A member of the Manhattan two-mile relay team that set the world indoor record in 1961, running 7:32.8 on a 11-lap to the mile track, and later setting the two-mile relay record on a 12-lap track. An IC4A champ in the mile relay and the school record holder in the 600 yard run, Courtney later coached the Hawthorne (CA) High Track and Field teams to six boys' and one girls' state team championships. He also coached numerous world class athletes, including two-time Olympian and three-time Olympic medalist Mike Marsh.