BATON ROUGE — LSU head track and field coach Dennis Shaver announced Tuesday that assistant throws coach John Woosley has resigned his position on the coaching staff in order to complete his work toward a Ph.D. at the University.
Woosley, who has been on Shaver’s staff since 2004, is nearing the completion of his Ph.D. in Information Systems and Decision Sciences for which he also has a master’s degree, and he said it is important to now focus his attention on completing his work.
“When I accepted the coaching position in 2004, I was nearing the completion of my Ph.D. in ISDS here at LSU,” Woosley said. “Earning a Ph.D. is a special accomplishment, and it’s always been my ambition to obtain this degree. It’s a task not easily completed while also focusing on the responsibilities in the athletic program. I must now focus my attention and effort completely towards my goal of finishing the degree requirements.
“The chance given to me by Coach Shaver to join the coaching staff three years ago was the opportunity of a lifetime for me, one I couldn’t ignore. The athletes, coaches and support staff will always have a special place in my heart, and I will continue to support the program in whatever capacity I can.”
The throws group has enjoyed great success under Woosley as sophomore javelin thrower Chad Radgowski became his first athlete to win an SEC title and earn All-America honors in 2007. In all, Woosley has coached one All-American, one SEC champion, four All-SEC performers and a total of 14 NCAA Regional qualifiers in three years.
An accomplished athlete in his own right, Woosley was a three-year letterwinner for the Tigers from 1996-98 as he specialized in the hammer and weight throw. He still ranks third and sixth, respectively, on LSU’s all-time list in the events. Also a two-time Academic All-SEC selection, Woosley was a four-time recipient of the LSU’s Athletic Director’s Cup.
Shaver said he respects Woosley’s decision to focus his time and effort on completing his Ph.D. and that he has been a tremendous asset to the LSU men’s and women’s track and field programs both as a student-athlete and as an assistant coach.
“I respect John in his decision to devote his efforts on finishing his Ph.D.,” Shaver said. “Upon accepting the job three years ago, we both agreed he would continue to work on and complete his Ph.D. He just doesn’t feel like he is able to devote the kind of time required to the LSU athletes and also finish this degree program within already established deadlines.
“He’s had a great opportunity in the last three years to do something he loves to do, and that is working with the student-athletes here at LSU while also working on his Ph.D. He’s done a tremendous job since he’s been on our staff, and we appreciate everything he has given LSU. We’ll immediately begin the search for a new assistant coach.”