Nieves Sets Up a New Career:
Ruben Nieves, who in 1997 led Stanford to its first ncaa championship in men's volleyball, resigned in May after 11 seasons as head coach. Nieves, '81, MA '82, is stepping down to take a position with the Positive Coaching Alliance--a Stanford-based nonprofit organization designed to foster good sportsmanship in young athletes. The former Cardinal setter leaves as Stanford's all-time winningest men's volleyball coach with a career record of 179-92. He was named coach of the year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and Volleyball magazine after the '97 championship season.
At the Track Championships, Going the Distance
In an unusual sweep, sophomore Lauren Fleshman and junior Jonathon Riley won their respective 5,000-meter races at the ncaa track and field championships in Eugene, Ore., in June. Fleshman became Stanford's first female 5,000-meter champion in 17 years; Riley is only the school's second male competitor to win the event. The men's team placed fourth at the championships, led by seniors Gabe Jennings and Michael Stember and freshman Donald Sage, who combined to give the Cardinal 19 points in the 1,500-meter race. Jennings finished second thanks to his season-best time of 3:37.56; Stember placed fourth and Sage fifth. The women's team finished eighth overall.
Former Coach Jack Elway Dead at 69:
When most Stanfordites hear the name Elway, they think of John, '83, an All-American and one of the most successful quarterbacks in nfl history. But throughout his career, the younger Elway credited his tenacity and achievements to his very first coach: his father. Jack Elway, who coached the Stanford football team for five seasons and took the Cardinal to the Gator Bowl in 1986, died April 15 of a heart attack at his home in Palm Springs, Calif. He was 69.
Elway coached at San Jose State University from 1979 to 1983, while his son attended Stanford. Jack's team played John's four times, each winning twice. In 1982, upi named Elway coach of the year. He came to Stanford in 1984 and took the Cardinal to its first bowl game in 15 years before leaving in 1988. Elway scouted for the Broncos for seven years and then retired, continuing to serve as a scouting consultant.
His close relationship with his son was well-known. "I'm proud of him as a football player, but I'm prouder to be able to call him my best friend," he said the day John retired from the nfl. John once told his father he had only one regret--"that he didn't play for me," the elder Elway recalled in a 1998 interview. "That gives me goose bumps." In addition to John, he is survived by his wife, Jan; two daughters, Lee Ann and Jana; and eight grandchildren.
