Zoltan Tenke was one of the true legends of Canadian track and field coaching. He began his involvement in the sport as an athlete where he progressed to competing on the world stage as a three-time Olympian for his native Hungary. Graduating with a Masters in coaching, he transferred his abilities as an international–class athlete to teaching others with equal success. He was the Hungarian National Jumps coach from 1955-69, and the Turkish Olympic Head Coach from 1969-74. He then moved to Canada where he lived until his passing. He served as the National Jumps Coach until 1992. Along the way, he picked up Superbowl rings as a consultant for the ‘49’ers and Packers of the NFL and literally wrote the book on medicine ball training. Zoltan coached at the University of Toronto until he moved to Guelph in the summer of 1997 and joined the Gryphon program. Working with little in the way of facilities or equipment, Zoltan built the Gryphons into the strongest jumps school in the CIS, producing a number of All-Canadians, CIS medalists and national team members. Last year at 81 years of age and after 60 years of coaching, Zoltan retired. It is only fitting that in his final year both the Gryphon women and men brought home their first ever CIS titles.
Zoltan passed away in his sleep Friday morning at St Joseph's Health Centre in Guelph, he was 82 years of age. The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the University of Guelph Track and Field program in his honour, interested parties should contact Gail Kendall at 519-824-4120 x52368. A memorial service will be held in Zoltan's honour at Gilbert Macyntre & Son, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St, Guelph on Thursday December 11th at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be immediately prior to this from 12 to 1 PM.
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