Eddie Mack, Cal Poly's First Champion, Passes Away at 95
5/24/2023 12:30:00 PM | Track and Field
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Eddie Mack, the first individual champion in the history of the Cal Poly track and field program, passed away on Saturday, May 20, at the age of 95.
"Husband, father, uncle, brother, trailblazer, hero, champion, owner of the Golden Spikes, the legendary Edwin D. Mack transitioned to heaven May 20, 2023," the Mack family wrote in a statement. "The Mack Family would like to thank Cal Poly for furthering the legacy of our Patriarch, as he proudly wore his green and gold until the end. He will forever be remembered for his triumphant spirit that never took his size or circumstances as a 'NO!' He paved his way with excellence and nurtured purpose in life and with everyone he crossed paths. His legacy will live on!"
In his first season as a Mustang in 1949, Mack secured the program's first championship in any event, capturing the California Collegiate
Athletic Association long jump title (then referred to as the broad jump) at Ratcliffe Stadium in Fresno, with a leap of 23 feet, 8.75 inches. Then the following year, Mack went back-to-back earning the 1950 CCAA long jump title.
Just recently, Mack was on hand for the rededication of the Ozzie Smith Plaza on March 25 and that same weekend attended the track and field program's inaugural Conover Classic meet, named in honor of the late Mark Conover, who served as the Mustangs' Director of Track & Field and Cross Country for more than 13 years before passing away in April 2022 after a battle with cancer.
Mack was the school record holder in the long jump — 24 feet, 1 inch — for 11 years and also played football at Cal Poly, where he was recognized as one of the fastest players in the conference, starring as a running back and kickoff and punt returner for the Mustangs. In November 1949, Mack caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of a 7-0 victory over rival UC Santa Barbara.
Mack started receiving attention from college recruiters after winning the CIF-North Coast Section championship in the long jump while at San Mateo High School. He thrived at the College of San Mateo before accepting a scholarship offer from Cal Poly, where he made an immediate impact. Across his careers at CSM and Cal Poly, Mack won a conference title in the long jump each year.
Before Mack's final year at Cal Poly (1950-51), he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Mack served two years in the Korean War, spending time as a combat engineer and head of a supply department before being promoted to first sergeant.
During his time at Cal Poly, Mack also served as treasurer of Cal Poly's Social Sciences Club, was a reporter for the Mustang Daily
newspaper and contributed to Block P.
In an interview with the Cal Poly Athletic Department in 2021, Mack recalled receiving countless letters from aspiring collegiate athletes during his time at Cal Poly seeking advice on how to excel in the sport. He also obtained letters from peers around the state asking for tips on technique. Mack wrote back to every letter, investing time to ensure he shared thoughtful, detailed advice.
"I would tell them the (long) jump had to have three parts: there was the run-down, the take-off, and the landing," Mack said at the time. "And you had to prepare for each one of those steps."
After returning home from the Korean War, Mack married his wife, Claire, who served three terms as the mayor of San Mateo. Mack then began a longtime career with the U.S. Postal Service, starting out as a carrier and eventually earning a promotion to become the second Black supervisor in the history of the San Mateo Post Office.
Up until the day he passed, Mack maintained a sharp memory and recollection of all the incredible people and events he encountered throughout his life. Rather than brag about his own incredible accolades, Mack often chose to boast about the achievements of his three daughters and great grandchildren, turning the shine in their direction.
You can make a donation to the Edwin D. Mack Scholarship Endowment here.
