Jack Northam has been Point Loma’s associate head coach since the summer of 2008. Before that he served the program for three successful years as head coach or co-head coach.
In fact, Northam has been a key member of Point Loma baseball for three decades, working as an assistant to three coaches before taking over the program after the 2005 season. Head coach for two years and co-head coach in 2008, under his guidance PLNU baseball compiled a 90-63 record, finished in the top-four of the conference each year and made three postseason appearances.
In his first year as associate head coach, 2009, the Sea Lions posted 45 wins, won both the GSAC regular season and tournament crowns, swept through three games at an NAIA World Series Opening Round site and then reached the finals of the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. PLNU’s runner up finish was the best ever in the long history of the university’s baseball program. Point Loma reached 40 wins once again in 2010, winning another Opening Round title and finishing third at the NAIA World Series.
Northam’s first stint at PLNU was working as an assistant under former head coach, Carroll Land, from 1984-1990. His leadership was invaluable to the 1986 NAIA District 3 championship squad, the first club in school history to earn that distinction.
In 1990, Northam served as PLNC’s interim co-head coach with Leon Kugler, while Land was on sabbatical. After a few seasons off, Northam returned to the team in 1997 and has been an important member of the coaching staff ever since, serving in numerous capacities.
In the summer of 1987, Northam coached son J.J.’s Palomino League (ages 17 & 18) team to a World Series title. J.J. was a three-year starter for the University of Arizona, and was a full-time member of the Wildcats baseball coaching staff.
Jack and wife, Betsy (who is employed in the PLNU Music Department), live in Point Loma, where Jack operates a roofing business. Daughter, Amber, is a PLNU graduate, and a second son, Jack Jr., is a graduate of Point Loma High School.
