In Memoriam: Baruch Elias

Long-time Long Beach City College track and field coach Baruch Elias passed away on December 6, 2011 at the age 90. Elias was a world-renowned track and field coach who served at LBCC for over 25 years.

He leaves his son, Elias; daughter-in-law, Norma; granddaughter, Rebecca (21); grandson, Baruch (18); sister, Stella (82); his supportive family and friends, and his family of athletes and coaches. He was married 57 years to Marika, who passed in 2008.

Elias was born in Romania and was an international track and field champion as well as a professional soccer player.

As a coach, Elias was designated a Merited Coach in 1971, the highest Romanian coaching qualification. When he arrived in the United States, Elias brough with him numerous advaced coaching techniques.

Elias came to LBCC in 1978 along with former head coach Ron Allice. Together, they coached 11 state championship teams, and 23 athletes won individual state titles under Elias' mentoring. 

LBCC never lost a conference team title and claimed 14 Southern California championships. Elias stayed on as an assistant at LBCC until 2005, when he was well into his 80s.

"His life was dedicated to improving people's skills in track and field," Allice, now head coach at USC, told the Long Beach Press-Telegram. "He's probably one of the most beloved coaches, especially in track and field, in this city."

This past summer, Elias was inducted into the California Community College Track and Field Hall of Fame.

A scholarship in his name has been established by the Long Beach City College Foundation. For information on donating to the scholarship, please call (562) 938-4634.