Nov. 30, 2000
Villanova University Associate Head Track & Field Coach Jim Tuppeny passed away peacefully on Wednesday night at his home in Haverford, Pa., surrounded by his family. The 75-year old Tuppeny, a track & field legend, died from heart failure due to complications from stomach cancer.
"It was an honor to have worked with Jim Tuppeny these past two and a half years," said Villanova Head Men's Track & Field Coach Marcus O'Sullivan. "His love and knowledge for the sport was immeasurable and through him I was able to learn so much. I will miss him deeply, yet I know that his presence will forever remain here at Villanova."
A viewing to pay respects to Tuppeny will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the William C. McConagay Funeral Home located at 328 West Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore, Pa. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus of Villanova University at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
In lieu of flowers, "Tupp" has requested contributions to be made in his memory to either the University of Pennsylvania Track & Field Program or the Villanova University Track & Field Program.
A long-time Division I head coach, Tuppeny is known as one of the nation's most respected mentors. Just two seasons ago, in 1998-99, he celebrated his 50th year of coaching.
Tuppeny first arrived at Villanova University 45 years ago as an assistant under legendary head coach Jumbo Elliott. Working 13 years under Elliott, he helped build some of the greatest track & field teams ever assembled. In those 13 years, he helped coach 15 IC4A team championships as well as the 1957 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship squad. Individuals coached by Tuppeny include 1960 Olympic Pole Vault Goal Medalist Don Bragg.
In 1966, Tuppeny was hired as the head coach for both cross country and track & field at the University of Pennsylvania. In 13 years (1966-79), Tuppeny built Penn into an Ivy League power. He accumulated a record of 240-44 in cross country and track, going over a decade without losing an outdoor dual or triangular meet.
Despite all of this, Tuppeny is best known for his association with the Penn Relays. He was appointed the Relays Director in 1970, and although retiring from coaching in 1979, continued on in this role of Relays Director until 1987.
Tuppeny has served as President of the NCAA Track & Field Coaches Association, as well as Vice President of The Athletics Congress (now USA Track & Field). In 1979, he coached the United States team in the World University Games and in 1991 was the United States World Cup coach. He was also the inaugural Executive Director of The Philadelphia Sports Congress, who recently bestowed upon Tuppeny their first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award.
He graduated from La Salle University in 1950, and went on to earn his Master's Degree from Villanova. He did additional graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. Tuppeny also spent time in the military, serving in the Pacific during World War II.
Tuppeny, who resided in Haverford, Twp., is survived by one brother (Charles Tuppeny), five daughters (Kathleen Williams, Michelle Ronan, Diane Tuppeny-Hess, Betty Tuppeny, and Barbara Tuppeny) and nine grandchildren.
