In the spring of 2006, as a Hagerstown High School senior, Timothy Wysong advanced to the regional in the shot put. He did not advance to the state finals, but as a coach, he has since helped others get there and has plans to send throwers to the big meet again this year.
A lot of things have changed for coach Wysong since 2006, but his love for track and field and his positive attitude and desire to help others still shines brightly.
Wysong is an Army veteran who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. During his time there, he saved the lives of fellow soldiers during an attack, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, but he also lost a leg as a result of his injuries.
His decision to become involved in the track program at Richmond High School gave him a new feeling of self-worth, and as Wysong pointed out, it has helped him and the athletes. “It gives me something to look forward to every spring,” Wysong said.
As much as he enjoys being involved in the RHS track program, Wysong admitted that it was not his idea originally. “My wife Alyssa and her father were coaches for the team, and she kept encouraging me to come out to practice and offer my expertise. At first, I was skeptical, but she was right. Once I came to that first practice, I have never left, and that was 12 years ago. It is fun to see the passion the kids have and how hard they work to improve. We spend a lot of time with these kids, and you develop a bond. You want to see them succeed and to help them do it.”
As a throws coach, Wysong has had success. He has sent three athletes to the state meet during his time with the Red Devil program and hopes to send two back this year. Nate Trawick was his first state qualifier. Jacob Lindahl and Masson Heiny both advanced to the state meet last year and have an excellent chance to return, but Wysong also encourages the young throwers who are not yet at that level. After each throw, Wysong offers advice and encouragement to all of his throwers.
Wysong has both Lindahl and Heiny using a rotational delivery as opposed to the glide method, and both are excelling. The rotational delivery can provide more momentum and power. The 2012 Olympics were the last time a “glider” won the gold medal, so Wysong wants to make sure his throwers have the best technology to develop their skills.
Lindahl and Heiny are competitors, and they push each other. They strive to be first and second in every meet, and of course, they both want to be first.
Lindahl sticks to throwing the shot put, but Heiny is also a discus thrower, and he is peaking at the right time. After winning the East Central sectional with a personal best throw, he has a legitimate chance to advance to the state meet in both events.
Wysong said he and his wife specialize in the throws. He sees his strength as the shot put, and Alyssa’s as the discus. Timothy and Alyssa, who coach both the boys and girls, deflect the credit back to the athletes. “We are successful,” Alyssa said, “because we have a great group of kids.”
Lindahl said the kids on the team all look up to Wysong. “Coach Wysong is a great role model,” Lindahl said, “and he has tremendous discipline. He expects the most from us, and he gives us the tools to work with. He taught me the rotational delivery, and I have developed it to where I am now. We all look up to him.”
Heiny echoed Lindahl’s sentiments about coach Wysong. “Coach Wysong is a role model,” Heiny said. “He may not be able to get in the ring and demonstrate technique, but he can explain and give us his knowledge that translates to what the throw should actually look like. We all look up to him. He is supportive and friendly to all of us. He possesses all the characteristics of a good coach.”
Alyssa, who is also a guidance counselor at RHS, reflected on Timothy’s adjustment after his return. “My dad and I were approached about 12 years ago about helping with the throws at the high school,” Alyssa said. “I knew that Tim loved track, so I encouraged him to come to practice. Once he came to the first practice, he was hooked. His ability to cope with his disability and life experiences speaks to his perseverance. He shows up every day for these kids. He loves what he is doing, and the kids love him.”
Lindahl and Heiny both qualified for the Lawrence Central regional on Thursday, May 29. The competition will be brutal. A top three finish would allow them to pursue their dream of a return trip to the state meet. They will not have two bigger fans rooting them on that day than Tim and Alyssa Wysong.
A version of this article appeared in the May 28 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.