Track Coach Wescott Dies

James B. Wescott, a former physical education instructor and varsity men’s track coach at NC State, died on May 28 after suffering a medical emergency while rowing on Megunticook Lake near Camden, Maine. He was 71.

Wescott coached track and field at NC State from 1966-78, serving three years as an assistant to then-head coach Paul Derr and becoming head coach in 1969.

He led the Wolfpack to NCAA championship appearances in indoor track in 1974, ‘76 and ’77, and to an outdoor championship appearance in 1976. His team finished second at the ACC Indoor championship and had runner-up finishes at the ACC Outdoor Championship in 1975, ’76 and ’78.

He coached four-time All-America mid-distance runner Jim Wilkins and 800-meter runner Ron Brown, both of whom set longstanding school records. He also coached four-time All-American and seven-time All-ACC selection Bob Medlin, as well as All-Americans LeBaron Caruthers and Joe Hannah.

He left NC State in 1978 to return to his native New England, where he coached track and field at Division III Colby College in Waterville, Maine, from 1978 until he retired in 2003.

He was the father of two children, Seth and Sarah, both of whom were born in Raleigh. Seth Wescott is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboard cross.