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
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
Taylor Dare
FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Brooks Ghost
FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: half marathon
WHY I RUN: There was a time in my life that I didn’t know if I would ever be able to run again, so now I run because the Lord has given me an able body to do so. I love to run, it’s my time to pray, to think, to not think, to simply go. It is such a sweet gift that God has given me and I will praise Him every day for it.
FAVORITE MOMENTS: creating memories with family and friends, reading, and anything outside
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.
Val Mitchell
FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Hoka Arahi
FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 13.1 Miles
WHY I RUN: I run because of the wonderful people you meet and the places you can travel for races.
FAVORITE MOMENTS: I love to be with family, compete in triathlons, and go hiking with my dogs.
Claire McMillan
FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Mizuno Wave Horizon
FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 2-3 miles
WHY I RUN: Running relieves the many stresses of my life and helps me strengthen my relationship with Jesus
FAVORITE MOMENTS: Being outside and enjoying God’s creations with my family and friends
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!)
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.
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!
Seth Bos
FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Hoka Bondi
FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 5k
WHY I RUN: To keep in shape for soccer and for enjoyment.
FAVORITE MOMENTS: Besides playing soccer… kayaking!
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.
Macy Lees
FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Hoka Gaviota
FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 3 miles
WHY I RUN: I like to exercise and it helps to relieve anxiety or anything else I am feeling.
FAVORITE MOMENTS: I really enjoy swimming (competitively and for fun) and cheer!
Hector Hernandez
FAVORITE RUNNING SHOE: Asics Dynaflyte
FAVORITE RACE DISTANCE: 1600 meters
WHY I RUN: It keeps me active and fit.
FAVORITE MOMENTS: 2010 track season- It was my first 1600 invitational and pulled out a last second win!
Thomas G. Thoma
Accountant
FAVORITE RACE : Firecracker 5K for Research
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.