The Auburn Track and Field team just returned from the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with eight All-Americans, seven of whom were freshmen and sophomores.
Head coach Ralph Spry explained his role in the team's achievements.
"I just try to pass on my knowledge," Spry said. "I enjoy watching their success."
In Spry's 12 years of coaching, he has experienced a lot of success.
Spry said his favorite memory as well as his biggest accomplishment he has experienced in his coaching career occurred in the 2006 season when Auburn won the NCAA National Championships.
"We've also had numerous students become Olympians," Spry said.
He grew up on the East Coast in Aberdeen, Md. As a track athlete he became a world class long jumper.
While attending the University of Mississippi, Spry became the first bulldog to receive All-American and national champion status in track and field.
He was a three-time All-SEC performer, a two-time NCAA All-American, 1983 SEC Long Jump Champion and the 1983 NCAA Long Jump Champion.
After graduating with a degree in physical education and serving in the U.S. Army as a Company Commander, Spry decided he wanted to stay involved with track and field and soon found his place at Auburn in 1997.
Spry came to Auburn with five years of previous experience, having served as assistant coach at three other SEC schools.
"The impact on youth and student athletes lead me to coach," Spry said.
Spry's work paid off when Auburn won the national championship in 2006 and he was named Division I Women's Outdoor Track and Field Coach of the Year.
With 10 top-five national finishes and a national championship in only 11 years, Spry has made a significant impact.
Freshman Marcus Rowland, a public administration major, said the impact of Spry's encouragement is seen both on and off the field.
"He always has something positive to say to you," Rowland said. "He can turn your frown upside down."
Rowland said Spry's coaching creates a positive atmosphere to train in.
"He tends to the athletes ... and he cares about us," said Joanna Atkins, a sophomore majoring in business. "But he won't let you slack."
In this weekend's championship Atkins won a national championship in the 400 meters while Rowland finished third in the 200 meters.
Spry's experience as a champion track athlete has helped him train the athletes at Auburn at a championship level.
"He's ambitious and definitely a 'go getter'," Rowland said. "He always gets the job done."
This year's team was considerably younger than the competition, with more than half of the players being freshmen or sophomores.
Spry has been supported throughout his career by his wife, Sylvia, and his two children, Tiffany, a junior at Auburn and Ralph Jr., a sophomore on Auburn's football team.
Though Auburn did not win the championship this weekend, Spry is excited to have such a talented team to work with and improve throughout the next few years.
"Whatever goal he sets, he will reach it," Rowland said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
