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

Manager

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.

Matt McVicar

Director of Race Management

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Mizuno Wave Rider

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: Any distance longer than a 5k.

WHY I RUN: It is an addiction. I’ve been running for 25 plus years!

FAVORITE MOMENTS:  Spending time with my family and playing with my granddaughter.

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

Sarah Haines

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Adidas Pureboost Expose

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 8 miles

WHY I RUN: I feel accomplished and love running through scenery and new places!

FAVORITE MOMENTS:  I enjoy creating art and graphic design.

Kay Deberardinis

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Altra Paradigm, Hoka Bondi, and my Chacos!

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: Triathalons- my longest distance is a Half-Ironman.

WHY I RUN: I have always loved being active! I began running and attending group exercise classes as a way to relieve stress after long days of studying or being in the office. My children participated in team sports whichlead me to try indoor soccer and golf. I eventually took up triathlon as a way to defy aging!

FAVORITE MOMENTS: My husband, David, and I are proud parents of two children, Callye and Sam, with whom I enjoy traveling, skiing and bareboat sailing. I also like spending time volunteering for several non-profits!

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

Julie Best

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Brooks Levitate

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 4 miles power walking

WHY I RUN: I love the feeling I get when I’ve worked out hard whether that be power walking, lift weights, or doing aerobics. It also helps relieve stress!

FAVORITE MOMENTS:  Training and helping people’s lives change through physical fitness and going to soccer games with my grandson.

Liz Tamplin

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Brooks Levitate

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: nothing less than 26.2!

WHY I RUN: I love getting to run with my friends-they are the best!

FAVORITE MOMENTS: Qualifying for and finishing the Boston Marathon (not including the 2 hours in the medical tent!)

Jonathan Morris

Fit Expert

FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: New Balance Vongo

FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 5 miles

WHY I RUN: It’s a good confidence booster, stress reliever, and makes for a healthy recreational activity.

FAVORITE MOMENTS:  I love playing drums and making music.

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.

Thomas G. Thoma

Accountant

FAVORITE RACE : Firecracker 5K for Research