Richard Torrellas selected as Olympic coach

Rich Torrellas of Guilford, track coach at James Hillhouse High School, has been selected by USA Track & Field to the 2008 Olympic Games coaching staff.

Torrellas is believed to be the first Puerto Rican (and Hispanic) assigned as a head of any U.S. Olympic Team. USA Track and Field (USATF) is the national governing body of track and field in the United States. They select National Teams for all international events. (www.usatf.org) Contact person: Jill Geer (Media), Craig Masback, CEO

A USATF selection committee composed of administrators, coaches and athletes nominate an Olympic Staff. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) approves the staff following a security check and list of qualifications. The approved Olympic Head Coaches and Managers attend major international competitions such as the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships as well as engage in multiple visits to the Olympic site (in this case China) in preparation for the Olympic Games over a 20 month period.

“Your selection is testimony of your dedication to the sport and of the many accomplishments you have achieved during your career in athletics. Being chosen by your peers makes this honor even more important," said Stephanie Hightower, USATF Women's Track and Field Chair.