Tide Track & Field Assistant Earns Prestigious National Honor

TUSCALOOSA, AL — University of Alabama track and field assistant coach Blaine Wiley has been named the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year for the South Region.

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The Texas native is in his eighth year handling the Crimson Tide's sprints and hurdles contingents and help lead the squad to its most historic finish ever in the 400-meter hurdles.

"Great athletes make coaches look great," Wiley said. "I am humbled to be recognized by my peers, but this award is really a tribute to the great athletes I get to work with here at Alabama. They earned this recognition as much as I did and I want to thank them for trusting me and following the plan."

This performance included a first-place finish from Chris Robinson and a second-place finish from Corde Long. In the following event, Alabama earned a fifth-place national finish in the 200 meters thanks to Tarsis Orogot.

Alabama ultimately finished the season with a fourth-place finish in the 4x400-meter relay to close out the 2023 National Outdoor Championships.

Overall, the Crimson Tide finished eighth at the National Championships with 27 points.

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