Feb. 14, 2007

One can say Cathey Tyree has truly been a "model" in all aspects of her life. From a model student-athlete at Purdue, to a professional model and now a role model to two children, Tyree is determined to be the best.

Her determination to succeed started at an early age, when Tyree began playing pick-up basketball with her three brothers and one sister at a neighbor's house.

"I was the baby of the family, so I would just follow around my brothers and sister around and do what they were doing," said Tyree. "As I got older, I would end up at the park and play some pick-up games."

While she loved playing basketball, Tyree soon became involved with a local summer track club in Fort Wayne, Ind., where she eventually evolved into one of the top high school runners in the state. She had the dedication, but her high school coach, Roberta Widman Faust, was the one that helped her develop her talent on the track and in life.

"Mama Wid' was a huge influence me on, not just in my sports career, but in all aspects," said Tyree. "She taught us that we all could be winners, but it would take some hard work and determination."

Coach Faust's influence and her young protégé's determination were quite apparent as Tyree claimed the Indiana state championship in high jump as a freshman. Throughout her high school tenure, she continued her strive for excellence, being named to the Indiana All-Star Team for basketball and as a member of the 1983 relay team whose state record still stands today. The relay squad included former top national standouts - heptathlete DeDee Nathan, triple jump contender Angela Goodman and sprinter Trudy McCloud.

Purdue's Tyree was a three-time All-American in track, as well as a three-time Big Ten Champion in the heptathlon.

After a successful high school career, Tyree moved on to Purdue, where she was as a model student-athlete from 1983-87.  Showing her determination to excel, Tyree not only conquered the track and classrooms on the West Lafayette campus, but also decided to play basketball as well. Tyree became one of the first female student-athletes on full scholarship at Purdue to participate in multiple sports - track and basketball.

Even though most of her time was dedicated to studying and training, Tyree still found time to enjoy her experience as a Boilermaker.

"I loved being at Purdue," said Tyree. "I learned so much from the coaches and gained so many friends through my years there. They say the best years of your life are in college and I completely agree."

As a member of the basketball team, she was a four-year starter at forward. In track, Tyree was a three-time All American and a Drake Relays champion in the heptathlon. She was also the Big Ten Champion in the event for three consecutive years from 1985-87, while helping the Boilermakers to a team title in 1987. By the end of her senior year, Tyree had proven that hard work does pay off.  As a senior she was named Most Valuable Player for both basketball and track, an unprecedented feat. Tyree was also selected as Purdue's finalist for Big Ten Athlete of The Year accolades.

"I was truly blessed to receive many honors, but the 1987 season was the most special. Because I contributed to the team's Big Ten title which still is one of my fondest memories," said Tyree.

Tyree's athletic career did not end upon her graduation from Purdue. She went on to compete in track at the 1987 U.S. Olympic Festival and finished sixth at the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials. Her sixth-place showing at the trials, enabled her to enter the 1988 Olympic Festival in Oklahoma, where she claimed the gold medal in the heptathlon event.

Tyree's career came full circle in 1998 when she was acknowledged with her induction into the Purdue Hall of Fame.

"I was incredibly happy and honored to be inducted," said Tyree.  "It made me feel appreciated and it was nice to know that my hard work did not go unnoticed."

Following her career at Purdue, Tyree turned to modeling and was featured in several commercials.

As Tyree moved forward into her professional athletic career, she embarked on a career as a model as well. Her credits included commercial spots with 7-Up, Nike, Reebok, U.S. Postal Service, Tropicana, Yoplait, Pizza Hut, Healthy Choice and Tylenol. She also did print work with Nike, Coca Cola, Gatorade, Reebok, Propel and Buzz Magazine.

While Tyree continued to model and train for her events, she became involved with the Amateur Athletic Foundation (AAF), an organization that worked with the Olympic Job Opportunity Program to hire athletes who were in training. This partnership led to her position as Assistant Director of Sports Programs, more specifically the Kids In Sports (KIS) program. The KIS Program was created to specialize in developing and organizing sports programs in inner city parks and schools. It not only allowed her time to train, but also the opportunity to give back to the community.

"I enjoyed my job because I was helping the youth and providing assistance to those who did not have anything," she said. "We were extremely successful in getting more kids to participate in the program, which in the end meant less kids in the streets."

While it may seem that she has had a lifetime of success and happiness, Tyree has had her difficulties as well.  Nearly one year ago, Tyree suffered the loss of her fiancé, actor Michael "Bear" Taliferro.  While the loss of a loved one can be devastating to say the least, Tyree has had to remain positive.  Through the difficult time, she has used her lessons of hard work and dedication to provide comfort and support as a model mother for their children, Miya and Milik.

"Being in sports helped me be a stronger person and helped me realize that I want to make things better," she said.  "I am always thinking about what I can do to improve no matter what I am doing at the time.  Being a competitor makes you take an approach that there is always something you can improve."

One can say Tyree is certainly a model to follow.