Samford University Athletics

Staff Spotlight--Rod Tiffin, Track and Field

Q&A with Head Track and Field coach, Rod Tiffin

Tell us about your college experience:
"I was a 2 sport athlete in college. I started as a basketball player at Snead State College and then transferred and ran track at Auburn University. At Auburn I was lucky enough to be a 2 time All-SEC performer in the pentathlon and the decathlon. "

Tell us about your family:
"I am married to my beautiful wife Beth. We have 2 children, Connor (who is a freshman at Mississippi College) and Harper (who is a fifth grader at Helena Intermediate School). " 

What made you decide to coach at Samford?
"After coaching for 14 years in the SEC I was really looking for a program where I could make a difference in student athletes' lives. Samford University allowed me to build a program in this direction. We try to develop the whole individual, not only the athlete. " 

What do you love MOST about coaching at Samford?
"The family spirit is real at Samford and it gets me motivated to come to work everyday. The fact that we are our brothers' keeper is the point we stress the most. "

What is one of your best memories as a coach so far?
"We have had so many memories together here at Samford from winning SoCon championships to NCAA champions to Olympic team alternate berths. These things were all memorable and all mean so much. I really couldn't distinguish one from another as my best but I know that I enjoy every success we have at Samford equally and each is so special in its own way."

How would you describe your coaching style?
"My coaching style is one of a nurturing and challenging environment. We try and get the best out of every student athlete in our program. Sometimes this means taking small successes and building upon it and sometimes it means challenging a young person to be the best student-athlete they can be. Both styles are needed at different times in athlete's career. " 

How would your student-athletes describe you as a coach?
"I hope our student-athletes feel that I am a mentor and a guide for them in the journey. Everyday we are here to get better and I hope to lead them in that direction. "

What is one strategy you use to keep your players motivated and striving for success?
"We motivate each day by challenging them to not only push themselves to live up to their own high standards and standards of our team, but also challenge their teammates to live up to the standards of our program on a daily basis. "

Final message from Coach Tiffin:
"We are so excited about our staff and the upcoming season! Once again we will have a challenging schedule and hope this prepares us to be able to contend for every SoCon title this season. We look forward to your continued support of our program."