Tyrus DeMinter returns to Long Beach City College for his second season as head coach of the men’s cross country country program in 2011. DeMinter brings with him over 25 years of coaching experience.

His coaching career began as an assistant coach in cross country and track at LBCC for current USC head coach Ron Allice. During his 10 years at LBCC, he was an integral part in winning the 1990 State Chmapionship and 1991 State runner up titles in cross country. He also helped guide the Viking track and field team to 10 consecutive State Championships.

DeMinter left LBCC for an assistant coaching position at USC and became head coach for the Men of Troy cross country club. While at USC, numerous athletes under his guidance qualified for NCAA Championships and Olympic trials.

After USC, DeMinter went on to coach at Rio Hondo College, Valencia High School, and Los Angeles City College. He also served as cross country head coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

DeMinter began his running career at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. A standout long distance runner, he finished second at the city finals for cross country and track. He also was a two-time state qualifier with a top performance of 10^th place in the two-mile run, with a time of 9:01.

DeMinter moved on to LBCC where he was an All-American in cross country and track. After earning an A.A. degree in speech communications, he received an athletic scholarship in cross country and track at Long Beach State University. DeMinter eanred All-American honors at Long Beach State and was named athlete of the year. He received his B.S. degree in speech communications from CSULB.

DeMinter’s most favored competitive achievements include being a two-time Olympic marathon qualifier (1988, 1992) with a personal best time of 2:18:57. During those years he was ranked 37^th in the United States.

Aside from collegiate coaching, DeMinter was once the coach for the non-profit AIDS marathon training group. He helped 83 group members finish their first marathon. He has also served as a personal coach and mentor to numerous Southern California runners.