Jim Yanko took the reigns of the Pacific pitching staff for the second time in the summer of 2007. Jim had previously served as the Tigers' pitching coach from 1996-1999. Yanko replaced Jim Brink, one of his former pitchers at Delta College, who resigned after four seasons to enter another line of work.

Yanko pitched for Pacific from 1986-91. One of the most durable pitchers in Pacific history, Yanko remains fourth in the Pacific career record book with 367.2 innings pitched in his four-year career.

Following his time on the mound for the Tigers, Yanko continued to stay involved as a coach. In 1991, Jim began his coaching career as the sophomore coach at Bear Creek High School. The following year, Yanko coached the freshman squad at Lincoln High School. In 1993, Yanko began a three year stint as an assistant coach at San Joaquin Delta Junior College.

In 1996, Jim returned to Pacific for the first time, serving as the pitching coach for the Tigers from 1996 through the 1999 season. Yanko earned his first collegiate head coaching position in 1999 as he began a seven year term as the head coach of Delta College. Yanko stepped down in 2006 after seven seasons.

During his three seasons as a pitching coach for the Tigers, Yanko helped Pacific set the program record with 414 strikeouts in 1997.

Yanko was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2003. Doctors told him he might have only a year to live, but nearly four years later, Yanko is in remission.

"It's great to be cancer-free and back in the game again at my alma mater," Yanko said. "I'm coming back to a great coaching staff with a beautiful facility and an up-and-coming program. I'm happy to be a part of it."

Jim and his wife of 14 years, Lynn, have two children, Miranda (9) and Abbie (6). The family has resided in Stockton since 1993.