Andy Sythe, after 35 successful years leading Long Beach State’s cross country and indoor/outdoor track and field programs, has announced his retirement.
Sythe will be stepping down as the Long Beach State (LBSU) Director of Track and Field on July 31, following the conclusion of the outdoor track season. Sythe has served in this role since 2019.
“I feel truly blessed to have started and completed my career at this remarkable place I proudly call home. Long Beach State has been an incredible support system for me and my family, dating back to the beginning of my journey,” Sythe said in a public statement. “Over the years, I’ve been privileged to serve under five university presidents and nine athletic directors, each bringing their unique perspectives and playing a vital role in advancing our sport. This university, along with the sports of track and field and cross country, holds tremendous potential for growth, and I’ve been honored to dedicate my life to their success.”
Sythe was instrumental in the program’s excellence on and off the track, even playing a vital part in the design and creation of the World Athletics-certified track and field facility at LBSU. He has been credited with bringing massive success to LBSU’s running programs and ensuring his student-athletes had the best resources possible to perform.
“His career at Long Beach State University has been one of championship success at both the conference and national level, and his student-athletes have excelled in the classroom and contributed to the Long Beach community. His selfless impact on the track and field community will be felt for decades,” said Bobby Smitheran, Long Beach State Executive Director of Athletics. “We look forward to celebrating his achievements through the 2025 track and field season culminating with the Big West Conference championships hosted by The Beach.”
Sythe’s long list of accolades include being crowned Big West Track and Field Coach of the Year 11 times, and serving as the orchestrator of eight Big West Men’s Track and Field Championships, along with three Women’s Championships. Sythe also coached his student-athletes to 77 All-American selections, 32 conference Athlete of the Year awards, and 24 Track or Field Athlete of the Year accolades.
on April 30, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
During the 2024 season, LBSU won the MPSF Indoor Championships, with both the mens and womens teams clinching their respective titles.
Out of the 34 school records in track and field, 33 are owned by student-athletes who competed under Sythe’s leadership. He also oversaw 18 men’s outdoor records, 15 women’s outdoor records and several academic achievements, with 603 student-athletes receiving Academic All-Conference accolades and 57 teams garnering U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches (USTFCCCA) All-Academic recognition.
In addition to his work at LBSU, Sythe has served on committees with USA Track & Field (USATF), the U.S. Track Coaches Association and the USTFCCCA, and held significant roles within the Southern California Association of USATF. He also coached at the United States Olympic Festival, along with various clinics across the country.
“The hardest part of this next chapter will undoubtedly be stepping away from the daily interactions with our incredible student-athletes. I’ve been blessed to work with so many remarkable individuals and teams throughout my time here,” Sythe said. “Each athlete brings their unique personality and energy, making every day and every season a rewarding experience. I’m excited to be present for my daughter Callie’s final year of high school, my oldest daughter Sierra’s college athletic journey, and my amazing wife Maribeth’s many plans for us. It’s time for me to give back to her for all the support she has given me over the years.”
Taking over leadership duties for Sythe will be LBSU’s head men’s and women’s track coach LaTanya Sheffield, a former U.S. Olympian and the Head Women’s Coach for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Coach Sythe’s career embodies a legacy of program transformation, advocacy for our student-athlete experience, and unwavering community engagement. In his retirement, he has made an indelible mark on the stability and trajectory of Beach Track & Field,” Sheffield said. “I’m blessed and humbled that Bobby Smitheran and his administration have placed confidence in my leadership. I’m more prepared and motivated than ever to continue elevating our Beach Pride traditions.”
Though his retirement means the start of a new chapter at LBUS under Sheffield’s guidance, Sythe’s extensive career and lasting legacy will be celebrated throughout the school’s 2025 season.
