Behind every Olympian, there’s usually a coach who’s working just as hard—if not harder than the athletes themselves. And that’s exactly the case with Coach John Moon from Seton Hall University. After 53 years of coaching, he’s retiring, and it’s honestly an enormous deal for track and field. At 86 years old, Moon completed his career after training both Olympic gold medalists and multiple professional athletes throughout his coaching career. After June 1, 2025, Moon will step down from cross-country coaching at Seton Hall and from track and field roles in New Jersey.
Coach Moon made a vast difference in athletes’ development. According to Seton Hall Athletic Director Bryan Felt, coach John Moon’s accomplishments make him a massive figure in the history of track and field. During 53 years of service, Moon directed both sports mastery and life skills to his athletes. Andrew Valmon, an Olympic gold medalist who Moon coached, said it best: “Coach Moon has been a game-changer for a lot of people in this sport.” The key to his success? Stability. Through many years, he devoted himself to helping his athletes achieve continuous growth along the path to victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The results speak for themselves: His team produced nineteen Olympic athletes, seven NCAA title holders, and seventy-one individual All-Americans. During his time in charge, the program collected four men’s and two women’s Big East championships while reaching NCAA third place as its top result. After taking charge as coach of Seton Hall University’s track and field team in 1972, Moon set on his track and field journey. After joining the program, Moon immediately helped the men’s relay team win an NCAA Indoor title during his debut season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Throughout his years at Seton Hall, Moon helped build successful track and field teams which took home 87 Big East titles and 71 national honors. His athletes represented the school at multiple Olympics. Throughout three Summer Olympiads, he supported nineteen athletes who later joined the United States athletics team. However, the path to being a legend in track and field started long before he took charge.
John Moon’s legendary track and field journey
John Moon’s sprinting career is full of moments to remember. After strong showings at Linden High School, John Moon garnered fame at Tennessee State University. Before all others in 1960, Moon matched the world record for the 100-yard dash with a time of 9.3 seconds. He took first place in NAIA 100-meter events before placing third at NCAA finals. In 1964, John Moon took his final win over Bob Hayes – the Olympic 100-meter champion after establishing himself as a top sprinter. Moon triumphed over Hayes at their contest with a blazing time in the 100-meter sprint.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He accomplished remarkable record times with a 20.3 run in the 220 meters and a 46.2 finish in the 400 meters. During 1963, he secured a second position in the National AAU Championships when he competed on the athletic field of Rutgers Stadium. Acting as a star performer, Moon achieved sports recognition and took his place in the Tennessee State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
When he returned home to New Jersey after college in 1961, he built a transformative track program at Rahway High School. During his six years running the track program in Union County, he made it dominate all other teams and won 33 championships. Beyond his athletic achievements, Moon taught other athletes to excel and left lasting improvements to all the programs he directed.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Is Coach John Moon the greatest track and field coach of all time? Share your thoughts!
What’s your perspective on:
Is Coach John Moon the greatest track and field coach of all time? Share your thoughts!
Have an interesting take?