WELCOME TO RUN EM’ DOWN
TRACK & FIELD
BE STRONGER THAN YOUR
EXCUSES!
Our mission at Run-em-Down track and field is to provide each individual athlete with the tools needed to not only…….
“Succeed on the track”
but also in life. We push every athlete to their limit whether they’re training for competition or training for fitness. Our youth are the FUTURE. So, we are passionate about giving them the knowledge they need to be good human beings and phenomenal athletes.
“DREAMS ARE FREE GOALS HAVE A COST. WHILE YOU CAN DAYDREAM FOR FREE, GOALS DON’T COME WITHOUT A PRICE. TIME, EFFORT, SACRIFICE, AND SWEAT.” HOW WILL YOU PAY FOR YOUR GOALS? “
-USAIN BOLT
SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES
We support our communities by providing a safe haven for OUR YOUTH to come train and better themselves. TRACK & FIELD is the only sport that has a wide range of events for any kind of athlete. If you enjoy throwing, we have Shot Put, Javelin and Discus. If you are a jumper, we have events such as Long Jump, High Jump and Triple Jump. We feel all events help Combate two of the most common issues our youth battle with today, which is Mental Health and Childhood Obesity. “ In the year 2020 the National institute of Health conducted a study on the contrast of mental health and running/physical exercise. The results showed 82% of the participants experienced increased mood, happiness and outlook, while relieving anger, depression and aggression.”
MEET THE COACHES:
Byron Ragsdale
HEAD COACH
AAU Positive Coaching
USATF/AAU Certified Coach
Central High School - Head Boys Track Coach
David Gaston
Javelin/ High Jump Coach
AAU Certified
Anthony Mason
Boys & Girls Assistant Coach
Website Devlopment
AAU Certified
Mike Miller
Sprints, Throws, Jumps
AAU Certified
(pic on the way)
Matt Baker
Distance Coach
AAU Certified
Summer Ragsdale
Girls Head Coach
AAU Positive Coaching
AAU Certified
Kim Battle
Treasurer/Girls Assistant Coach
AAU Certified
Stephanie Johnson
Secretary/Assistant Girls Coach
AAU Certified
Mike Miller
Assistant Boys and Girls Coach, Jumps, Sprints, Hurdles and Throws
AAU Certified
OUR STORY:
Run-EM-Down Track and Field was founded in 2022 by husband and wife, Byron (Director) and Summer Ragsdale. In very little time at all, the program has grown into a top-level program. Since its creation we have had 7 Junior Olympic Qualifiers, 2 AAU National All-Americans, 50+ Regional Qualifiers, and will continue to grow. Our coaching staff is second to none. Combining for over 50+ years of experience in Track and Field, our athletes are destined for greatness. Every coach on this team’s staff demands the same qualities from each individual athlete regardless of their athletic background. Those qualities being (maximum effort, focus, positivity, respect for others, and accountability.) We believe that by instilling these qualities in each athlete will not only make them better on the track, but also better human beings in their everyday life. Our Goal is for each athlete that comes through our program is to be able to apply what they learned from us to their lives, education, and other sports too.
Byron Ragsdale serves as the Head Coach and Director of this program. The 36-year-old Knoxville native brings a vast amount knowledge that was accumulated over a long and successful Track and Field career. Under the direction of Kelly Carter at Tennessee State University, Byron flourished on the track while competing in several events ranging from 100M, 110MHH, 4x100, 4x400, 400MH, 400M and 200. It was here he developed his passion for the sport of Track and Field. Following a successful college career, he directed his focus to coaching and developing athletes. With the inspiration from his oldest son Grayson Ragsdale, Byron and his wife Summer (who also was a Track and Field standout) made the decision to start a youth Track and Field Program that would give them the ability to contribute to the sport, and also educate youth on proper athletic mechanics and performance. After only two years, that program has become a National Powerhouse.
WHO YOU RUN FOR………………?
