Sonya moved to Medicine Hat in 2009 to begin her career in Health Promotion. Upon arriving in Medicine Hat she immediately sought out coaching opportunities in Athletics and immediately began coaching with the Medicine Hat Panthers. In 2011 she became Head Coach of the Club and has assumed this role ever since.
Sonya is passionate about developing physical literacy skills in children and youth. Her love for track and field and working with emerging athletes shows when she is on the track. Whether you are training for recreational purposes, looking to gain that competitive edge or brand new to the sport – Sonya is sure to instil a love for track and field in you.
Outside of coaching, Sonya enjoys her career in Health Promotion, spending time with her family (husband and babies Jayce & Everly), and doing CrossFit.

Credentials:
B.Kin
NCCP Level 2 Track and Field
NCCP Run/Jump/Throw
NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills
NCCP Sport Coach
Standard first aid + CPR

Leo has always loved track and field!  Prior to coming to Canada, he grew up in Jamaica and trained in the 100m, 200m, 400m, triple-long-high jump.  His high school coach was Glen Mills, the same coach as Usain Bolt!  Leo attended the University of the West Indies, where he continued competing.  He was twice Sportsman of the year and three times Champion Male athlete.  His sprinting knowledge will be a fabulous resource for young, upcoming sprinters.  Leo ran the 400m in 46.9, the 200m in 21.2 and the 100m in 10.9!

Leo currently works for Alberta Health Services as an Addictions Counsellor and is busy raising a young family.

My name is Darryl Smith and I have been involved with track and cross country for the past 40 years as an athlete, coach, organiser, dad and administrator. My entire family runs and enjoys the thrill of competition. I have two amazing boys Elias and Gage and an amazing wife Sharleen.
Running and competing go hand in hand for me as a coach and athlete. I run to compete and I compete so I can run. Its the physical challenges that I like as a runner. I want to push myself to go further and harder each time I run.
As a coach, I love the development of the athlete as a runner but most of all the individual. When an athlete truly understands that the competition in not external but an internal battle that is won through grit, hard work and sacrifice. One of my favourite quotes by one of my favourite runners is: “I don’t run to see who is the fastest, I run to see who has the most guts!” Steve PreFontaine
Running has no barriers or limitations. We can run anywhere, at anytime and in any weather. The only limitations that truly exist for us, are the one’s we put on ourselves!
Darryl is a teacher at EBHS, the Panthers Club President and a member of the track community.

NCCP Athletics Sport Coach Certified

*Scott has been coaching with the Panthers on and off since 2009. 

Scott grew up in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. After graduating from University of Alberta in 1998 he began teaching. Scott has been teaching at Medicine Hat High School since 2001. Currently, Scott is the International Student Coordinator for the Medicine Hat Public Schools District No. 76.

As an athlete, Scott competed in Track and Field at the varsity level and national level. He represented the University of Saskatchewan and Minot State University in High Jump. Scott competed track in North Battleford winning gold medals in High Jump at the Provincial and Summer Games levels. Attended Jr Nationals in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 1993 finishing 5th. Attended Minot State University for Track and Field- won the Indoor State Championship’s clearing 6’6.5” in 1994.

Scott has a love of coaching. He has been coaching multiple sports and specifically track and field athletes helping them to find success.
Scott is married to his lovely wife Ashley and have a beautiful daughter named Peyton.

NCCP Athletics Sport Coach Certified

My involvement and love in track and field began as early as kindergarten when I participated in sport day. The love further matured into high school, where I competed in various track and field events locally and internationally. These included the following:

1996- CAC Games Gold medalist
1996- Carifta Games Gold and Silver medalist
1997- World Junior Pan-American Games Gold medalist

My area of specialty was the 800m and to a lesser extent 400m and 1600m.

In 1997 I was awarded a full scholarship to the University of New Orleans where I was an active member of the track team and won numerous track and field titles. A year later I was transfer to the University of Missouri, where I accomplish the following:

1998- SMSU track and field All-American record holder
1999- NCAA All-American
2000-2003, Missouri Valley Conference record holder

Certification: Masters in Communication
Certification in Sport management
NCCP Athletics Sport Coach certified.

Amanda received an Honours BSc in Neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge and moved to Medicine Hat in 2017. She trained and competed for the U of L Pronghorns track and field team as a hammer and weight thrower for five years. She is a five-time Canada West Championships competitor and five-time Academic All-Canadian Award recipient. As a Pronghorn athlete, she was a volunteer coach at various schools and club programs in Lethbridge and surrounding area.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys hiking and spending time in the mountains. She is very passionate about health and fitness and is excited to share this passion with the Panthers Track and Field club.

Hi! I’m Jaelynn Funk! I am excited to join the panther family! I have always had a passion for track and field. I ran sprints, relays and hurdles through out high school going to provincials each year. After I graduated high school I still had the craving to be at the track for the last 5 years I have on and off I have coached track with Hat High. Fitness and sports have always been a part of my life. I have also coached basketball and bocce ball for the Special Olympics, basketball at Herald school and a program called FUNdamentals where we teach children with disabilities physical literacy skills through basic sports. I was the Chair of the Special Olympics here in Medicine Hat and am an elementary teacher with the Catholic Board of Education. I am able to adapt my coaching and teaching to all people of all abilities and levels. I am a strong believer of having a positive growth mindset meaning we learn and grow from our mistakes to make us better. We are always learning, growing and strengthening. I am looking forward to see the children I coach to grow!

Jordin Peterson

Jordin received a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and moved to Medicine Hat in 2021. During his time in university, Jordin competed with the U of L Pronghorns Varsity Track and Field team in the 600m and 1000m. Jordin spent 2021/2022 teaching at McCoy High School, and was the coach for the schools Cross Country and Track and Field team. In 2022, he is teaching at Eagle Butte High School. In the summer, Jordin carries forth his joy for running through trail running and summiting mountains

Ethan is currently enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at the Medicine Hat College. He has been a sprinter for the past 5 years, running the 100m and 200m sprints with personal bests of 11.24 and 22.45 seconds respectively. He has competed provincially twice, getting 3rd in the 100m and 4th in the 200m last year. He also recieved 1st place for the 200m at the Calgary Outdoor Dino Meet in that same year. Sprinting is my passion and I can’t wait to give back as an assistant coach.

NCCP Athletics Sport Coach Certified

Cassidy Boyd – Indoor/Outdoor Coach

Darren grew up in Brooks, Ab. As a family they went to many Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG), camping and participating as a family. They competed in many family relays but the favourite was ball throw! Ball throw transitioned into Shot Put and Javelin.

In Junior High he participated in the 100m, 200m, Shot Put, Javelin and Discus! In Grade 10, as part of a special track team, Darren switched his focus to the throwing events, then eventually solely on Javelin. In grade 10, he won the Alberta Championships with a throw just under 42m and earned the right to be part of Team Alberta. He competed Nationally in Sudbury, Ontario and attended a throws clinic. By the end of that summer he was throwing over 50 meters and had a pair of spiffy red javelin boots! In Grade 11, he was the ASAA Javelin champion and once again went on to win the Alberta Championship and participate in the National Competition in Banff, Ab.

Darren completed his Ed. degree in 1996 and has now taught in three different school divisions, and in Medicine Hat for 20 years! He is currently a teacher at MHHS, coaches football, wrestling (both at an elementary and high school level) and Track throwing events.

Darren coached the 2018 Indoor Winter session with the Panthers, introducing the athletes to throwing and strength training. He will be joining us at the outdoor track in the spring!