RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – The tiny island nation of The Bahamas won the 1,600-meter relay with a time of 3:01.94, upsetting the United States at the XV Pan American Games Saturday. Two members of The Bahamas’ relay team – Andrae Williams and Michael Mathieu – were both coached by former Texas Tech assistant and current UL head track and field coach Steve Silvey. Silvey coached both athletes from 2005-2007 while with the Red Raiders. During the 2007 season, Silvey again coached Williams and Mathieu during their first year as professional track athletes. According to Silvey, he has offered Williams a position on his UL track and field staff as a volunteer sprint/hurdle coach for the upcoming 2007-08 season.
Williams holds the Texas Tech school record in the 400-meter with a time of 44.90, finishing third at the 2005 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Williams’ decision to join Silvey’s staff will be made following the conclusion of the World Track and Field Championships in late August.