GRAMBLING, La. (June 6th, 2013) - Ed Stevens, a former Track and Field coach as well as a former assistant football coach passed away Tuesday morning following a battle with esophageal cancer. 

Stevens, who is a Rosamond, California native, was the head coach of the GSU track and field team during the late 1960s and early 70s.  Stevens won a Women's Track and Field Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship in 1975.  He also served as an assistant coach on the football staff of the late Tigers' legendary coach, Eddie Robinson. 

Stevens was a huge supporter of the GSU football program.  “We lost another legend”, said current Head Football Coach Doug Williams.  “He loved Tiger football and would always do things to help.  Coach Stevens purchased weights out his own pocket when he was here in order to help football.  That was just the kind of guy he was”.

Even after Stevens retired he continued to work with and encourage student-athletes.  “Dad has been keeping busy these last few years, months and weeks up to his passing”, said his daughter Marianne Stevens Laclair.  "He continued to coach right up until a few weeks before his passing with the California City high school track team that's about 45 minutes from his house.  He helped them win a boys and girls championship".

Funeral arrangements are still pending, but there will be a memorial service will be held July 13^th in Lancaster, California.