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A native of Plymouth, Mass, John 'Doc' Hudson has been involved with the track & field program since arriving on campus as an undergraduate in 1952. In addition to competing as a student, he has also served as a volunteer assistant coach, head coach and throwing coach for the Engineers.
During his tenure, Hudson has helped guide RPI to several outstanding seasons, including a 43-17 record with two undefeated years, as an assistant from 1961-69. He served as the head coach for 12 seasons before giving up the post to pursue a full-time teaching and research position at Rensselaer. Upon his return, Hudson took on the post as the throws coach and has produced 23 All-Americans and three NCAA Champions. Among the standout athletes he has mentored include Josh Black '00, a two-time All-American in the hammer, Mike Pestilli '00, a three-time All-American in the discus and hammer, and Erik Whiting '10, his most recent All-American in the hammer.
Hudson, who is a Professor Emeritus of Materials Engineering at Rensselaer, was the 2011 recipient of the New York State Collegiate Track Conference Service Award and was honored in 2008 as the first recipient and future namesake of the RPI athletic department's John Hudson Assistant Coach of the Year Award. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1956, a master's in 1958 and a doctorate in 1960.
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