 |
| During Wiley's time in Levelland, South Plains has produced two IAAF World Championships medalists – Renny Quow (Trinidad and Tobago, Bronze, 400, 2009) and Jura Levy (Jamaica, Silver, 4×100-meter relay, 2011) |
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama head track & field coach Dan Waters announced today the hiring of Blaine Wiley as an assistant coach for the Crimson Tide program. Wiley, a 10-time junior college National Assistant Coach of the Year is currently the Associate Head Track & Field Coach at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. Wiley, who will coach the long sprints (men’s & women’s 400 meters, 800, 400-meter hurdles and relays) with the Crimson Tide, will join the Alabama program this summer after the 2015 outdoor season concludes.
"I am very pleased that Blaine Wiley will be joining our staff for the 2015-16 season," Waters said. "Blaine is one of the finest coaches in America. It's hard for me to imagine bringing anyone to our program who could match Blaine's depth of experience and knowledge as a coach, recruiter, mentor and advisor. He will be a vital part of our program, helping us continue to develop into a contender in the SEC and nationally."
"I am honored and excited to join the track & field staff at the University of Alabama," Wiley said. "It's very humbling and meaningful to me to become a small part of the traditions, legacy and history of success that make Alabama such a special place in the world of collegiate athletics. My family and I want to thank Coach Waters for this opportunity. I look forward to helping Dan's vision for the program become a reality.”
One of two veteran coaches with proven credentials of producing elite-level athletes who will be joining the Alabama staff for the 2015-16 academic year (along with Dion Miller of Texas Tech University) Wiley is a proven coach with more than 14 seasons of major college coaching experience.
Wiley and Miller will replace current Crimson Tide assistant coaches Matt Kane and Dick Booth, both of whom informed Waters of their intentions to leave the program after the conclusion of the 2015 season. Kane will transition to coaching professional/post-collegiate athletes while Booth has decided to retire from college coaching but will continue assisting the Alabama program in several capacities, including serving as an organizer for the upcoming 2016 SEC Outdoor Championships (which Alabama will host next May) and the annual NCAA South Region cross country championships, along with other duties revolving around Crimson Tide home competitions.
