After a record-setting 13-1 season and an appearance in the state community college championship game, the Grossmont Griffin football team has made one more headline:

“Jordan Named SD Press Club Headliner of Year.”

Readers of the sports pages may not recognize it, but his Grossmont peers know the San Diego Press Club Honor recognizes Griffins head coach Dave Jordan not only as a football coach but as an educator and an advocate for student athletes. He will be honored at the Club’s annual awards ceremony March 18.

When he is looking for next year’s players, Jordan looks for size, speed, ability, heart and willingness to succeed off the football field.

“If your goal is a successful future,” he tells his prospects, “you belong at Grossmont College. “If your goal is to be a community college football star, you belong somewhere else.”

And if a successful future is a challenge for them, Jordan and his staff rise to it. There is tacit acknowledgement that community college players may have a multitude of personal challenges, including money, family support, parenthood and the temptations of drugs or alcohol. About a quarter of the 80-85 players on the roster must hold down jobs, in addition to classes and practice, to make it through the season. Jordan’s philosophy: “Not leaving anyone behind.”

Jordan’s sophomore players transfer to four-year schools at a rate of 70 to 80 percent a year, several going to NCAA Division I schools and others finding success at smaller schools.

“It’s very hard work,” Jordan said, “but getting players to the next level is what has been a great enticement to others to come to Grossmont.” In 2002, 15 former Griffins played collegiate football at four-year schools, and four were playing in the National Football League. Former New York Giants place kicker Brad Daluiso is a board member of the Grossmont College Foundation and hosts an annual celebrity golf tournament to benefit Grossmont athletics.

Jordan was one of two community college speakers at the National Football Coaches Association “Coach of the Year” convention in January. Jordan’s 1974 team won the state community college championship and his 2003 team went into the state championship game with a record-setting 13-0 record. The Griffins have lost only three regular-season games in the last three years.

At press time, Jordan learned of his latest honor. On March 19, he will receive the Meritorious Coach of the Year Award from the San Diego Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.