University of Houston track and field announces leadership changes: 'The legacy continues'

The University of Houston (UH) Cougars men’s track and field program announced key leadership changes on Thursday, one of which involves the promotion of one of the school’s greatest athletes.

A UH-issued press release announced that Carl Lewis will serve as head coach of the Cougars and Will Blackburn will take over as the university’s director of track and field. 

“The legacy continues,” the program proclaimed in a tweet.

UH Vice President of Athletics Chris Pezman said in the release that Lewis and Blackburn “are both incredible representatives” of their alma mater.

"I am personally grateful for their leadership during this transitionary time,” Pezman said. “We are fortunate to have individuals of their caliber leading our program with Will doing so on the day-to-day side and Carl as head coach. They are two of the very best in the country."

A native of New Jersey, Lewis enrolled at UH in the late 1970s and was coached by Tom Tellez through 1981, the release said.

Lewis delivered the Cougars a national championship in two events, the long jump and 100-meters, per the release.

He’s best known for his success at the Olympic Games, garnering nine gold medals and a lone silver medal.

In 2013, he joined the program he helped ushered into the national spotlight 40 years ago as a volunteer coach, the release said.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that Lewis takes on the role from his ex-teammate Leroy Burrell, who left the team last month.

"I am excited to continue with this staff on our journey to win a national championship," Lewis said in a statement that was obtained by the station. "We wanted to continue the legacy of Leroy Burrell and (former track coach) Tom Tellez and agreed this was the way to do it.”

The 61-year-old Lewis added that he and Blackburn “have known each other for multiple years.”

According to the program’s release, the El Paso-born Blackburn matriculated at UH in the late 1990s and – as a former track and field athlete himself – lettered under Tellez and Burrell.

Blackburn, who earned an education degree from the university, considers Lewis a mentor and a friend, the release said.

"The Houston Track and Field program is about continuing and building upon its historic legacy,” he said. “I have a tremendous amount passion for the University of Houston and this is truly a dream come true.”