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About Us

Our Story

Founded in 1991, Rainier Beach Track Club has been dedicated to developing young athletes in the Rainier Beach and South Seattle communities. Initially practicing at Rainier Beach High School, the club provided local youth with opportunities to compete in the Hershey and Jesse Owens track and field programs, even sending athletes to national competitions in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

With a strong emphasis on individual athletic development, the club expanded its focus in 1994 to include performance training, preparing athletes for the USATF Junior Olympics. Over the past three decades, our athletes have achieved remarkable success, producing seven national champions and over 85 All-Americans.

Our Mission

Rainier Beach Track Club is committed to empowering youth through track and field, fostering not only athletic excellence but also personal growth, discipline, and resilience. In 2024, we became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, allowing us to further expand our impact and serve even more young athletes across South Seattle.

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Join Us

Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a supportive parent, or a community member looking to make a difference, we invite you to be part of the Rainier Beach Track Club family. Together, we’re building champions—on and off the track.

Our Coaching Philosophy

At Rainier Beach Track Club, we believe in more than just competition—we focus on the holistic development of our athletes.

 

Our coaching philosophy is built on four key pillars:

  • Fun: We foster a positive environment that promotes smiles while working hard.

  • Exploration: Every child has the opportunity to try a range of athletic events.

  • Fundamentals: We build and develop an athletic foundation that extends beyond the track.

  • Growth: We empower kids with the skills to challenge themselves and achieve personal goals.

 

By focusing on these principles, we strive for every athlete, regardless of their experience level, has the opportunity to grow, improve, and enjoy the sport.

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Volunteers

Our volunteer coaching staff is composed of members from the local community who are committed and dedicated to serving young athletes and the mission of the organization. Many of our coaches are former track and field athletes with a long history of coaching with Rainier Beach Track Club. 

 

In the spirit of the organization’s community focus, we also have parents that support our coaches by helping out at training sessions. Whether that’s raking the sand in the long jump pit or helping athletes follow sprint training instructions from the coach. 

 

If you’re interested in volunteering to coach, please contact us!

Meet The Coaches

Coach Vic

Coach Vic

100m, 400m, 800m, Hurdles, Shot Put, Discus

Coach Vic Roberson has coached youth track and field for 34 years all with Rainier Beach Track Club. He coaches youth age groups 9 and older.

Coach HA

Coach HA

Heather Ann (Coach HA) has supported youth and adult runners in cross-country, track, and road racing. Her passion for continuing coaching was inspired when her ten-year-old son discovered his love of running, which led to her coaching the distance program with the Rainier Beach Track Club.

Coach Sheree'

Coach Sheree'

100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100, 4x400, 7/8 year olds

With over 30 years of coaching experience, Coach Sheree’ Johnson is a dedicated and passionate track and field coach. Coach Sheree’ specializes in training 7/8 year olds, focusing on sprints and middle-distance events.

Coach Matt

Coach Matt

Coach Matthew Roberson is a past participant of the Rainier Beach Track Club -- starting in 1991. Matthew works with the youth in the 9/10 and above age groups and offers extra training in throwing events training for multi event athletes. 

Coach Helen

Coach Helen

Long Jump

Coach Helen Biller has been coaching horizontal jumps for RBTC since 2006. She moved to the USA in 2001 from the UK, where she had competed as a long jumpers at national level for 20 years.

Coach Dede

Coach Dede

Fleas (age 5/6)

Coach Dede Gartrell is one of our veteran coaches for our Rainier Beach Track Club. Dede’s tenure with the club started with the infamous Fleas ages, 5 & 6.

Coach Katie

Coach Katie

Long Jump

Coach Katie, a former national champion and three-time All-American in long jump, has been coaching with Rainier Beach Track Club for 13 years. She specializes in sprints and jumps, striving to help athletes reach their full potential in a fun and supportive environment.

In the News

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