Bill MacMackin

Bill MacMackin is the current President of the Saint John Track & Field Club and a certified Performance and Endurance Coach with a focus on endurance. A former club athlete in his youth, he returned to the organization to help guide its growth and long-term development.

Since returning to leadership roles in 2004, Bill has supported the expansion of club programs, increased athlete participation, and strengthened pathways from introductory levels through to national competition. He has focused on improving competition opportunities, enhancing facilities, and building a sustainable athlete development system.

He is a past Chair of the Board of both Athletics Canada and Athletics New Brunswick. He has also served as a coach with New Brunswick Legion and Canada Games teams, contributing to athlete development at the provincial and national levels.

Club President & Endurance Coach

Sue Ellis Loparco

Sue Ellis Loparco brings more than 40+ years of coaching experience to the club, with a strong focus on sprint development, speed training, and athlete performance. She has worked with athletes at all levels and has been a coach with both Legion and Canada Games teams, helping guide athletes through provincial and national competition opportunities.

A lifelong supporter of track and field in Saint John, Sue comes from a deep family connection to the sport. Her father was one of the founders of the club, and Sue herself is a member of the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame for her contributions and achievements in athletics. Alongside her work with the club, she has also coached multiple sports within local high schools, contributing to athlete development across the community.

Sue is passionate about building confidence, improving speed mechanics, and helping athletes reach their full potential in a positive and supportive environment.

Sprint & Power  Speed Coach

Oyinko Akinola

Oyinko Akinola brings experience as both an elite athlete and a dedicated coach to the Saint John Track & Field Club. He serves as Head Coach of the Saint John Track & Field Club and is also a coach with the UNB Reds Track & Field program.

Born in Nigeria and raised in Winnipeg, Oyinko is a University of Manitoba graduate and three-time U SPORTS All-Canadian whose journey through the sport has provided him with experience at both the national and university levels as an athlete and coach.

As an athlete, Oyinko earned multiple U SPORTS silver medals in the high jump and triple jump, competing at the highest level of Canadian University Sport.

As a coach, Oyinko has worked extensively with the Winnipeg Optimist Athletics Club, leading development in jumps, speed, power, and hurdles, and has supported Athletics Manitoba programs for youth athletes aged 7–18. He has also contributed to provincial coaching clinics and athlete development initiatives. His coaching experience extends through the provincial athlete development pathway, having served as a coach for New Brunswick's Legion Team and Canada Games Team, helping athletes prepare for and compete at some of the country's highest levels of junior competition.

Oyinko is known for his technical expertise in jumps and his ability to connect with athletes at all stages of development.

Head Coach & Technical Director

Chris Belof

Chris Belof is a club coach with the Saint John Track & Field Club, head coach of the UNB REDS cross country and track & field teams, and a High Performance Coach with Athletics New Brunswick. He has received multiple AUS coaching honours, including Coach of the Year awards in men’s and women’s track & field and cross country, as well as UNB REDS Coach of the Year.

Chris holds a Master’s degree in Coaching Education from the University of Victoria and is a Registered Chartered Professional Coach. He is NCCP certified as a Performance Coach in Endurance and trained in Sprint & Hurdles, and has completed the Advanced Coaching Diploma through the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario.

Originally from Regina, Chris has coached across sprints, hurdles, para-athletics, and endurance events. His coaching experience includes roles with Athletics Canada at the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships, Head Coach for Team Canada at the World Cross Country Championships, Assistant Coach at Pan Am Cross Country, and multiple Canada Games roles with Team New Brunswick.

Chris has also contributed to Canada’s national relay program and ALTIS Sprints & Hurdles, along with previous coaching leadership roles with the University of Manitoba Bisons and Athletics Manitoba.

Club Coach & Head Coach for UNB Reds

David Kerr

Club Coach & Throw Specialist

David Kerr is NCCP certified at both the Club Coach and Competition-Development levels, specializing in throws. He coaches hammer, shot put, weight throw, and discus, and also supports athlete development through strength and conditioning.

