Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University assistant track and field coach John Tillman was honored as part of the University of Tennessee Athletics' fourth annual Champions Weekend Saturday. The recognitions were held in conjunction with Tennessee's home football game against Arkansas.
 
Tillman was honored as the 1985 SEC individual champion in indoor and outdoor triple jump. The 1985 University of Tennessee indoor and outdoor conference championship teams were honored as well. Tillman earned All-America honors six times in his UT Volunteer career. The Union County native competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics as a triple jumper.

What They Are Saying
Wingate director of cross country and track and field Matt van Lierop
 
"It seems like Coach John Tillman has always been around. We got to chatting one day at the Wingate track, where he'd been coaching athletes on the side. Over the next few months, we got to know each other. During this time, he also got to know the WU student-athletes. Fast forward a couple of years later, a WU position opened up and we both felt he'd be the right fit."
 
"John is in his second year with Wingate track and field, helping the sprints/hurdles/jumps get faster and stronger. In all these years I've known him, not once did he mention he was an Olympian. There is not a single arrogant bone in this humble man. We are looking forward to many more years of his influence on these young men and women Bulldogs."
 
Wingate assistant track and field coach John Tillman
 
"I'm excited to be part of something truly special at Wingate University. The beautiful campus, the supportive environment and the culture of excellence-both in the classroom and on the track- make this a remarkable place to coach and mentor young people. Director Matt van Lierop has assembled an outstanding staff…and together we're building a championship-caliber program, but also developing student-athletes equipped with the skills and character to succeed in life."
 
Wingate University
 
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 17 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
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