Long Beach State Track and Field Icon Andy Sythe Announces Retirement
1/21/2025 10:00:00 AM | Cross Country, Indoor Track, Track and Field
2025 will mark Sythe’s 35th and final season as LBSU head coach
LONG BEACH, Calif.—After 35 extraordinary years at the helm, Andy Sythe, Long Beach State's Director of Track and Field, has announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of the 2025 outdoor season. Sythe, who has significantly contributed to the program's growth and success, will officially step down on July 31, 2025.
Reflecting on his storied career, Sythe expressed his gratitude and pride:
"I feel truly blessed to have started and completed my career at this remarkable place I proudly call home. Long Beach State has been an incredible support system for me and my family, dating back to the beginning of my journey. Over the years, I've been privileged to serve under five university presidents and nine athletic directors, each bringing their unique perspectives and playing a vital role in advancing our sport. This university, along with the sports of track and field and cross country, holds tremendous potential for growth, and I've been honored to dedicate my life to their success."
Sythe's contributions extend beyond the accolades on the track. His most notable achievement is creating the state-of-the-art Long Beach State track and field facility. As a central figure in its design, Sythe collaborated with a generous donor to bring his vision to life, resulting in a world-class venue recognized with World Athletics certification. This distinction places the facility among an elite group worldwide, underscoring Sythe's commitment to providing student-athletes with the best resources for their development and competition.
Long Beach State Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Smitheran praised Sythe's impact on the program and beyond.
"Over 35 years, Coach Sythe has shaped The Beach track and field program through his tireless dedication to the sport, unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, and deep compassion for those around him. He has mentored countless assistant coaches and developed thousands of student-athletes into successful young men and women. His career at Long Beach State University has been one of championship success at both the conference and national level, and his student-athletes have excelled in the classroom and contributed to the Long Beach community. His selfless impact on the track and field community will be felt for decades. We look forward to celebrating his achievements through the 2025 track and field season culminating with the Big West Conference championships hosted by The Beach."
Unparalleled achievements define Sythe's legacy. Over his tenure, he was named Big West Track and Field Coach of the Year 11 times, guided the program to eight Big West Men's Track and Field Championships and three Women's Championships, and coached his student-athletes to 77 All-America honors, 32 conference Athlete of the Year awards, and 24 Track or Field Athlete of the Year accolades. In 2024, his teams achieved a historic milestone by sweeping the MPSF Indoor Championships.
Sythe's student-athletes have rewritten the record books, holding 33 of 34 school records in indoor track and field, 18 men's outdoor records, and 15 women's outdoor records. His dedication to academic excellence is equally impressive, with 603 student-athletes earning Academic All-Conference recognition and 57 teams receiving USTFCCCA All-Academic honors.
Beyond Long Beach State, Sythe's influence has been felt at the national level. He has served on committees with USA Track & Field and the USTFCCCA, held leadership roles in the Southern California Association of USATF, and coached at prestigious events like the United States Olympic Festival.
As Sythe prepares for his final season, he remains reflective about the program's future and his next chapter:
"The hardest part of this next chapter will undoubtedly be stepping away from the daily interactions with our incredible student-athletes. I've been blessed to work with so many remarkable individuals and teams throughout my time here. Each athlete brings their unique personality and energy, making every day and every season a rewarding experience. I'm excited to be present for my daughter Callie's final year of high school, my oldest daughter Sierra's college athletic journey, and my amazing wife Maribeth's many plans for us. It's time for me to give back to her for all the support she has given me over the years."
As Long Beach State transitions into a new chapter, the program will move forward under the leadership of LBSU' current Head Coach LaTanya Sheffield. Sheffield, a former U.S. Olympian, and Head Women's Coach for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics., shared her gratitude and vision for the program:
"Coach Sythe's career embodies a legacy of program transformation, advocacy for our student-athlete experience, and unwavering community engagement. In his retirement, he has made an indelible mark on the stability and trajectory of Beach Track & Field. I'm blessed and humbled that Bobby Smitheran and his administration have placed confidence in my leadership. I'm more prepared and motivated than ever to continue elevating our Beach Pride traditions."
