Bios

Matt Brown

Owner

A Native of Auburn N.Y., Matt moved to Shreveport with his brother Chris to work at Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club. In 1980 Centre Court Tennis Shop was created which evolved into Sportspectrum Inc. Growing from 1200 sq. feet to 8500 sq. feet over a period of 30 years, Matt built his dream store and present location in 2010.

In 1984 Sportspectrum Race Management was created and has produced 2000+ running, multi-sport, and cycling events to date. In 1993 Matt raised over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society “Dusk till Dawn” by running 60 miles, one for each year his Mom lived. Matt served on the ACS board for 10 years along with the Goodwill board.

After 35+ years Matt’s belief is still to promote a healthy lifestyle for the Shreveport-Bossier Community. Customer service, product knowledge, and an unprecedented retail experience is what Matt has strived for since day 1.

FAVORITE MARATHON: N.Y.C. Marathon

FAVORITE HOBBIES: Spending time with my 3 girls and hanging out with my best friend and partner, Charlotte

Andrew Gaspard

FAVORITE SHOE: Adidas Boston Boost

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: half marathon/ marathon: 7 Half Marathons and 5 Marathons to date

WHY I RUN: I’ve been running for 12+ years and in recent years trying to become more competitive in half marathons and marathons. Running lets me stay activate, set goals, and work hard to achieve them- plus it’s really fun. I love the way running creates a community of people to share victories and failures and live active lifestyles.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: I love to travel with my wife and dog, watching LSU football, and I have a passion for collegiate ministry.

Grant Oliver

Manager

FAVORITE SHOE: Right now I have to say that my favorite shoe is the New Balance Vongo.

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 10K- It’s long enough to challenge me and also easy enough to stay in shape for.

WHY I RUN: I run for many reasons. I love competing against myself. I enjoy the challenge of mind over matter, and the rush I get from setting a new PR. I also really enjoy the alone time. After a long or stressful day it is the perfect way to unwind and re center.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: Enjoying the great outdoors with my wife and son, spending time with my family and friends, and soaking all the beauty God has made!

Elizabeth Tamplin

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Brooks Levitate FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 26.2!  13 Marathons to date WHY I RUN: Running is my passion; it helps me relax and think more clearly. My running friends keep it fun! FAVORITE MOMENTS: Spending time with my family and friends

Matt McVicar

Race Management

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: I have a couple favorite shoes. The Mizuno Wave Rider and the Brooks Ghost 10.

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: Half Marathon & Ultras

WHY I RUN: Running helps me escape the worries of the day, but it also helps me think about things that need to be done.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: I have so many favorite moments over my 20+ years of running that I could probably write a short book about them. Running with my girlfriend Amy, to helping my daughter train for her first marathon, to pushing my granddaughter in her jog stroller, anytime I can run with the ones I love…those are my favorites!

Ben Haines

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Brooks Ghost

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: Half Marathon

WHY I RUN: I run because I enjoy being in shape.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: I enjoy hanging out with friends and being outdoors.

Bailey Freeman

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: New Balance 880

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: However far my dog wants to run

WHY I RUN: I am a nursing student, so I love running because it is the best stress reliever out there.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: I love hanging out with my family and going to the gym.

Julie Best

Fitness Specialist, Trainer, Instructor

Fitness Industry for 30+ years Training & teaching Aerobics, Cross Fit, Strength, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba

Instructor Coordinator, Silver Sneakers Fitness Program

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: I love to teach and train others how to exercise and eat healthy.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: I love to workout, walk, enjoy outdoors, dance, laugh, and participate in Bible studies with friends.

Frank Trammel

2015 Lifetime Achievement Awards Recipient – Louisiana Track and Field Association

Coach Trammel has held coaching positions throughout the state of Louisiana: Northeast (Monroe, LA), Northwestern State University (Natchitoches), Louisiana Tech University (Ruston), and Bossier Parish Community College. High schools include: Quitman High School and Benton High School.

Has held Louisiana Best Records during his career as a runner. Those records include the 10,000m, 15K, 20K, 25K, 30K and the Marathon.

11 Time Gulf South Conference – Track & Cross Country Performer 1972-1975

NAIA All American Cross Country 1974 – NAIA All American Indoors 1975 – NCAA and NAIA All American 10,000m Run 1976 – Louisiana Collegiate Record Holder 10,000 m Run 1976 – Team Adidas 1978-1982

Northwestern State University “N” Club Hall of Fame 1984 – Ark-La-Tex Track & Field Hall 1985

Distinguished “N” Degree – Northwestern State University 2015

Arkansas Traveler 1979

U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials – 1976

U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials – 1980

National Federation of High School (NFHS) 2014 – Boys State, Section and National Cross Country Coach of the Year – Coached Current Girls Composite Record Holder – 1,600m and 3,200m

Current President of Louisiana Track & Field Coaches Association

Brenda Gilley

Race Timer

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Hoka Clifton 3 or 4

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 13.1 mile run was my accomplished run in 2.39 hours, but my favorite moment was the finish of a 73 mile bike ride in pouring rain in Alexandria!

WHY I RUN: I love to run and bike to stay in shape both physically and mentally, and I enjoy the running and biking community.

Mary Lees

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Mizuno Wave Creation

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: Running and walking many of the 5Ks in Shreveport, working out at the gym, and riding horses

WHY I RUN: I run because mentally and physically it makes you feel better and more energized.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: Being a wife, Mother of three, and going to LSU home games

Clinton Oliver

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: New Balance 1080

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 2-4 miles

FAVORITE MOMENTS: I enjoy running and fishing because I love being outside taking in God’s creation.