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Ankeny Track Club

Track & Field Coaches

All of our coaches are unpaid volunteers.

Alecia Rahn-BlakesleeAlecia Rahn-Blakeslee

My name is Alecia Rahn-Blakeslee, founder of Ankeny Track & Field Club. I’ve lived in Ankeny since 1998. I caught the running bug as a graduate student at the University of Oregon. My husband, Tim, and I have two sons, an 8th grader and a 6th grader. This will be our 6th grader’s fourth year running track. I will be coaching our youngest athletes and supporting middle distance, while also handling club and meet registration, parent communication, and all other inquiries. My coaching certifications include USATF Level I and USTFCCA Track and Field Technical 201. I look forward to seeing our athletes grow stronger and more confident in their abilities, meet challenges, and develop a lifelong joy of running. Thank you for running and jumping with us!

Cory SuedmeierCory Suedmeier

My name is Cory Suedmeier, I graduated from Ankeny Centennial in 2016 and Central College in 2020. I competed in the 60 m dash up to the 400 m dash, receiving 4 varsity letters. I was the captain of the track team in the 2019-2020 season. I have  since completed in Olympic weightlifting competitions, “ran” a marathon, and rode in Ragbrai. I work at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines and am working on my MBA at the University of Iowa. I am excited to work with the club to help the athletes become  the best versions of themselves!

Lauren KingLauren King

My name is Lauren King and I grew up in West Des Moines.I spent my summers competing in USATF meets from age 9 through high school. I competed for Valley High School and was a state record holder in class 4A 400m hurdles, a repeat top 3 finisher in the 100m  hurdles, as well as the shuttle hurdle relay.I also competed in the Drake Relays in the 400m hurdles, 100m hurdles, shuttle hurdle relay, and high jump. I went on to compete as a heptathlete for one year at Michigan State University, and then finished my collegiate  career at the University of Northern Iowa. I am a mother of 3 and have continued my running career by finishing multiple half marathons and 2 marathons. I am so excited to share my love of track and field and help with Ankeny Track and Field Club!

Bryan GilbreaithBryan Gilbreaith

Hello Ankeny Track Athletes and Parents, my name is Bryan Gilbreaith. I grew up in NE Iowa where I spent my formative athletic years at Waverly-Shell Rock, but I have called Ankeny home for the past 14 years. Since settling in Ankeny, I have been involved in various coaching engagements with Football, Gymnastics, and Track and Field. I enjoy seeing young athletes gain confidence and friendships in the sports they love. While in High School, I was fortunate enough to win 2 state titles in the long jump and held the 3A state meet record from 1997-2014 (23’ 4”). I also won a state championship in the 100m dash and 4x200 relay. After High School, I competed in sprint events and long jump at Iowa State University, finishing as high as 8th place in the Big12 championship long jump. I am encouraged by ATC’s philosophy as a club and look forward to working with Ankeny’s youth!

Personal bests of:
  • 100m Dash – 10.68
  • 200m Dash – 21.96
  • Long Jump – 24’ 2” 

Tyler Mark (Ankeny Track Club Logo)Tyler Mark

My name is Tyler Mark. My family and I have lived in Ankeny since 2016. I graduated from Indianola high school where I competed in track and field as a sprinter and jumper and played football. I went on to Iowa State University where I continued  my athletic endeavors on the football team. I have two children who are active in many sports. In addition to the Ankeny Track Club, my wife and I help coach AVBA and AJF. 

Cross Country Coaches

Taylor VinningTaylor Vining

My name is Taylor Vining. I grew up in Ankeny and graduated from ACHS in 2016. I ran XC and T&F throughout high school and had the opportunity to continue running both sports at the University of South Dakota while I studied Exercise Science. My favorite  college T&F event to compete in was the steeplechase. I graduated from Des Moines University with my DPT and now work as a physical therapist at Engineered Performance by DMOS in Ankeny. I have always loved running and being around the sport and now get to  coach and work with runners in both settings. I am really excited to meet all the athletes and be a part of helping them achieve their goals!

Karen JunkoKaren Junko

Hi! My name is Karen Junko. I'm originally from Decorah, IA where I ran track throughout middle and high school and one year of cross-country. I've lived in Ankeny for the past 23 years. These days I run for enjoyment and run races  anywhere from 5Ks to marathons. My goal is to run a race in every U.S. state. I've been an educator for 27 years. I enjoy working/coaching youth helping them establish goals, making a plan to reach those goals, and celebrating their successes on the road to  accomplishing their goals.

 

Brad BehrensBrad Behrens

Hi, my name is Brad Behrens. I really enjoy distance running and am glad to have the opportunity to help coach with the Ankeny Track and Field Club! I started running in middle school/high school and also ran both Cross Country and Track in college at Buena Vista University. My boys, Jack and William, have both been a part of the ATC family since 2018, and it has been awesome to watch them grow as runners. I’m excited to help our athletes set and work toward reaching their goals.