Leading by example

Brant Tolsma has coached Liberty athletes for nearly 30 years

Most people live their lives hoping to leave a legacy behind, but Brant Tolsma is among the lucky few who do not have to wait to see that materialize.

At the ripe age of 65, Tolsma is still as strong and active as someone half his age. As the head coach for Liberty’s track and field and cross-country teams, he has managed to put together the university’s most successful athletics program. According to libertyflames.com, the cross-country and track and field programs have collected a whopping 82 Big South championships, as well as three Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America titles.

Known for his blunt honesty and sarcastic sense of humor, Tolsma’s colorful personality is just one side to the coach, who has been leading the Flames and Lady Flames to victory for nearly 30 years with no signs of slowing down.

“Some people would say Coach Tolsma is sarcastic,” Assistant Coach Pete McFadden said. “Some people would say he’s really straightforward. Some people would say he’s loving. Some people would say he’s like a father figure. I would say, in some cases, he’s all of the above.”

McFadden knows what it is like to both compete for and work with Tolsma, an experience not many are afforded. McFadden was contacted by Tolsma to come in and work after completing an internship with Liberty in 1986. McFadden noted that Tolsma’s influence does not stop with track, but reaches far beyond the field of competition.

“One thing you can know about Coach Tolsma is he’s fair, he’s just, he’s going to let you know where you stand with this program, he’s going to give you every opportunity to be successful with this program, and he wants the best for you, not just for track, but for life,” McFadden said.

It all started in seventh grade when Tolsma attended his first track meet and fell in love with the sport. He then built his own high jump to practice on in his backyard.

Tolsma began to pray that God would give him the talent, and in turn, he would give God the glory. Although he claims he never personally reached a high level athletically, he said he has been blessed with immeasurable talent in the athletes he has coached. His first job was at Campbell University, before the Lord clearly led him to Liberty.

“Liberty is the best place in the world to glorify God through athletics,” Tolsma said. “I think it was because that was the desire of my heart, he chose me to come here, and now I get to do that all the time.”

On any given day in practice, Tolsma can be seen hurdling, long jumping, lifting, running a 7:30 mile, or casually completing 21 pull-ups, bringing a whole new level of motivation. The 56-time Big South Coach of the Year (cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field) also holds the world record in the double decathlon for his age group, giving him plenty of experience and an even greater coaching perspective.

“Some people can teach you what you have to do, but they won’t do it with you,” freshman triple jumper Darrel Jones said. “It adds to it and makes them more fun to be around. … It’s a good atmosphere.”

Tolsma’s athletes are quick to point out his technical mindset, which allows him to crunch numbers and put together the best strategies to win. With a Ph.D. in biomechanics, he knows how to develop techniques and instruction with head knowledge and experience.

“(Tolsma is) very technical,” senior Kyle Wheeler said. “He knows how to break down angles, and he’s coached a lot of good jumpers in the past, so he knows what a good jump is supposed to look like.”

Tolsma’s vision for the program at Liberty is one of excellence, as he hopes to clearly demonstrate Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr.’s motto that, “If it is Christian, it should be better.” He looks to Scripture, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel, as a reminder of what his ultimate mission is. There are hopes of more conference titles and eventually national championships.

“If biblical principles work, and Christ is on the throne, and if 1 Samuel 2:30 is true, … we need to be going to the top,” Tolsma said.

Tolsma’s athletes have bought into that mindset, and it shows on the track.

“Coach Tolsma is a visionary,” senior heptathlete Riley Brandon said. “He has great faith and because of that, great expectations, so to be an athlete of his is enjoyable. He’s loving, he’s kind like a fatherly figure, but he also has expectations for you to improve and succeed.”

One thing is for certain — Liberty track and field has been guided by a true legend, and with a God-fearing, high-jumping coach, the sky is the limit.

“There’s just none like Coach Tolsma,” Brandon said. “He’s one of a kind.”

CARTER is a sports reporter.