WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Longtime University of Central Missouri Track & Field Assistant Coach Tucker Woolsey will retire from his position at the conclusion of the 2025 Outdoor Season, it was announced Monday, March 24.

Woolsey, who has been the throwing coach for UCM for 23 years, has coached 57 individual MIAA champions, 84 All-Americans and nine NCAA-II National Champions in the shot put, discus, hammer throw, and weight throw since arriving at Central Missouri in 2002.

"I'd like to thank Kip Janvrin and Kirk Pedersen for giving me the opportunity to come to Central Missouri as a graduate assistant and later an assistant coach for the throws at UCM. Over the last 23 years I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing student-athletes, graduate assistant coaches, assistant coaches and head coaches," Woolsey said. "My goal as a coach has always been to help student-athletes develop the desire to strive towards excellence. Not necessarily the excellence reserved for a specific standard, but the excellence found only in striving to be the best version of themselves. The relationships that were built while striving towards excellence will last a lifetime. Coaching collegiate athletics is such a special responsibility, and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to make a difference in so many young people's lives. Thank you, UCM Athletics!"

In addition, Woolsey helped coach the 2015 Jennies Track & Field team to both indoor and outdoor NCAA-II National Titles.

He was named the USTFCCCA Regional Coach of the Year in 2008, 2015 and 2017 and the Outdoor National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2015.

"The accomplishments our throwers have achieved under Tucker's leadership have been incredible, but those accomplishments can't begin to tell the story of the person he really is. The love and respect that he gives each athlete is something that every coach should strive for," UCM Track & Field Head Coach Kevin Paterson said. "Tucker's character goes well beyond the sport of track and field, as the respect he has from his athletes and peers was earned by the dedication he's given to so many people. The minute you meet Tucker, you know he's incredible at what he does as a coach, but watching him with his children, Westin, Colton and Kenna Jo, you realize the love and dedication he has for his family. His legacy here at UCM will last a lifetime, but the time he will get to spend with his family, I truly believe, will bring him the joy that he's give so many people on this incredible journey."

A four-time Academic All-MIAA selection, Woolsey was a six-time All-American in the shot put, a Verizon Academic All-American, and a four-year letter winner in both football and track & field for Northwest Missouri State. He helped lead the Bearcats football team to a pair of National Championships (1998-1999) and four consecutive conference crowns as an All-MIAA fullback. The Excelsior Springs, Mo. native won the Ken B. Jones Award as the conference's Outstanding Male Athlete.  Woolsey was inducted into the Northwest Missouri State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

At Excelsior Springs High, he earned a total of 15 letters in football, wrestling, track, and baseball.

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient now has an Ed. Specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Central Missouri and an Ed. Doctorate from the University of Western States in Sport and Performance Psychology.

When Woolsey is not coaching the UCM throwers, he teaches mathematics at Crest Ridge High School in Centerview, Mo. He is married to Katie Woolsey. The couple have three children Westin, Colton, and Kenna Jo.

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"Probably the greatest thing that Kirk [Pedersen] and I did during our time at Central Missouri was hiring Tucker Woolsey as a graduate assistant in the summer of 2002. His leadership of the throws program for almost a quarter of a century has been the backbone to the success of UCM track & field. I have had the honor to watch Tucker grow into a great family man as a husband and a father. I will never forget the speech that Tucker made to Katie on their wedding day, as it was so heartfelt and made me even more aware of the genuine character of this great individual. I know giving up coaching college throwers will be difficult, but it will be time better spent with his family. We cannot thank Tucker enough for his time at Central Missouri. His coaching accolades speak for themselves with 84 all Americans and nine national champions. Well, done, Tucker! I am so happy to call you, my friend. All my best to you, Katie, Westin, Colton, and Kenna Jo!"

-- Former UCM Track & Field Co-Head Coach Kip Janvrin

"There are people in your life who you know you never want to lose as a coach, mentor or friend. Tucker has been all three of these for me. From playing Guitar Hero to the late hours, or irritating him because I wouldn't listen, he was always the constant. He was always the guiding star. For over two decades, Tucker has been influential in so many athletes and students' lives. Whether he likes it or not, as he is a humble man, he is 1 of 1. A class by himself. The UCMTF family will forever be better because of him. Thank you, Tucker will never be enough. Love ya, buddy."

-- Former UCM All-American and National Champion thrower Drew Frizzell

"'Coach' is not a big enough word to embody the role Tucker played in the lives of so many throwers. In my own life, Coach Tucker taught me how to work harder than I ever thought was possible and showed me how you can exemplify great character while pursuing excellence. His sacrifices, his passion for the sport, and his respect for what it takes to be great afforded so many athletes opportunities beyond our wildest dreams. His influence has impacted every single area of my life, and I couldn't be prouder that Tucker Woolsey was my coach."

-- Former UCM All-American thrower Ashlan Burton

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Don't Miss Coach Woolsey's Send-Off at the UCM Track & Field Reunion
Be sure to join UCM Track & Field during its annual Reunion Weekend April 11-12 as we celebrate Coach Woolsey and UCM Track & Field and Cross Country!

Click here for more information and to register!