Jaakko Mikkola Dead at 66; Coached Track Thirty Years

Jaakko Mikkola, one of Harvard's most beloved coaches, died suddenly Thursday at his home in Belmont less than a month before he was to retire. Funeral arrangements are as yet incomplete, but burial will probably be either Monday or Tuesday of next week. He is survived by his wife, Signe.

The 66 year old coach was stricken with coronary thrombosis April 5. He spend four weeks at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and had been contined to his home since. His death, however, came as a distinct surprise as he appeared to be recovering.

A native of Helsinki. Finland, Mikkola participated in both Olympic skiing and track for his country. He began coaching track in Finland around 1910 and directed the Finnish Olympic teams in 1920 and 1924. He joined the Harvard coaching staff in 1921 as an assistant to track coach Bill Binghan. Mikkola became head track coach in 1936.

Bill McCurdy, who has been appointed to succeed Jaakko next year, was shocked to hear of Mikkola's death. "I came to know him quite well in two years. Words can't express how wonderful a man he was. To see a man as hardy and vigorous as he go so suddenly is a terrible experience."

Mikkola awarded the members of this year's team the annual improvement prizes just last Tuesday. The ailing coach, barely able to walk, handed out the awards at his home.

Mikkola had expressed great affection for this year's team. Only two weeks ago, it had upset a heavily favored Yale contingent and dedicated the win to him.

"He was overjoyed when they came," Mrs. Mikkola said. "His greatest thrill was to beat Yale."

"He was a shy and modest man," Mrs. Mikkola said. "And I would like every one to know the full story about him."

"He coached the Finnish Olympic teams in 1920 and 1924, and he was awarded--among many other citations--the Order of the White Rose and the Wilskman Medal. They are the highest athletic medals that the Finnish Government awards. And they are given to only a few. Paavo Nurmi was one of them." And she went on to tell about the small white-headed man who had been an important part of the Harvard scene for over 30 years.

Jaakko had a lasting effect on all the men he coached. No matter how hard he drove them, College trackmen always had the highest respect for him. Just two weeks ago over 400 of the men he coached presented his wife with a gift of $4100 for a trip to this summer's Olympics for the Mikkolas--a trip back to Finland which Jaakko had always wanted to make