, Cal State Long Beach and most recently, as head coach of Pasadena City College from 1991-92. In 1992, he was named South Coast Conference men's track and field coach of the year.

Mehale has derived many of his coaching principles from the likes of former UCLA men's basketball head coach John Wooten and current Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy.

"I've read both of their books about coaching and the lessons contained in those books go beyond the court and football field," Mehale said.

Wooten and Dungy, both known to be disciplinarians when they had to, set a precedent for their teams that Mehale holds his to. In addition to wanting to see his runners excel on the field, Mehale takes a keen interest in their off-the-field behavior and performance as well.

"If you're one minute late for the team bus when we go on a road trip, you will be left," said Mehale. "If you don't keep up with your schoolwork, you can't run for me, bottom line. We must instill the importance of taking pride in what you're doing to our young people."

Mehale's regard for his athletes is best exemplified by a pledge he made them take before the season.

Stashed away in a drawer in his file cabinet, Mehale has a sealed letter by each athlete, listing five goals for the season. To gain their trust, Mehale said that he also follows the same guideline.

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