USC track coach Ron Allice announces retirement

Ron Allice, USC’s director of track and field for the last 19 years, announced his retirement.

Allice guided USC’s women to the 2001 NCAA title and coached men’s and women’s teams to a combined 25 top 10 finishes and 32 individual NCAA titles.

USC’s men’s team finished fifth, and the women tied for 21st at the NCAA championships that concluded Saturday at Eugene, Ore.

Bryshon Nellum won the 400-meter title and Reggie Wyatt won the 400 hurdles.

Allice will remain at USC through June 30 to help coach USC athletes through the 2013 U.S. championships.

“Since my senior year in high school, my one goal in life was to someday be a coach,” Allice said in a statement released by USC. “I was blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the most storied program in college and Olympic history.

“I will forever be humbled and grateful. Please know that this decision did not come easily nor was it made with haste. It was a decision based on deep personal and professional reflection.

“The USC Track and Field program has sustainable components in place for a bright and successful future.”

In a statement, Athletic Director Pat Haden thanked Allice, saying USC has “a deep and unrivaled history of NCAA champions and Olympic greats and Ron added many layers to that legacy. We take great pride in our track and field program at USC and we will find a successor to take the baton from Ron and build on his great accomplishments from the past 19 years.”

ALSO:

USC’s Reggie Wyatt wins 400 hurdles at NCAA championships

USC’s Bryshon Nellum finishes third in NCAA 200-meter finals

USC’s Aaron Brown finishes fifth in 100 at NCAA championships