Lebanon Athletics is proud to announce the promotion of Yusuf Polley to Head Girls Track & Field Coach, pending Board of Education approval. Polley will succeed longtime coach Marty Collier, who retired after an extraordinary 35 seasons with the program.
Polley, who brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience, has served as an assistant with the Warriors for the past four seasons and is eager to step into this leadership role. He will work closely with Boys Head Coach Jason Simcoe, who returns for his 13th season.
"Over the past four seasons, coaching at Lebanon has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my sixteen years in track and field," Polley said. "The athletes, families, and community embraced me from the start, and it's been an honor to be part of their journey. I'm eager to build on the foundation Coach Collier established and to work alongside Coach Simcoe as we help our athletes push their limits, grow together, and represent Lebanon with pride."
Athletic Director Keith Pantling praised the promotion:
"Coach Polley has tremendous rapport with our students, paired with deep knowledge of all aspects of track and field. He will continue to embrace and propel our track community forward."
Specializing in sprints and jumps, Polley also brings expertise across all track and field events. He begins his first year working at Lebanon High School as a Special Education Aide. Outside of athletics, he enjoys woodworking and writing/recording drum tracks for local musicians.
Former athlete Alexa Lane credited Polley with shaping her athletic journey:
"Coach Polley is an exceptional coach, mentor, and person. Shortly after I joined the team, he saw my potential as a hurdler—without his coaching and guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today, competing in hurdles at the collegiate level. The values of sportsmanship, resilience, dedication, commitment, and courage that he instilled in me will stay with me for life. I am incredibly thankful to have been coached by him and excited to see this upcoming season."
Simcoe echoed the sentiment:
"Coach Polley is a wonderful coach who knows the ins and outs of track and field. More importantly, he is a thoughtful mentor and leader who cares about every athlete. I'm thrilled to collaborate with him as we enter this next chapter of Lebanon Track & Field."
A graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, Polley competed in nine different events during his career. He and his girlfriend Ashley reside in Monroe, OH.
