Jerry Riordan made an indelible impression on hundreds of runners as a cross country and track coach. Many remember Riordan as the coach who brought Christian Brothers Academy to state prominence in the 1960s and 1970. Riordan was also an outstanding athlete in his own right.

 

Riordan played football at Cathedral High School and after graduation, he worked on the railroad for a year prior to joining the U.S. Air Force. Riordan then attended Syracuse University in 1955 on the G.I. Bill. He ran cross country under coach Bob Grieve.

 

In 1961, Riordan took over the track and cross country programs at CBA. Under his tutelage, Riordan's runners won the Diocesan Championship in his first year of coaching, followed by 13 out of 14 Syracuse City League championships. This local domination extended to winning the State Catholic Championship twice and culminated in winning the Eastern States Championships in 1972. In dual meet competition, his track and cross country his teams lost only three meets in City League competition.

 

Riordan took over the running programs at Henninger High School in 1982. His success at Henninger was almost immediate. His teams won three Section III cross country titles, and set numerous school and sectionals records. During his tenure at Henninger, over 40 members of his track and cross country teams have gone on to college with running scholarships.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1959: Graduated SU with a B.A. in Geography

 

1961: Hired to teach earth science and to coach track at CBA

 

 1962-1982: Coached CBA's track and cross country teams

 

1974: CBA cross country team rated top in the Region with Eastern win after two straight second place finishes

 

1979: Received the Blind Men and Criers annual “John Arcaro Coaches Award” given to the high school coach who have been recognized for outstanding success in their sport

 

1982: Hired to teach earth science and to coach track and cross country at Henninger

 

1999: Receives Purple and Gold Award at CBA