Alhambra’s Coach Patrick Retires Friday

For 42 years, Alhambra High School teacher John Patrick barked and cajoled and ordered generations of students to jump higher, run faster and complete more pigskin passes than members of the opposing team.

But the high school coach, who doubled as physical education teacher, will finally hang up his hat Friday. At 75, he’s ready to enjoy the leisure time that comes with retirement.

School officials say they will miss Patrick, who also taught the only P.E. class at Alhambra High for students with physical, emotional and learning disabilities.

Patrick was born in Chicago, attended Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 1939 with a degree in physical education. While in college, he played football and baseball and was captain of the 1936 championship boxing team.

While a junior, he set a record for the 96-yard dash and was national intercollegiate runner-up in the light heavyweight boxing division.

After graduation, Patrick helped coach the school’s boxing and football teams while he earned a master’s degree in educational psychology. He also served as a lieutenant commander in charge of P.E. programs during World War II. In addition, he trained fighter pilots at the Naval Academy.

In 1960, Patrick was named varsity football coach at Alhambra High. Since then, he has led many teams to victory, including winning the league championship in 1964.