VMI Athletics

Dr. Tim Sykes was named the Interim Distance Coach for VMI track and field on Saturday, January 28. Sykes fills the slot vacated by Paul Spangler, who accepted a position with the Florida Gators, although a national search for Spangler's successor continues.

Sykes began his track and field coaching career at Ohio University, where he spent six months as a graduate assistant while pursuing his Masters degree. He then assisted Spangler for three seasons at VMI, working from 2004-2007, including efforts with VMI’s 2005 men’s cross country team that finished second in the Big South. Sykes then spent nearly three years as a volunteer assistant at Virginia Tech, where he worked on his PhD and also pursued efforts with the Hokie distance crew, including working with multiple All-Americans. He returned to VMI in August of 2010, and has assisted in all duties regarding distance runners in the time since.
 
Sykes earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Rio Grande, where he was an NAIA competitor, before moving to Ohio University and then to Virginia Tech to continue his education. He is currently employed as an assistant professor in VMI’s Physical Education department.