The man who brought track back to Pittsburgh

Alonzo Webb appreciates art for its ability to transform objects from one physical state to… Alonzo Webb appreciates art for its ability to transform objects from one physical state to another, like turning a lump of clay into a beautiful sculpture. In much of the same way, Webb has transformed the once-stagnant and mediocre Pitt track and field team into a confident, national power.

An award-winning artist and photographer, Webb sees coaching as an extension of his artistic capacity, combining his passions for track and art. This is why he likens his job to an ongoing vacation despite the fact that he commutes every morning from Kent, Ohio, which means that he leaves home at 5 a.m. in order to arrive in Pittsburgh on time. Also, between cross country and track, Webb is forced to work all day, 365 days a year. Yet, he could not be happier.

“I look forward to coming to work every single day,” Webb said. “There is nothing more gratifying than watching these kids grow and mature into young men and women.”

In 2002, Pitt named Webb its new head coach of the track team. A 1972 graduate of Peabody High School, Webb has nearly 35 years of track and field coaching experience. Webb was himself a competitor, participating in the jumps and decathlon at Western Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis on photography and education.

After graduation, Webb spent the next 27 years as a volunteer coach in different organizations; culminating with his 1993 founding of the River City Elite Track Club. Just prior to coming to Pitt, Webb spent three years at Kent State University, serving as the track team’s associate head coach.

Webb has already delivered. In just two years since becoming the head coach, his men’s team has climbed from the bottom of the conference to third, while the women have moved from eighth in the Big East to champions.

The rapid ascension of the track program has not gone unnoticed by Webb’s peers. In his short time at Pitt, Webb has already compiled six coaching awards, four of the six being national honors. He was also elected to serve as vice president of the Big East Track and Field Championship and Competition Committee.

“I do not value any award over another,” Webb said. “It’s just nice to know that your peers appreciate your hard work.”

All of the progress is even more impressive when you consider the fact that the team lacks two essential components: a track and a field. This is where Webb’s artistic background comes into play.

“We have had to be pretty creative given our lack of facilities,” said Webb.

The Panthers are forced to split up workouts at the Fitzgerald Field House, the Cost Center, and both the Carnegie Mellon and Schenley Park tracks. In addition to designing workouts, Webb has also had to construct some of his own equipment, such as hurdles, for example. Although he admits there is some conversation between University officials and himself, a new track facility remains a distant dream. Webb acknowledges the negative impact this has on recruiting.

“Of course we have lost potential recruits,” Webb said. “Not only are new facilities eye-catching, but it also shows recruits the level of commitment and support a school has for its athletes. It certainly makes a difference.”

Nonetheless, the team’s improvement indicates that Webb has still been able to recruit high-caliber athletes. He says he first sells Pitt to recruits and their families by showcasing the University as a great academic institution. Webb recently raised his team’s academic standards from a minimum Q.P.A. of 2.5 to 3.0, evidence of the value he places on education.

“We want to challenge the kids to raise their standards on the track and in the classroom,” Webb said.

Webb then sells recruits with respect.

“You have to respect all recruits as a person first and an athlete second,” he noted.

Parents tend to quickly buy into his “old school” approach and soon after, the recruits follow suit. Webb stresses a “do the right thing” mentality. He believes his athletes embrace this, and thus work not only as one team, but one family.

Senior Jeryl Wilborn has noticed the difference in the team since Webb took over.

“Coach Webb is a naturally positive and energetic person who has a great sense of what it takes to get the most out of his athletes,” Wilborn said. “He cares about his athletes as students just as much as competitors.”

When not recruiting, coaching, or traveling, the self-described “family man” spends every free moment with his wife, Noel, their four children and three grandchildren. He also likes to relax by listening to all types of music.

Webb has put Pitt track and field on the map, but his ultimate goal is to win a national track team championship, a goal he sees as attainable in the near future.

“Coach has brought much experience to our mostly young squad,” sophomore Tim Konoval said. “I know big things are in store for Pitt track and field in the next couple of years.”

Alonzo Webb the track coach might not have been, however, had it not been for the influences of his hero, Jesse Owens, and his role models Elbert Kennedy and the late Sam Maxwell. Webb first met his hero in 1967 while competing in Pittsburgh during the Jesse Owens City Championship. He later encountered Owens again, this time as a coach, when he and a few other coaches were invited to attend a personal meeting with the track legend.

According to pittsburghlive.com, in that second meeting, Owens whispered a few words to Webb, which in retrospect, emerged prophetic.

“He told me, ‘This is a great sport,'” Webb said. “And he said, ‘I know you’re going to be a great coach.'”