Houston Track & Field to Honor Legendary Coach Tom Tellez with Bust

HOUSTON – University of Houston Track & Field Head Coach Carl Lewis and Director of Track & Field/Cross Country Will Blackburn announced fundraising plans on Thursday to honor legendary Track and Field coach Tom Tellez with the creation of a bust and garden at the Carl Lewis International Complex which will be unveiled in April.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential track and field coaches in history, Tellez's career spans decades of excellence, mentorship and achievement. His impact on the sport and on the lives of his athletes is immeasurable, and this tribute will serve as a lasting symbol of his dedication, leadership, and the countless records and championships he helped his athletes achieve.

"We are launching a $100,000 fundraising campaign to honor the most wonderful coach of the 20^th century," Lewis said. "Without his support and the University of Houston, you wouldn't even know me. We'd love for you to get involved because he transformed Houston Track & Field into what it is today, and he deserves this honor."

The Tom Tellez Alumni Invitational will move to the weekend of April 4-5 where Tellez's bust will be unveiled on April 5. Houston Track & Field invites all to join in celebrating Coach Tellez's extraordinary contributions to both the university and the world of athletics.

To contribute towards Tellez's commemorative bust and garden, fans are encouraged to donate to the Podium Club by clicking here.

ABOUT TOM TELLEZ
In 1976, Tellez became the second head coach in Houston Track & Field history where he served for 22 years until his retirement in 1998.

Tellez began his coaching career in California as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Whittier College, and was later named the head coach at Buena Park High School. He soon moved on to coaching positions at Fullerton Junior College in California and UCLA, where he was the field events coach.

During his time with the Cougars, Tellez founded the Women's Track & Field program and led Houston to a total of 13 team conference championship titles and 30 NCAA Individual National Championships.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Tellez also doubled as a coach for the Santa Monica Track Club, which produced some of the world's leading competitors.

His most notable athlete was nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist and current Houston Track & Field Head Coach Carl Lewis.

Tellez coached numerous Olympians, including former Houston Track & Field Head Coach Leroy Burrell, along with Willie Banks, Kirk Baptiste, James Butts, Greg Caldwell, Joe DeLoach, Paula Jordan, Carol Lewis, Pete Shmock, Dwight Stones, Mike Tully, Michelle Finn-Burrell, Frank Rutherford and many others.

Along with coaching Olympians, Tellez served as an assistant coach on the 1980 and 1984 U.S. Olympic Teams, coaching throwing events in 1980 and jumps in 1984. He was the head coach of the United States Track and Field team at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo.

Tellez was inducted into the Houston Athletics Hall of Honor in 2002. He was also inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross County Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Hall of Fame (1998) and the Texas Track & Field Coaches Hall of Fame (2011).

The Tom Tellez Track at Carl Lewis International Complex at the University of Houston is named after Tellez. His son, Kyle Tellez, currently serves as the Associate Head Coach for Houston Track & Field program.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Track and Field by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining the Podium Club, which provides support directly to Houston Track and Field for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates on #HTownSpeedCity by following @UHCougarTF on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarTF or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougartf.

– UHCougars.com –

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