Douglas Garner's journey at Cal State East Bay began in an unexpected way, but it grew into a legacy that still resonates decades later. Recruited after catching the eye of head coach Jim Santos while dunking a basketball during intramural play, Garner took a leap of faith by joining the Pioneer track and field program. That decision proved to be life-changing.
"Competing for Cal State East Bay as a student-athlete helped shape my life in so many ways," Garner reflected. "I learned discipline, patience, emotional control, problem-solving, and resilience through adversity. I learned how to train my mind and body to perform at an elite level, and how to relate to others effectively. Those lessons stayed with me long after competition ended."
As a Pioneer, Garner established himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in program history. A two-time NCAA National Champion in the triple jump, he thrived on the biggest stages. While conference and national championship meets stand out on paper, Garner says his most meaningful memories were formed away from the spotlight.
"The national championship meets were special, but my most memorable times were the day-to-day practices and the camaraderie with my teammates," he said. "The teammates and coaches I competed with are still close to this day. We stay in contact almost daily. Those relationships meant everything."
Garner credits a strong support system of coaches who guided him throughout his collegiate career, including Jim Santos, Dr. Don Chu, Marcel Heutu, and Malachi Andrews. Their influence helped shape not only his athletic success but also his approach to life. That impact was later recognized when Garner was inducted twice into the Cal State East Bay Hall of Fame, an honor he describes as one of the proudest moments of his career.
After graduating, Garner continued to compete at the highest levels of track and field. He relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he finished second at the 1980 USA National Championships and became a two-time Olympic Trials finalist in 1980 and 1984. Even while pursuing elite competition, Garner remained committed to education.
During his competitive years, he worked in the field of education while earning both his master's degree and PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His dedication to teaching spanned more than four decades. Garner taught for 41 years in the Clark County School District and spent 12 years as a visiting lecturer at UNLV.
Now semi-retired, Garner continues to serve others through his work in mental health. He specializes in trauma, emotional literacy and management, behavior modification, sports psychology, and biomechanics. Much of his current work focuses on supporting athletes and combat veterans, including involvement with PGA HOPE and its mental health initiatives.
Recently, Garner released a book titled Golf Therapy in Las Vegas, which outlines therapeutic practices using golf as a metaphor for healing and personal growth. The project was born from his work with combat veterans and reflects his belief in sport as a powerful tool for emotional and psychological development.
When reflecting on the people who influenced his path, Garner points first to his parents, Ardoway and Shirley Garner. He also credits the coaches who guided him at East Bay and the teammates who pushed him daily. "The athletes I admired most were my teammates," he said. "There were too many to name, but they set the standard." He also drew inspiration from legendary athletes such as Edwin Moses for his work ethic and Evelyn Ashford for her quiet excellence.
Today, Garner remains closely connected to the Pioneer program. One of his former teammates, Norm Alston, now serves as the head track and field coach at Cal State East Bay, continuing the tradition of excellence that shaped Garner's own journey.
For current Pioneer student-athletes, Garner offers thoughtful advice rooted in decades of experience. "Be a student of the sport," he said. "Understand that human and athletic development is a process, and stay true to that process. Growth does not happen overnight, but if you commit to it, the results will come."
From an unexpected recruitment to national championships, Olympic trials, and a lifelong career in education and mental health, Douglas Garner's story reflects the true spirit of a Pioneer. His legacy is one built not only on athletic excellence, but on purpose, perseverance, and a commitment to helping others thrive.
