Ralph Tilley
Head Varsity Coach
Dorsey High School
Ralph Tilley known as "Coach Tilley" by his athletes is one of the great high school coaches in California. Ralph Tilley is a native Californian that grew up in Los Angeles and attended Dorsey High School. He competed on the Cross Country, and Track Team. Coach Tilley attended West Los Angeles College, and moved on to Langston University in Oklahoma. He was an accomplished 400m hurdler & Long Jumper. In the NAIA Championships he placed 4th place in the Long Jump. He was the team Captain and voted as the “Most Valuable Player” at Langston University. He also attended Pepperdine University where he attained his teaching credentials.
After attaining his credentials Coach Tilley started his coaching career at his alma mater Dorsey High School. He also coached at Centennial(Compton) and Locke High Schools. Coach Tilley made his home at Dorsey High School as the Head Track Coach since 1988. He and his team has won 10 Los Angeles City Titles, 18 League Championships, and was runner-up as California State Champion. He was voted as California State- “Coach of the Year” in 1999. In 2005 Coach Tilley and staff was voted as Southern California “Coach of the Year.”
Over the years he has coached some fantastic athletes:
Calvin Jackson – 200 meter runner & High All American
Beno Bryant – 400 meter State Champion, went on to NFL
David Gettis – 3 time 400 meter California State Champion
Kai Kelly – 100 meter & 400 meter hurdles (2 time- Los Angeles City Champion)
Kevin Copeland - All State Track and Football
Lamont Warren - 400 meters, 2X400 meters / NFL