Texas Southern University (TSU) has a rich history of excellence in track and field, with a legacy that spans over five decades. The university's track and field program has produced numerous outstanding athletes, conference champions, and national record-holders. In this article, we will delve into the history of TSU's track and field program, highlighting its achievements, notable athletes, and the factors that contribute to its success.
Early Years of Track and Field at TSU
Texas Southern University's track and field program was established in the early 1960s, with the first team competing in 1963. During its early years, the program faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and a lack of facilities. However, under the guidance of its first coach, Emory Clark, the team persevered and began to make a name for itself in the track and field world.
Conference Championships and National Recognition
Throughout its history, TSU's track and field program has won numerous conference championships, including 15 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles. The team has also produced several national champions, including Olympic gold medalist and TSU alumnus, George Scott. Scott won the gold medal in the 4x400-meter relay at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
TSU's track and field program has also been recognized for its academic excellence, with the team earning numerous All-Academic Team honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). In 2019, the team was named the SWAC's top academic team, with a cumulative GPA of 3.34.
Notable Athletes and Coaches
TSU's track and field program has produced numerous notable athletes and coaches, including:
- George Scott: Olympic gold medalist and TSU alumnus
- Carl Lewis: Olympic gold medalist and TSU alumus
- Willie Gault: Former NFL player and TSU alumus
- Clyde Duncan: Former NFL player and TSU alumus
- DeJuana Johnson: Former professional track and field athlete and TSU alumna
- Coach Emory Clark: First coach of the TSU track and field program
- Coach Clyde Duncan: Current coach of the TSU track and field program
Factors Contributing to Success
Several factors contribute to the success of TSU's track and field program, including:
- Strong coaching staff: The program has had the benefit of experienced and dedicated coaches, including Coach Clyde Duncan, who has been at the helm of the program since 2003.
- Commitment to academic excellence: The program places a strong emphasis on academic achievement, with a cumulative GPA of 3.34 in 2019.
- Support from the university: TSU provides its track and field program with the necessary resources and support to compete at a high level.
- Rich history and tradition: The program's legacy of excellence and its reputation as a top track and field program in the SWAC attract top talent from around the country.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its success, TSU's track and field program faces several challenges, including:
- Limited resources: The program operates on a limited budget, which can make it difficult to compete with larger, more well-funded programs.
- Competition from other programs: The SWAC is a highly competitive conference, with several other top programs vying for dominance.
- Maintaining academic excellence: The program must continue to emphasize academic achievement and ensure that its student-athletes are meeting the necessary requirements to compete.
However, with its strong coaching staff, commitment to academic excellence, and rich history and tradition, TSU's track and field program is well-positioned for continued success in the future.
We hope you enjoyed this article on Texas Southern University's track and field excellence. Share your thoughts and opinions on the program's success and challenges in the comments section below.