Tussing originally started as the women’s cross country and distance coach for the Rams in 2007 and worked with them through 2010. He guided the cross country team to its highest CAA conference finish in six years while simultaneously achieving their highest team GPA. His distance runners notched 5 school records, 2 All-Conference track accolades, and 1 All-Conference cross country accolade under his directions.
Prior to his arrival in Richmond, Tussing worked for six years with the prestigious Florida Gator Track & Field program in a variety of positions under the guidance of legendary head coach Michael “Mouse” Holloway. During his latest role at UF as an interning coach of men’s middle distance, his athletes excelled to achieve one All-American honor, six NCAA qualifying marks, and one USA Junior National Championship qualifying mark. He also assisted with sprints, hurdles, and relays where he mentored seven additional All-Americans and two SEC Conference Champions. Throughout his entire six-year time with the UF program Tussing was involved in the development of four NCAA National Track & Field Runner-up teams, one SEC Championship team, eight NCAA individual or relay championships, and 105 All-American honorees.
He got his start in coaching as a volunteer coach for the Gainesville All-Stars Professional Track & Field Club. Working with the club team he assisted in the guidance of World Champions John Capel and Kerron Clement, Olympic Silver Medalist Bernard Williams, World Championship Runner-up Derrick Atkins, and seven additional Olympians. He also trained football players in speed development in preparation for the 2006 NFL Draft.
Tussing, a native of DeLand, FL, graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in 2005 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He is certified by USA Track and Field as a Level 1 Coaching Education Instructor and holds USATF Level 2 certifications in the Throws and Sprints, Hurdles, and Relays. He and his wife, Shannon, reside in Chesterfield with their son Rown.
