College of Marin

Carl was a founding member of the first cross country team at College of Marin in 1963. In the springtime he also competed for the Track & Field team, running the one and two mile races. Jim McGowan, his cross country coach, was a major influence on Carl during his time at College of Marin. Under Coach McGowan’s guidance, he placed well in many notable long distance races and received honors from the Golden Valley Conference.

Jensen won the 1966 Dipsea race, a 7.1 mile footrace from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach from scratch, without a head start, a feat no one has repeated since. He was in inducted into the Dipsea Hall of Fame in 2007. Jensen continued his passion for running by joining the Marin Athletic Club with former coach Jim McGowan.

Jensen later transferred as a student-athlete to Sonoma State University. He was later drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart. After his service, Carl completed his degree at San Francisco State University. He began a career in the non-profit field, later being awarded Novato Citizen of the Year in 1968. Jensen has served on numerous veteran advocacy groups with particular focus on PTSD. 

Jensen feels that College of Marin has given him many gifts, but the one gift he cherishes most, “[T]he lifelong friendships from fellow athletes and students.”