Coaching Staff

Nici Rhodes, PT, DPT, GCS
Head Cross Country Coach

I fell into coaching somewhat accidentally, but wouldn't change it for the world. My first introduction to the sport was back in 7th grade when I got cut from the middle school track team. I asked my dad to train me, and our first run together was 10 minutes. My chest hurt so bad during that run that I told my dad I was going to die and it was going to be all his fault (standard pre-teen answer: blame it on a parent). I did make the track team in 8th grade, and after many miles discovered I was pretty good at the sport. I ran for Atlee High School and then Rhodes College out in Memphis, TN. This background definitely helps me as a coach, because I can relate to pretty much everyone on the team. I have been a successful runner, but I also remember what it is like starting from zero.

I began coaching after college, and have now been at it for 17 years. During that time, I have coached at five different schools in the area, and been a part of nine state championship teams (3 cross country, 3 indoor track, 3 outdoor track, but across four different schools). I have been at Tucker since 2024 and have been head coach of cross country/distance since 2025. I love the coaches and student-athletes at Tucker, and look forward to many more years here!

In my free time, I still enjoy running and racing competitively for the PR Run & Walk racing team (road races), and the Pony Express Track Club (track races). I love books and movies, and hanging out with my husband and daughter and our two dogs.

e: nicithomas@gmail.com

Jay Wyss, MPA
Head Track & Field Coach

I've been Tucker's Head Track & Field Coach since 2025 and I've been with the program since 2023. I'm also class of 2004 (Fun Fact: Coach Sirica was my high school coach - and I was one of her first high school athletes!)

How did I get my start? I was in 8th grade gym class, in a track & field unit I hadn't asked for, when my teacher pulled me aside and said I should come out for the team that spring. I had no idea he was a former collegiate athlete and a Tucker Tiger himself. I just knew that somebody who seemed to know what he was talking about thought I might be good at something.

He was right. In the fall I couldn't finish a mile — asthma. By the end of that spring season I was under six minutes. I ran all that summer before my freshman year, not because someone asked me to but because I figured out that I like it. Despite that, my older brother still had to cajole me into going out for cross country (Thanks Mitch!).

Most athletes who show up on a track have no idea what they're capable of. I sure didn't — and I had two people telling me; but look how it turned out! I ran for Tucker, and my name is still on the record board for the 4x800m relay. Then I ran for VCU and set school records in the 3,000m, 10,000m, and 4xMile. I missed the 5,000m record by one measly second (I'm not over it). I even had multiple opportunities to mix it up with All-Americans and professional athletes.

None of that was on my mind in 8th grade gym class. It wasn't on my mind that summer either. Sometimes, things just work out!

Away from the track I run technology and operations for my family's insurance agency, Affinity Group Underwriters, here in Henrico. I live in the county with my German Shepherd, Bella, who has opinions about the length of my long runs. I still love to compete, and especially enjoy making the high schoolers work to beat me.

e: wyssjf@gmail.com

Annette Sirica, MA, MS
Coach Emeritus

e: amsirica45@gmail.com

Ron Catron
Throws

e: ronaldcatron@gmail.com

Greg Ford
Sprints

I was inspired to return to coaching by my daughter running XC and Track at Tucker.

I had previously coached high school and junior college track. I was a four year D2 xc / track athlete. Current member of the Pony Express master’s track team. I employ a hands on approach with a focus on teaching the track events. It is my belief that educated student-athletes are highly motivated, disciplined and willing to accept change. This is why I teach the events.

16 years experience of transforming lives in the affordable housing industry. Born and raised in Washington, DC.

e: fordbsu@yahoo.com

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