JIM COSTA-DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE-INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

JIM COSTA ended his long teaching and coaching career where he started, in Contra Costa County.  His Career began at at Clayton Valley High School, then moved on to College Park High School and finally at Diablo Valley College (DVC).

His association with DVC began in 1978, as a part-time assistant track coach. In 1984, he was promoted to head coach and in 1989, he was hired as a full-time physical education instructor and head track and field/cross country coach where he remained until 1998 when he retired.

During his 14 year tenure as heat track and field coach, Costa’s men’s and women’s track teams captured a combined 9 conference championships, as well as finishing 2nd four times.  At the NorCal championships, his teams finished 2nd three times and 3rd place twice. 

In 1993, Jim was named 5CTCA Cross Country coach of the year by his peers.  Being blessed with extremely able assistant coaches, namely Al Trette, Joe Stocking, Phil Webb, and former student-athletes Kevin Searls and Tiffany Panfilli, Jim and his crew produced 37 (19 men and 18 women) DVC track and field school record holders, along with numerous conference, NorCal and State champions. 

Jim received his A.A. degree in 1959 from College of San Mateo, B.A. in 1961 and M.A. in 1967, from Fresno State College, where he also competed in track and field.

In retirement, Costa spends much of his time with his family, which includes his wife Tullie, four married daughters, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Costa enjoys spending time participating in outdoor sports, travel, officiating track meets and coaching his grandchildren in their athletic pursuits.