Coaching Staff
The Blue Lightning Coaching Staff produced The Blue Lightning coached 10 athletic scholarship recipients, 30 All-Americans, 205 National Junior Olympians, and 37 Regional Champions. 67.74% of our 2025 Summer roster qualified for the National Junior Olympic Games.
The Blue Lightning Track Club’s coaches are passionate about developing youth athletes. Collectively, we bring more than 60 years of combined youth, collegiate, national and international track and field experience to the team. We are comprised of NCAA All-Americans, Collegiate Conference Champions, High School State Champions and record holders, Regional Champions, MVP Award Recipients, and Sports Hall of Famers. Professionally, we are business owners, consultants, managers, educators, counselors, human resources professionals, community advocates, and project managers.
Steve Strother
Head Coach - Sprints/Relays
Coach Steve is the Head Coach and founder of the Blue Lightning Track Club, and a 4-time NCAA Track and Field All-American, 11-time All-SEC Sprinter, SEC Champion, Certified Vertimax Speed Trainer, and Hall of Famer. He brings tremendous track & field and coaching experience and skill to youth athletes.
Education
Auburn University Alumni
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Chad King
Middle Distance Coach
I am Coach King. I’ve been an educator for the past 17 years. I participated in track in high school: long jump, 400m, 4×400, and 4×100. I coached youth athletes (basketball) for over 10 years. Track and field have always been a joy for me to be a part of. I am excited to pass along a love for running while instilling confidence in young athletes to be put forth the best they have to offer.
Education:
Fort Valley State University
Hometown:
Garfield White Coach G / 800
800/1500
Bio coming – Until it arrives, Coach G is the best! He’s an integral member of the coaching staff and Blue Lightning Track Club family! He is super dedicated, goes the extra mile for athletes and coaches, and the parents and athletes love him.
– Steve Strother, Head Coach
Roderick David Coach D
Throws/Sprints/Relays
Coach David is a Level 1 Certified USATF Coach and has coached youth athletes for 16 years. He is a retired marine of 20 years. Known to the Blue Lightning Track Club as “Coach D” – he is well-rounded in multiple track and field events and competed in cross country, 100, 200, 400, 4×200, and the long jump in high school.
Our coaching staff includes USATF Certified coaches, full athletic scholarship recipients, and graduates from top academic and athletic programs in the United States.
Our coaches are consummate students of track and field and the latest coaching techniques for improving the sport. In addition to exposing youth to the exciting world of track and field and the latest training fundamentals for speed, strength, and endurance, we emphasize a positive and motivational team environment. Mentoring is an essential part of our coaching philosophy. We focus on developing a Champion’s mindset within each athlete and bringing out their best on the track, in the classroom, and most importantly, in their communities.
We invite you to review our coaching staff through the profiles below.
Note: Our coaches are background-screened by the AAU.
