JOHN TALLEY (FAR RIGHT) ACCEPTS THE TOM NOLAN AWARD THE 2024 LTFCA CLINIC
"Louisiana Track and field will never be the same again."
That's what Zachary throws coach Amanda Woosley posted on Saturday after learning of the loss of her mentor, St. Charles Catholic coach John Talley.
The school's Facebook page posted of the loss on Saturday saying that Talley had passed away earlier that morning.
Woosley had talked to him on the phone on Wednesday about presenting at the Louisiana Track & Field Coaches Association Clinic in January.
"Girl! There's nothing to be nervous about," Talley told Woosley. "You know it. And now it's time to go out and share all of that knowledge with others."
Talley followed that conversation up by sending Woosley some motivational videos on Instagram.
That's one of the many things that made Talley beloved among coaches across the state. He did more than coach his athletes at the school that he was coaching at. He would mentor any coach he came across who was looking to learn more about track and field--especially the throwing events.
But Talley's impact extended outside of the eight-land tracks and throwing sectors. He made a difference in the classrooms, cafeterias, and hallways of the schools where he served.
"He was not only an exceptional educator," read the post on the St. Charles Catholic Facebook page. "He was also a valued team member and a compassionate friend to so many. His impact on our lives and the lives of his students was immeasurable, and his presence will be deeply missed."
One former athlete of Talley's commented on the post...
"He was one of the toughest, most intimidating coaches I ever had," Tim LaTour, who was a tw0-sport athlete at Lee High during the 1990s and was also a student in Talley's social studies class, wrote. "He pushed us hard and didn't take any slacking, but I will never forget the day when I was playing the drums at our church's men's retreat, seeing this burly, strong, coach of mine...in tears, on his knees, with hands raised, worshipping God as all these men sang together."
Woosley's conversation with Talley was about the Louisiana Track & Field Coaches Association's Clinic, which will be held on January 16th and 17 at the Double Tree by Hilton in Lafayette. As an LTFCA Officer, Talley has been instrumental in the organization--spearheading clinics. The organization recognized Talley at this year's clinic as he was awarded the Tom Nolan Distinguished Coach Award.
The organization states that the award recognizes a coach who is or has made a difference in the lives of the student-athletes under his/her tutelage. In the description for the award on the organization's website it states the following, "It places greater emphasis on the positive influence he has had over his athletes, in athletics and life."
According to Zachary head track and field coach, Chris Carrier, the services for Talley will be Tuesday at noon with visitation being held from 10am to noon at Household of Faith Church in Gonzales, Louisiana. St. Charles Catholic High School is having a rosary at 6 pm Monday evening at the St. Charles Football field.
MileSplit Louisiana would like to extend our deepest condolences to Talley's wife of 32 years--Lydia, other family members, friends, colleagues, former and current athletes, and the entire St. Charles Catholic Community.