John Fundukian, a former three-sport, nine-letter winner at Adrian College, is realizing just as much success as a track coach at Highland Park High.
Prior to his arrival, the school's track record was 33 victories against 66 losses in the 14 years from 1949 to 1963.
Fundukian, a Highland Park alumnus, took over six years ago, and the clouds have turned into a rainbow. Last, year Highland Park had an 8-1 dual meet record, including a 5-0 mark in the Border Cities League.
This season Highland Park won another BCL crown on a 5-0 mark and had an 8-0 record, extending its dual streak to 16. More important, Highland Park placed second in the state Class A championships with 23 points to 29 for the winner Benton Harbor.
In recognition of his consistently fine success, Fundukian has been selected as the 1970 Coach of the Year by The Detroit News.
Highland Park made its strong state showing without an individual or relay winner. Hank Brown took third in the high hurdles (14.7) and eighth in the long jump (21 feet 8). Keith Russell was second in the 440 (49.8) and the mile relav team was second (3:21.3).
As a Parker prep, Fundukian lettered in both football and basketball (1957-58-59). One of his most memorable games was the Parkers' Class A basketball regional elimination by Austin High and Dave DeBusschere in 1957.
At Adrian, Fundukian earned four letters in both football and track, plus one in basketball. As a senior he set the Adrian campus record of 9.7 for the 100-yard dash in 1964. He was voted the most valuable trackman three years in a row (1962-63-64).