Brian Schepisi - Head Coach / Co-ordinator
Brian is a Level 4 Distance Running and a Level 1 Triathlon and Strength and Conditioning coach. He has 25 years experience in coaching sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Brian spent many years working as a fitness instructor in health clubs in London, Sydney and Melbourne. During that time he became involved in coaching triathletes and long distance runners. Since then he has written well over 2000 training programs and helped even greater numbers acheive their running dreams. He has experience coaching middle distance, long distance and cross country. Brian coached Kate Smythe from a 3hr 20 marathon runner to a 2hr 45 marathon runner before she moved on to train full time for the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Olympic Games. Brian competed in Triathlon for 9 years regularly finishing in the top 10% His greatest acheivement was finishing the Torquay Strongman (3.8km swim/180km cycle/42km run.) in 10hrs 42min. Brian lectured at the Australian Institute of Fitness (cert 3 & 4) for 4 years and is now Runner's World training advisor and Co-ordinator for Sporting Spirit.

Gregor Gojvzewski
Level 5 Middle and long distance running coach Gregor Gojvzewski migrated to Australia from Poland 1997. He has enjoyed great success both as an athlete and a coach. He was a top junior and senior runner winning several medals at the Poland National Championships and has represented his country seven times. He has personal best times of 3:45.89 for 1500m, 8:03.4 for 3000m and 13:51.88 for 5000m.
Since coming to Australia Gregor has been coaching at Essendon Athletics club building up a very successful squad of runners. So far his athletes have won over 30 medals at National Championships. Sporting Spirit is proud to have Gregor on our coaching team. He has a great interest in helping all levels of runners, not just elite. He takes a speed session on Tuesday mornings at 6am at Princes Park and also a strength, technique and hill session on Thursdays at 6am. His sessions are open to recreational runners of all fitness levels who are keen to improve their 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon times.

Val Covacci
Val started training with Sporting Spirit in 2002. She has run 8 marathons with a PB of 3:13 which she ran in Melbourne 2007. Her love of running and people has inspired her to start coaching. Val is always ready to give fellow runners lots of encouragement and helpful advice. She has a level 1 coaching accreditation with the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association.

Mike Rennie
Mike Rennie coaches our early morning squad at the Tan. His qualifications include a Sports Science degree from RMIT, level 2 middle and long distance running, sprints and strength conditioning. He also has a certificate IV in personal training and has a successful PT business. He also coaches track athletes at Knox Athletics club assisting in the development of both sub- elite and international level athletes. He also has a junior squad (up to 16 yrs old) which requires him to work with a very wide range of abilities. Mike has extensive experience in strength conditioning and injury rehab. He has a special interest in biomechanics and running technique which will benefit runners seeking to improve in this area.

Carol Cunningham
Carol has an impressive background of running experience with 45 Half Marathons (three 1st places) and 13 full marathons in countries including UK, France, Canada, NZ, USA, Japan and Australia. She is a Level 2 distance running coach and a qualified Personal Trainer. Carol has been coaching runners since 2007. She is very passionate about running and is keen to help runners achieve their absolute best.

Paul Bryce
Paul is a qualified Personal Trainer with an impressive sporting background. He has played state level basketball, AFL football and coached senior level football in Launceston. He is experienced in strength training and rehab, an important area for all runners! His attention to detail makes him a favourite amongst many of our runners out at Princes Park.

Richard Bowles
Richard came out to Australia 6 years ago and discovered that Melbourne was one of the best places to run in the world. Since then he has passionately pursued his running and coaching, clocking some solid times along the way (36:26 10k and 3hrs 25min for Great Ocean Road 45k). He loves trail running and this has lead to him starting up his business ‘Running Scenic’ which organises running holidays to beautiful locations around Australia. He has his level 2 coaching qualification and has been enthusiastically building up his running squad at Duncan McKinnon Reserve since October 2008. Richards early morning groups are lively, challenging and good fun. All levels are welcome.

Anna McQueen
Anna has loads of enthusiasm when it comes to fitness and exercise. She competes regularly in running, triathlon and skiing and recently completed her qualifications in gym instruction and personal training. She currently trains both groups and individuals in a variety of areas including running, strength conditioning and bootcamp. Anna has a background in marketing and event management and understands the importance of strong leadership and motivation in helping people to achieve their best.

Kate Richardson
Kate had a very successful decade of athletics between 1989 and 2000. During that time she represented Australia in many international events including the world cross country championships, the world track and field championships (1500m, 5000m), The Commonwealth Games (gold medallist 5000m 1998) and the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics (5000m semi finalist). Now 36 yrs old she is married with children and for the past 6 years has turned her attention to coaching. (Wesley College 2003- 2009).
We are very fortunate to have Kate on our coaching team and she is eager to pass on her running wisdom to those keen to learn.