In recognition of his significant contribution to American track and field, alumnus Tom Tellez '55 received the USA Track and Field (USATF) Legend Coach Award on July 2 during a ceremony held at the U.S. Olympic Trials, in Eugene, Ore.
A two-time U.S. National Team head coach, 22-year head coach at the University of Houston, and mentor to Olympic gold medalists and countless NCAA champions, Tellez was a sprinter at Whittier College as well as a halfback and defensive back for the Poet football program.
Through two tenures as the USATF International head coach, Tellez’s United States track & field teams led all nations in overall medal count including the most gold medals. Tellez also helped lead the U.S. to 10 gold medals and 26 total podiums at the 3rd IAAF World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, while picking up 55 medals (26 gold) at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis.
The USATF Legend Coach Award is in its third year. The inaugural award was presented to Hall of Fame Tigerbelle Coach Ed Temple in 2014, followed by Dr. Joe Vigil in 2015.
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Photo courtesy: University of Houston