Sythe's remarkable career and contributions to Long Beach State will be celebrated throughout the 2025 season as the Beach community honors a true icon whose legacy will endure for generations.
Track and field and cross country are a passion for Sythe, and his dedication to the sport is reflected by his involvement beyond the university's scope. Sythe has served on national committees with USA Track & Field and the U.S. Track Coaches Association. He has served on the Executive Committee for Men's Development with USATF, been co-meet director for the 1999 USATF Senior Cross Country National Championships and has completed over 10 years of service as Men's Track & Field Chair and board member for the Southern California Association of USA Track & Field. Sythe also completed four years of service with the Executive Committee and Rules Committee for the USTFCCCA.
Sythe has coached at clinics throughout the U.S. and worked with the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles in its coaching instructional program. Recognized for his success and dedicated work on the national level, Sythe was selected by his peers to be the head coach for the men's West team at the 1995 United States Olympic Festival, held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Before that, he was an assistant coach for the champion West team at the 1993 Olympic Festival in San Antonio, Texas.
Sythe's legacy at Long Beach State is one of dedication and transformation. Over 35 years, he built the Beach into a model of excellence, setting a standard both on and off the track. Through his vision and commitment, he shaped a program and a community that will carry his impact forward for generations.
Reflecting on his storied career, Sythe expressed his gratitude and pride:
"I feel truly blessed to have started and completed my career at this remarkable place I proudly call home. Long Beach State has been an incredible support system for me and my family, dating back to the beginning of my journey. Over the years, I've been privileged to serve under five university presidents and nine athletic directors, each bringing their unique perspectives and playing a vital role in advancing our sport. This university, along with the sports of track and field and cross country, holds tremendous potential for growth, and I've been honored to dedicate my life to their success."
Sythe's contributions extend beyond the accolades on the track. His most notable achievement is creating the state-of-the-art Long Beach State track and field facility. As a central figure in its design, Sythe collaborated with a generous donor to bring his vision to life, resulting in a world-class venue recognized with World Athletics certification. This distinction places the facility among an elite group worldwide, underscoring Sythe's commitment to providing student-athletes with the best resources for their development and competition.
Long Beach State Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Smitheran praised Sythe's impact on the program and beyond.
"Over 35 years, Coach Sythe has shaped The Beach track and field program through his tireless dedication to the sport, unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, and deep compassion for those around him. He has mentored countless assistant coaches and developed thousands of student-athletes into successful young men and women. His career at Long Beach State University has been one of championship success at both the conference and national level, and his student-athletes have excelled in the classroom and contributed to the Long Beach community. His selfless impact on the track and field community will be felt for decades. We look forward to celebrating his achievements through the 2025 track and field season culminating with the Big West Conference championships hosted by The Beach."
Unparalleled achievements define Sythe's legacy. Over his tenure, he was named Big West Track and Field Coach of the Year 11 times, guided the program to eight Big West Men's Track and Field Championships and three Women's Championships, and coached his student-athletes to 77 All-America honors, 32 conference Athlete of the Year awards, and 24 Track or Field Athlete of the Year accolades. In 2024, his teams achieved a historic milestone by sweeping the MPSF Indoor Championships.
Sythe's student-athletes have rewritten the record books, holding 33 of 34 school records in indoor track and field, 18 men's outdoor records, and 15 women's outdoor records. His dedication to academic excellence is equally impressive, with 603 student-athletes earning Academic All-Conference recognition and 57 teams receiving USTFCCCA All-Academic honors.
Beyond Long Beach State, Sythe's influence has been felt at the national level. He has served on committees with USA Track & Field and the USTFCCCA, held leadership roles in the Southern California Association of USATF, and coached at prestigious events like the United States Olympic Festival.
