Monte Upshaw (1936–2017): Legendary Cal Bears track star

 

Long Jumper Monte Upshaw

Plot 71

Monte Upshaw’s name became synonymous with track and field excellence from his early days at Piedmont High School through his record-setting career at the University of California, Berkeley. A prodigious talent, he burst onto the national scene in 1954 when, as a high school senior, he broke Jesse Owens’ national prep long jump record with a leap of 25 feet, 4¼ inches—a mark that stood as a high school milestone for years. He was twice named Northern California Prep Athlete of the Year and served as student body president before graduating in 1954.

Grave marker of Monte Upshaw

At Cal, competing under legendary coach Brutus Hamilton, Upshaw quickly established himself as one of the Golden Bears’ brightest stars. As a freshman in 1955, he set the Cal frosh records in the long jump (24’6”) and the 220-yard hurdles (23.8), and joined teammates Leamon King, John Merchant, and Don Bowden to set a national collegiate freshman sprint relay record of 3:20.9. Although a knee injury curtailed his long jump career, Upshaw went on to excel in sprints, hurdles, and relays. In 1958, as a senior, he teamed with Jack Yerman, Willie White, and Bowden to set a world record in the sprint medley relay with a time of 3:18.8.

Beyond his athletic feats, Upshaw embodied the spirit of Cal athletics. He was enshrined in the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007, and the "Upshaw Family Long Jump" at the annual Brutus Hamilton Invitational at Edwards Stadium honors his family’s multi-generational contributions to Golden Bear track & field. His daughter, Grace Upshaw, became a three-time U.S. champion, two-time Olympian in the long jump, and a Cal Hall of Fame inductee in 2014. Daughter Joy Upshaw served as an assistant coach for the Bears, while granddaughters Sunny and Windy continued the family legacy as Cal student-athletes.

Monte Upshaw running track

A lifelong supporter of Cal, Upshaw founded and chaired the Friends of Cal Track & Field organization and served as president of the Big C Society. His teammates and friends remembered him as much for his generosity and character as for his world-class performances. Don Bowden, the first American to break the four-minute mile, recalled: “Monte will always have a special place in our tower of memories. Although his athletic accomplishments were numerous and world-class, he will also be remembered as a great human being, a teammate always there for you, and a friend for life.”

Monte Upshaw passed away on July 26, 2017, at the age of 81 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. 

Sources: Univ of CA/Berkeley Sports Hall of Fame, SFGate, East Bay Times, Find a Grave