Marion 1977
John was Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School’s first track and field coach. He began the program in 1957 and retired from head coaching position following the 1974 season completing 17 very successful years including a state championship in 1962. For twenty years the Cedar Rapids Jerfferson Track & Field Relays from its inception in 1959 through 1978 was known as the “J-Hawk Relays”. It was renamed in 1979 in honor of Jefferson’s first head boy’s track coach, John Ask, who died March 11, 1978, after a short illness.
His Jefferson team won the state championship in 1962 and his 1959 and 1967 teams both gained state runner-up honors. In 1958 his fall track mile team won the state title.
Coach Ask was named honorary referee of the 60th Annual Drake Relays in 1969.