At Pennridge Highschool, few people radiate positivity quite like Coach and Physics Teacher Carl Tyce. Whether he is leading a group of sprinters through their final intervals or explaining physics, Tyce’s energy, encouragement, and optimism fill a classroom or track field. But his path to positivity was not always so bright.
During his college running years, Coach Tyce admits to his beatdown attitude. “I was always hard on myself, I even quit track for a semester.” The constant stress of balancing track and academics in college was a struggle for Tyce. The weight of expectations hung low on his shoulders. Though Tyce was an amazing runner, beating school records, and receiving medals, he found it difficult at times to keep a positive mindset. He felt the pressure of letting his teammates down. One race that was lost due to a mistake Tyce had made, he felt embarrassed, and felt bad for letting his team down. The advice he gave was, “I woke up the next morning, and remembered not everyone hates me.”
It was not until after college that Tyce began to see the true importance of positivity. Seeing students in his position now that he is a coach reflects on Tyce’s coaching style. He stated that, “Our team’s strongest skill is finding positivity in everything.” Through win or loss, he continues to radiate positive energy. “The best thing about a relay is that you are all working for the same thing, all working together. Everyone is cheering for everyone.” He values the importance of support, and remaining positive with one another.
For Tyce, positivity is not just about staying cheerful, it is about creating an environment where people feel supported and capable. He would rather train someone who puts the work in, and is happy to be there, rather than someone who is naturally gifted. He values a personal connection with his students and trainees, showing his hard work and dedication to students, even if he has only been coaching here for the past three years.
From the Physics lab to the finish line, Coach Tyce’s journey from self-pressure to self-belief has made him a role model of resilience and optimism. He is a reminder that sometimes the best victories happen not in the track, but in your mind.
