PLNU Athletics

In the early ‘70s the Pasadena College track program teetered on the brink of extinction. Lacking a facility of its own in which to practice, the Crusader thinclads had to travel across town to Pasadena City College or Cal Tech to train. They were a track team without a track---to a great extent unwanted and unappreciated as they traveled to different sites and attempted to work their training around the host school’s squad.

It was the determination, persistence and quest for excellence of individuals like Dave Jagger that enabled Crusader track to survive this difficult period and later into a solid program. Jagger emerged from this series of extra hardships in training to become an NAIA All-American and one of the finest PC thinclads to ever wear green and gold.

Jagger specialized in the long jump and in 1972 leapt 24’8’’, establishing a Crusader track and field record which lasted 10 years. As a senior in 1973, PC’s last year on the Pasadena campus, Jagger made history as one of the top long jumpers in the NAIA. He earned All-American status by jumping 24’21/2” in the NAIA National Meet in Arkadelphia, AK, placing him second in the nation.

Jagger went on to become an attorney in Eugene, OR.

The award for Outstanding Achievement by an Athlete was presented to Jagger by Carroll Land.