Former Michigan State University Coach James Bibbs, left, and second from right, shares his legacy and life lessons.
James Bibbs, 92 of Lansing, likes the simple things in life that especially produce long-lasting results in the end.
Through hard work, grit — and a heavy sprinkle of Black excellence — the famed former Michigan State University track and field coach (the first Black MSU coach in that position) talked about his dream job, a contract that he passed up with the New York Yankees, and how present-day athletes can stay motivated for the long haul to reap better rewards.
“The biggest lesson (for me) as a coach was to (help turn) young boys into young men and young girls into young ladies,” Bibbs said. “Try to make them grow up and most of them I will say have turned out to be successful young men. … I am proud of (those I coached). I am in touch with many of them. One called this morning. He checks on me and makes sure I’m doing well.”
Bibbs was heavily involved in instructing and coaching track and field for nearly five decades. During his distinguished career, he has competed, taught, and coached t every level including High School, AAU club sports, collegiate, national and international teams. As an educator, he has taught and mentored students in the Detroit Public Schools, Ecorse Public Schools, and at Michigan State University.
His deep commitment to youth and passion for the sport has gained the respect and admiration of countless colleagues, athletes, parents, and friends nationwide, according to a press release. Bibbs retired as head coach of Michigan State University in 1995. He continued coaching for fifteen years as a volunteer at East Lansing High School. James E. Bibbs is known throughout the community as a role model and mentor to children, youth, and adults of all ages.
He also co-founded and competed with the Detroit Track Club. Under his tutelage as a Coach, the Detroit Track Club had a winning record of five consecutive Women’s national relay championships.
Bibbs has served as a volunteer at the MSU Museum, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Belize national Track and Field, Black Child and Family Institute, and East Lansing High School. Coach Bibbs coached 26 All Americans and 52 Big Ten Champions during his tenure at Michigan State University.
Bibbs also received a Humanitarian Award East Lansing Schools Association 2016 James E. Bibbs is known throughout the community as a role model and mentor to children, youth, and adults of all ages. He is a man of integrity and honesty who is never hesitant to share his talent and knowledge with others.
His numerous honors include being named AAU Women’s Coach of the Year and induction into the Michigan Amateur Athlete and Eastern Michigan Halls of Fame. He was selected as a torchbearer for the 2000 Winter Olympics.
Bibbs, who still lives just several blocks from MSU (in the same house when he first became coach in 1968) told the Michigan Chronicle that he was born and raised in Ecorse and steadily stayed the course throughout his journey and career in sports.
Bibbs and his wife Martha have raised their family, children, and grandchildren, in East Lansing, Michigan, where they have resided together in their cherished home for more than 50 years.
Bibbs once had an offer for a contract with the New York Yankees but he declined because as a then-college student he had to finish and “graduate from college” at the persistence of his father – a move he is grateful for to this day.
He attended Michigan Normal (now EMU) where he tied Jesse Owens’s world record for the 60-yard dash with a finishing time of 6.1. He was later placed in the EMU hall of fame.
“I was sophomore or junior in college,” he said adding that he played baseball for three years in high school (among other sports), and when he told his father about the offer his father told him his mind.
“We didn’t have a big exchange,” Bibbs said. “He said, ‘Nope you gone graduate from college period.”
Bibbs said there was no argument, and he does not regret that decision because the money would have run out by the time, he was about 30 and he would not have achieved the success and lengthy career he has enjoyed even until now.
He encourages present-day athletes to, similarly, not make quick decisions just for the money now, think about success in the long-term, especially when it comes to obtaining an education.
“These youngsters have got to trust the schools,” he said adding that it doesn’t matter if a teacher is Black, White, or purple. “Trust the school and trust your education because that is a way for us to make it unless you’re Lebron James or Beyonce. Your best bet is to make it through education.”
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