As Sythe prepares for his final season, he remains reflective about the program's future and his next chapter:
"The hardest part of this next chapter will undoubtedly be stepping away from the daily interactions with our incredible student-athletes. I've been blessed to work with so many remarkable individuals and teams throughout my time here. Each athlete brings their unique personality and energy, making every day and every season a rewarding experience. I'm excited to be present for my daughter Callie's final year of high school, my oldest daughter Sierra's college athletic journey, and my amazing wife Maribeth's many plans for us. It's time for me to give back to her for all the support she has given me over the years."
As Long Beach State transitions into a new chapter, the program will move forward under the leadership of LBSU' current Head Coach LaTanya Sheffield. Sheffield, a former U.S. Olympian, and Head Women's Coach for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics., shared her gratitude and vision for the program:
"Coach Sythe's career embodies a legacy of program transformation, advocacy for our student-athlete experience, and unwavering community engagement. In his retirement, he has made an indelible mark on the stability and trajectory of Beach Track & Field. I'm blessed and humbled that Bobby Smitheran and his administration have placed confidence in my leadership. I'm more prepared and motivated than ever to continue elevating our Beach Pride traditions."
Sythe's remarkable career and contributions to Long Beach State will be celebrated throughout the 2025 season as the Beach community honors a true icon whose legacy will endure for generations.
Track and field and cross country are a passion for Sythe, and his dedication to the sport is reflected by his involvement beyond the university's scope. Sythe has served on national committees with USA Track & Field and the U.S. Track Coaches Association. He has served on the Executive Committee for Men's Development with USATF, been co-meet director for the 1999 USATF Senior Cross Country National Championships and has completed over 10 years of service as Men's Track & Field Chair and board member for the Southern California Association of USA Track & Field. Sythe also completed four years of service with the Executive Committee and Rules Committee for the USTFCCCA.
Sythe has coached at clinics throughout the U.S. and worked with the Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles in its coaching instructional program. Recognized for his success and dedicated work on the national level, Sythe was selected by his peers to be the head coach for the men's West team at the 1995 United States Olympic Festival, held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Before that, he was an assistant coach for the champion West team at the 1993 Olympic Festival in San Antonio, Texas.
Sythe's legacy at Long Beach State is one of dedication and transformation. Over 35 years, he built the Beach into a model of excellence, setting a standard both on and off the track. Through his vision and commitment, he shaped a program and a community that will carry his impact forward for generations.
~#LongBeachBuilt~
By the Numbers: Andy Sythe's Legacy
ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS- 37 Years Coaching in Division I: Including service as the youngest NCAA Division I head coach when hired.
- 35 Seasons: Serving as Long Beach State's Director of Track and Field since 1989.
- 5 Decades In Coaching
- 11-Time Big West Coach of the Year
- 8 Big West Men's Championships
- 3 Big West Women's Championships
- 1 MPSF Indoor Championship Sweep: Marking the fifth time in the event's 31 years that the team titles were swept by one school.
- 1 National Champion
- 1 USTFCCCA West Region Men's Field Athlete of the Year
- 24 Big West Athletes of the Year
- 9 Big West Freshman of the Year awards
- 9 Big West Athlete of the Meet winners
- Highest Finish of 16th at NCAA Championships (men)
- 77 All-American Performances
- 150 NCAA Individual Qualifiers
- 4 NCAA Qualifying Relay Teams
- 352 NCAA Regional Qualifiers
- 205 Conference Champions
- 33 of 34 indoor school records
- 18 of 22 outdoor men's school records
- 15 of 22 women's school records
- 57 USTFCCCA National All-Academic Team Honors
- 63 USTFCCCA Academic All-Americans
- 8 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans
- 603 Academic All-Conference Selections
- 192 perfect 4.0 semester GPAs
- 2 Phi Beta Kappa Honorees
- 1 Rhodes Scholar
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