A Legacy Measured in Laps and Lives: Coach Jim Ciccarello Retires
For more than five decades, Jim Ciccarello has been a steady, guiding presence on tracks across New Mexico. This fall, the Hall of Fame coach announced his retirement, closing a remarkable chapter defined not only by victories and records, but by the countless lives he’s shaped along the way.
At 83 years old, Ciccarello reflects on his career with the humility of a man who always measured success in effort and influence, not trophies. “I’m probably most proud of the longevity I’ve coached and the impact I’ve had on so many lives,” Ciccarello said. “I’m proud that I hung in there and gave my 100 percent effort with all the New Mexico kids.”
His high school coaching career spanned more than 41 years at Manzano, Sandia, Highland, and La Cueva, where his teams collected 11 state championships, 12 runner-up finishes, and 25 district titles. Along the way, more than 300 individual state champions wore his colors, with athletes setting over 20 New Mexico state records. His programs became synonymous with consistency, placing on the state podium 16 times in the past 26 years.
But Ciccarello’s reach extended well beyond medals. Over 56 years in Albuquerque Public Schools, he taught at five elementary schools and inspired more than 69,000 students. He helped launch the Duke City Dashers in 1969 and the Albuquerque Track Club in 1972, giving young athletes across the city new opportunities to run, compete, and grow.
Ciccarello stressed physical education and fitness for all, as each generation passed the love of athletics and moving your body to the next group of young athletic students.
He started to teach jump rope 40 years ago, coaching and performing jump rope shows throughout all New Mexico. The skill was also a big part of his track and field warmup to help with speed and endurance. His jump roping groups performed multiple times at the University of New Mexico halftime shows in The Pit.
The accolades tell one story—induction into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, National Coach of the Year in 2012, and most recently, a place in the National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame. Yet for Ciccarello, the true reward has always been relationships.
“The friendships I’ve made will last forever,” he said.
Retirement won’t slow him down. With his trademark energy, Ciccarello is already looking ahead to his next race—this time one measured not in split times, but in health and community impact. This week, he plans to speak at the senior center in the South Valley about fitness and fun, encouraging others to embrace active living.
“According to recent studies, the average man lives to be 77 years old, and the average woman lives to be 81,” Ciccarello said. “I’m past both those numbers already, and hopefully I’m above average. I want to stay fit and stay involved in the community.”
For generations of New Mexico athletes, Ciccarello has been more than a coach. He’s been a mentor, a teacher, and a believer in the power of hard work. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy—etched in state records, school banners, and most importantly, in people—will endure long after the final lap.
