Oct. 16, 2009
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State track and field/cross country head coach Shelia Burrell has announced the hiring of assistant coaches Boldizsar Kocsor and Carjay Lyles. The duo rounds out a coaching staff that already includes 12-year veteran Rich Fox, Jason Karp, Ph.D., and Robert Dean.
"Each member of our staff has experience with high level athletes and has worked previously within highly competitive programs," Burrell said. "They both have already demonstrated their determination to take San Diego State track and field to even greater heights."
Kocsor comes from UCLA's storied tradition where he was a three-time All-American and three-time Pac-10 champion in the hammer throw. Kocsor, a San Diego native who excelled at University HS, brings an intimate knowledge of all four throwing events (shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw). In 2008, Kocsor was the clinician for the USA Track and Field Emerging Coaches Clinic.
Fluent in Hungarian, Kocsor trained and studied at the International Training Center in Szombathely, Hungary, in 2004. Kocsor, who is USA Track and Field Level I certified in the throwing events, graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in political science.
"Coach Kocsor is exactly what we need at San Diego State; he is knowledgeable beyond his years and commands the respect and admiration of the athletes," Burrell said. "His impact is already visible in the throwing events."
Lyles brings a strong pedigree to San Diego State with his background in the sprints, hurdles and jumps. Through his coaching experience with national power Tennessee, the Knoxville Track Club and as a private coach, Lyles has coached two Pan American Games medalists, two high school national record-holders, two Olympic trials finalists, 12 AAU national champions and 33 AAU national medalists.
As an athlete, Lyles garnered NCAA All-American accolades in the triple jump, helping Tennessee to a SEC championship title. Lyles graduated from Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in sociology.
"Coach Lyles is both knowledgeable and a great teacher, both great traits for an emerging elite coach," Burrell said. "His experience has allowed him to see the big picture in how to develop a top level track and field program. I am grateful to have him join our staff. "