GLASSBORO, NJ – Coaching Team USA once is an honor for any coach. Rowan University assistant men's and women's track and field coach Norm Tate was given that opportunity for the fourth time in his illustrious career. This time at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
 
"It's really a great honor," said Tate. "I've had more opportunities since 2010 than any coach in the country. To be selected four times in the past five years is remarkable."
 
Tate coached the male and female jumpers and the decathletes at the Games, where Team USA accumulated 41 total medals. Tate was directly involved with five athletes that won medals. He also helped with the sprinters, selecting runners for the relay teams.
 
"It was great seeing these athletes compete and succeed at such a high level," Tate remarked. "All of their accomplishments give the coaches great satisfaction."
 
Previously, he was an assistant coach for Team USA at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Junior Track and Field Championships. Tate also coached the Team USA male jumpers at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2010, he coached Team USA at the Five Nations Match in Glasgow, Scotland.
 
Tate has also represented his country as an athlete. He was a member of the 1968 United States Olympic Team in the triple jump and captured the United States National Championship in the long jump in 1966, 1969 and 1970. Tate was the US Champion in the triple jump in 1969, 1970 and 1971.
 
"As a former athlete, I always tell kids that they know what it takes to get here," Tate said. "I'm not here to change anything. I'm here to assist you with whatever you need to get better. I make sure that their mindset is right and they are ready to go out there and win."
 
Tate was recently informed that he is the first alternate coach for the 2016 US Olympic team.