Gainey Visits MU, Provides Advice To Cross Country, Track & Field Programs
9/13/2024 8:45:00 PM | Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Track & Field, Athletics Department
MACON – Legendary University of Georgia student-athlete and coach Lewis Gainey visited the Mercer University campus on Thursday to provide foundational advice to MU's cross country and track & field programs for the 2024-25 campaign.
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A former head coach of the Bulldog track and field team and administrator in the UGA Athletic Association, Gainey began his Bulldog career as a standout jumper and hurdler with the Bulldogs from 1962-65. From there, he joined the Georgia track and field staff as an assistant of the legendary Forrest "Spec" Towns before taking over as head coach upon Towns' retirement. Gainey held the title of head coach for the Bulldogs from 1975-89, witnessing many of the proudest moments in Georgia track history.
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After serving in several other capacities within the UGA Athletic Association, Gainey was named the Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management in1996 and stayed in a similar role until his retirement in 2001.
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Gainey emphasized chasing your dreams as part of Thursday's speech to MU's student-athletes, while also focusing on the carpe diem philosophy. Gainey also shared an abundance of stories of how strong work ethics from his former student-athletes and mentees translated to immediate success both on the track, and outside the competitive arena.
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Gainey's visit was coordinated by Associate Athletics Director for Compliance John Peach, a Georgia grad himself, who serves as the sport administrator for both MU programs.
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"Having a coaching legend such as Lewis Gainey speak to our teams was certainly a terrific experience for our cross country and track & field student-athletes," Peach said. "Coach Gainey had an amazing career at the University of Georgia, winning conference and national championships, as well as coaching five Olympians. Besides being an excellent coach, he is an even better person and his message of what it takes to be a winner should have a positive effect on our team."
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A former head coach of the Bulldog track and field team and administrator in the UGA Athletic Association, Gainey began his Bulldog career as a standout jumper and hurdler with the Bulldogs from 1962-65. From there, he joined the Georgia track and field staff as an assistant of the legendary Forrest "Spec" Towns before taking over as head coach upon Towns' retirement. Gainey held the title of head coach for the Bulldogs from 1975-89, witnessing many of the proudest moments in Georgia track history.
Â
After serving in several other capacities within the UGA Athletic Association, Gainey was named the Assistant Athletic Director for Event Management in1996 and stayed in a similar role until his retirement in 2001.
Â
Gainey emphasized chasing your dreams as part of Thursday's speech to MU's student-athletes, while also focusing on the carpe diem philosophy. Gainey also shared an abundance of stories of how strong work ethics from his former student-athletes and mentees translated to immediate success both on the track, and outside the competitive arena.
Â
Gainey's visit was coordinated by Associate Athletics Director for Compliance John Peach, a Georgia grad himself, who serves as the sport administrator for both MU programs.
Â
"Having a coaching legend such as Lewis Gainey speak to our teams was certainly a terrific experience for our cross country and track & field student-athletes," Peach said. "Coach Gainey had an amazing career at the University of Georgia, winning conference and national championships, as well as coaching five Olympians. Besides being an excellent coach, he is an even better person and his message of what it takes to be a winner should have a positive effect on our team."
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