Joe Vigil

About

Joe Vigil is a renowned American track and field coach specializing in long-distance running. Born on November 25, 1929, in Antonito, Colorado, he coached at Adams State University from 1965 to 1993, leading the team to 19 national championships. Vigil's coaching legacy includes mentoring over 20 Olympians and 425 All-Americans. He is credited with significantly impacting U.S. distance running by coaching athletes like Deena Kastor and Pat Porter. Vigil's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the USA Track & Field Legend Coach Award in 2015. He has also been inducted into several halls of fame, including the NAIA and NCAA Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. Vigil emphasizes education, maintaining a high graduation rate among his athletes. His approach to coaching, known as "Vigilosophy," combines kindness, competitiveness, and commitment to athletes' well-being. Vigil's influence extends beyond elite athletes, impacting community running programs and inspiring a generation of runners.