Three decades after running the fastest 800 meters in UCLA
history, Tony Veney has found his way home.
Veney, who replaced Derek Loudenback as the men’s sprints
coach in June 2003, has brought 25 years of collegiate coaching
experience to the track and field program.
His expertise and attitude toward coaching have helped a sprints
program that has been lackluster over the past few years to regain
its momentum and build steam for the future.
“It’s so easy to see a difference this year,”
sprinter and 4×400-meter relay anchor Denye Versher said.
“Coach Veney gives us a mental edge. He knows everything we
are talking about, we can ask him any question.”
Under Loudenback’s predecessor, legendary sprints coach
John Smith, the UCLA men’s program was among the
nation’s best. But after Smith’s departure in 2001,
Bruin sprinters slipped off the national radar.
Through his immense knowledge and devotion to coaching, Veney
has set his sights on rejuvenating the program. First and foremost
among his goals is perfecting his sprinters’ techniques.
“Our runners are not going to run faster if we chase
times,” Veney said. “If we can run clean, get out of
the blocks right, then we have the opportunity to be
exciting.”
Thus far Veney has earned the allegiance of all his athletes,
many of whom have had felt the inconsistency of multiple coaching
changes since Smith’s departure. Whereas last year the
men’s sprinters were just a group of individuals, this year,
because of Veney’s influence, they are functioning as a
cohesive unit.
“Every single person on the sprint squad has come closer
as a group this year,” junior sprinter Mario Bassani said.
“We are like brothers because of how Veney came in and
brought an amazing dynamic to the team. He’s our support,
really.”
Veney’s coaching philosophy has led to positive
results.
Already this season, hurdler Tony Golston and sprinter Craig
Everhart have improved dramatically, cracking the national top 5 in
the 110m hurdles and 200m, respectively.
Golston and Everhart are not the only Bruins to flourish under
Veney’s tutelage.
The 4x400m relay team posted its fastest time of the last five
years with a mark of 3:04.25. This time, which was good for first
at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays on April 3, also qualified
the team for the regional meet.
Undoubtedly, Veney’s presence on the team is a key factor
which was missing from the arsenals of these talented athletes.
“His positive attitude has been showing in our
running,” Golston said.
Veney’s excitement and passion about coaching are somewhat
infectious at times. Already, he has become a force in his
athletes’ lives both on and off the track. Although this
influence is unavoidable, Veney has never focused on molding his
athletes as people.
“If you set out to have an impact on lives, you’re
going to mess it up,” Veney said.
Even with all his support and effort, Veney knows that each
athlete on the team will have a different degree of success.
Heavily recruited sophomore sprinter Matt Bruno, for example, has
continued to struggle under his tutelage, failing to break 10.8
seconds in the 100m.
“In the end, it’s a team environment built around
individuals,” Veney said. “Only one person can win
nationals.”
Regardless of this fact, Veney’s positive effect on the
men’s track and field squad is undeniable.
“You know he’s knowledgeable when coach John Smith
says he’s knowledgeable,” Everhart said of Veney.
Compared with Smith’s replacement Loudenback, who was a
fresh graduate out of UCLA in 2000, Veney has a wealth of coaching
experience under his belt.
After graduating in 1976, Veney had a short stint as assistant
coach at Occidental College. He then moved to Cal State Northridge,
where he coached for 11 years. After CS Northridge, he assisted
with the famed University of Oregon track program. He then moved on
to become the coach at Portland State in 2001, where he resided
until his hiring by UCLA.
Besides his collegiate coaching experience, Veney has been
involved with USA Track and Field and coached with Team USA at the
2001 Goodwill Games. He has also published several training
manuals.
In addition to his 800m school record, which is now No. 6 in
school history, Veney was part of two NCAA Championship teams, in
1972 and 1973.
His membership on those teams gives him a winning perspective,
which he shares with his runners.
“I tell them, don’t make me bring my ring
out,” said Veney. “They know I know what it’s
like to win, but they also know I am in this for them.”
Veney’s reappearance at UCLA brings his professional
journey full circle as he returns to his alma mater and home.
“I’ve been a Bruin as long as I can remember,”
the Southern California native said. “This is a perfect last
stop in a checkered career.”