A devastating loss has recently come to experience by the track and field industry following the recent death of a veteran high school coach. Hailing from Louisiana, John Talley’s death news greatly shattered his loved ones and his native people, whom he was close to. A major figure of high school coaches in the track and field industry, Talley’s career carries prominence. 

Starting his coaching career at Lee High School, the Woodlawn High School graduate carried forward with St. Amant High School, following which he got admitted as the coach in his graduate school. Another additional school of his coaching era saw him at Dutchtown, followed by Parkview Baptist, and finally moving to St. Charles Catholic. With a total of six years spent there, Talley was the head track coach of girls’ and boys’ teams. Besides this, the head coach also worked as an assistant football coach in the school. With this, John Talley’s career was not only inclined to track and field but also in other sports, but despite such a wide range of fields, his existence is no longer to be seen.

Talley’s coaching career now ends.

At the golden age of 60 and with no retirement yet achieved, a popular figure in high school track and field, head coach John Talley, passed away on November 23, 2024. Leaving behind a prominent coaching era in his native, the loss has come as a big shock for coaches across south Louisiana. Mourning his death, several people come up expressing the heartfelt journey that John Talley carried. For Brother Martin Cross Country coach and Louisiana Track & Field Coaches Association President Drew Haro, Talley’s passion for sports and his career are prominent. “While I did not know John as long or as well as some of you, I do know his passion for working with student-athletes in both football and track & field was unmatched. He deeply believed in fair access to our sport for all young people, too. We have a tall task ahead of us to fill this void.”

Not much acquainted with the head coach, on the other hand, Talley’s colleague Bill Jones reflected on what kind of person he was while reflecting on his love for sports. “I’m in shock. He was a great person, and he was one of the best throws coaches you could ask for. He did so much for the sport and not just as a coach, and worked as an official at meets. If another coach called for help, John was there.” Carrying such respectful relationships with his colleagues, the veteran head coach’s passion for coaching the student-athletes saw one of the former students coming in reflecting on her relationship shared with John Talley. 

Zachary’s assistant coach relationship with John Talley

A great mentor to his students, John Talley has been remembered by one of his former students, now assistant athletics coach of Zachary Community School. Amanda Woosley, the student and currently the throwing coach of Zachary Athletics, carries a promise of having coached multiple state champions along with two state record holders. Talking about their relationship, Amanda before Talley’s death has remained in touch with her mentor for the last 16 years, conversing over phone calls and texts.

Reflecting on her initial days and training under Talley’s coaching, the assistant coach mentions a moment as an inexperienced coach and receiving help from Talley. “I was inexperienced and giving basic cues to my athletes when a strong, confident figure approached me, and he said, I know how you can fix that right foot. Sure enough, he was right.” Further reflecting on her current relationship with the veteran head coach, Amanda’s friendship with Talley since her mentorship days comes into prominence. “Almost weekly over the last 16 years, we exchanged calls and texts about training, life and a project we were working on. My life won’t be the same without my friend.” With such prominent memories made with all his close ones, John Talley’s absence will be something difficult to adjust to but, on the other hand, will be remembered for good.