Clemson Hires Charles Foster as Track and Field Assistant Coach

July 20, 1999

CLEMSON, S.C. – Clemson head men’s track and field coach Bob Pollock announced today the hiring of Charles Foster as the Tigers’ new assistant coach.

Foster, who will work with the sprints, hurdles and relay programs, is a former world record holder at 13.20 in the 110m high hurdles. He was ranked number one in the world in the event in 1974 and 1975 and placed fourth at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Foster also was a member of the world-record setting Shuttle Hurdle Relay team.

The 1974 NCAA National Champion in the 110m hurdles, Foster was an 18-time NCAA All-American at North Carolina Central in the 55m hurdles, 110m hurdles and the 4x100m relay. He was the TAC (now the USATF) National Champion in the 110m hurdles from 1974-1976 and was the Penn Relays Champion in the event from 1973-75.

Foster comes to Clemson from Atlanta, where he has worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee since 1992. He directed five events for the 1996 Games: track and field, baseball, softball, riflery and pistol and field hockey. Foster also was responsible for coordinating the opening ceremonies plus the training and competition schedules. Prior to the Games, he designed the track inside Olympic Stadium.

Foster was an assistant coach at North Carolina for six years prior to his work in Atlanta, where he was instrumental in the Tar Heels’ number one ranking in the national dual meet power rankings. At North Carolina, Foster coached 35 NCAA All-Americans, including 1996 Olympic gold medalist Allen Johnson.

A 1975 graduate of North Carolina Central with a bachelor’s degree in recreational administration, Foster is married to the former Sophronia Qualls of Enfield, N.C. The couple has one daughter, Sydney (3).

“Charles is an outstanding coach who has coached numerous athletes not only at the college level, but at the elite level as well,” said Pollock. “With his expertise, he will be able to continue the success we have had in our sprint, hurdle and relay programs. I know our athletes will be extremely pleased with him not only as a coach, but also as a person.”