Eagle Grove 2001
Jerry Becker, was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from LeMars High School in 1954. During his high school career he participated in football, basketball, and track. He earned All-Conference honors in football and track. He qualified for the State rack meet in four events. After graduation Jerry attended Westmar College on a track and football scholarship. He was an all-Conference performer in football for two years. He earned three letters in football and four letters in track. Jerry graduated from Westmar in 1959 with a degree in History. He later earned a Masters Degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
Jerry started his career at Colo, Iowa and then Sutherland, Iowa. He has spent the last 29 years at Eagle Grove High School in Eagle Grove, Iowa. During his 43 year career, Jerry has coached football, baseball, track and cross country. His career record during his 8 years as football coach was 81-66-1.
Jerry’s teams won several conference titles. He had one undefeated season and won a State Championship (Mythical) at Sutherland. Jerry also coached one High School All-American at Sutherland. He spent five years as a head baseball coach and won two conference titles while at Sutherland High School.
Jerry’s accomplishments as a track and cross country coach are magnificent. He has had numerous conference and district championship teams. His cross country teams have qualified for the state meet 20 out of the last 21 years with an average finish of th place. He has two State Championship teams in 1984 and 1987. In addition his teams were the state runners up in 1985 and 1994. His teams have won 10 North Central Conference titles. In track, Jerry’s teams were also very successful. He has won nine North Central Conference titles. He has coached several individual and relay teams that have won state championships.
Jerry has been honored by several groups for his career achievements. These include being named Regional Coach of the Year eight times and State Coach of the Year twice by the IATC, Regional National Coach of the Year in Cross Country in 2001 by the National High School Coaches Association, and the Westmar Alumni Coach of Year for Football in 1964 and for Track in 1985. Jerry has given of his time in other areas as well. He has been a member of his church’s choir for over forty years. Jerry coached a Cross Country team that competed in China. He was selected as the Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the year. He also served as a delegate to the county caucus for four years. Jerry has also served as a starter for track and cross country, an umpire in baseball and softball and a referee in basketball. He also served as the athletic director for several years as well.