David holds a BSc in Kinesiology, a BEd, and an MEd, and currently teaches and coaches within Anglophone School District South. As an athlete, he was a two-time team captain with the Dalhousie Tigers, a four-time AUS medalist, and holds the New Brunswick Junior Provincial Record in hammer throw.

David has coached athletes from elementary through master’s levels, with a focus on confidence, technical development, and long-term participation in the sport.

Constance Gillman

Constance Gilman is a certified club coach and performance-development trained throws coach specializing in shot put, weight throw, hammer, javelin, and discus.

Constance has been coaching since age 16 and currently coaches with the Saint John Track & Field Club, UNB Throws, and has served as Head Coach for NAIG Track & Field NB. She has also coached at the Canada Games for both Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

As an athlete, Constance competed for Université de Moncton. She is a former AUS Volunteer Coach of the Year and is known for her strong athlete engagement and focus on personal bests and goal achievement.

Club Coach

Rebecca Legace

Rebecca is an Athletics Performance Coach and throws specialist who has been actively involved in the sport as both an athlete and coach since 1993. Her coaching experience spans middle school, high school, and club-level programs, with a primary focus on the throwing events.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Rebecca coached athletes to competitions including the Royal Canadian Legion Championships and the Canada Games before relocating to Saint John, where she has continued to support athlete development within the local club system.

As a former athlete, she competed at a high level from the age of 11, representing at multiple Canada Games, Legion Nationals, and provincial team competitions. She currently holds New Brunswick provincial records in all five throwing events.

In addition to coaching, Rebecca remains actively involved in the sport as an official, regularly assisting at track & field competitions.

Her certifications include NCCP Certified Level 3 in Athletics Throws, Club Coach (Competition–Introduction Certified Throws), and Sport Coach (Instruction–Beginner Certified).

Club Coach

Alex Coffin

Alex Coffin has been actively involved in athletics for decades as both an athlete and mentor within the running community. A familiar name on the New Brunswick road racing circuit, he has consistently ranked among the province’s top performers in his age group. He remains a regular competitor on both the roads and the track. Alex is a seven-time Marathon by the Sea champion and has been a frequent competitor at the Boston Marathon.

A longtime member of the Saint John Track & Field Club, Alex first participated as a youth athlete and has remained involved for more than 20 years. His extensive racing experience and passion for the sport provide valuable insight and support to athletes of all ages and abilities.

As a member of the club’s Distance and Endurance coaching team, Alex plays an important role in supporting athlete development and fostering a positive training environment. He enjoys helping athletes build confidence, develop consistent training habits, and work toward personal goals, whether they are new to the sport or experienced competitors.

Alex’s lifelong involvement in athletics and commitment to the club make him a valued mentor and positive role model for athletes across the endurance program.

Distance & Endurance Coach

Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas has dedicated his life to the sport of athletics as a coach, leader, official, and volunteer. Over his career, he has coached athletes in both Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick, while also serving in national team roles and contributing to the growth of the sport at the provincial and national levels.

Following his retirement as Technical Director of Athletics New Brunswick, Dave continued his involvement through service on the boards of both Athletics New Brunswick and Athletics Canada. He has also served as Past President of Sport New Brunswick, further reflecting his long-standing leadership and commitment to sport development in the province. His leadership and experience have helped shape athletics across the country.

Dave has been an important part of the Saint John Track & Field Club since the early 2000s, supporting the club through coaching, officiating, and volunteer leadership on the event committee. With experience spanning all disciplines of track and field, he continues to provide valuable guidance and support to both coaches and athletes.

Club Coach

Dean Strowbridge

Dean Strowbridge is one of New Brunswick’s most accomplished road runners, with a long record of success on the provincial road racing circuit. Recognized as one of the province’s top distance athletes, he brings decades of training and racing experience to the Saint John Track & Field Club.

A Club Coach Certified coach, Dean is a key member of the club’s distance and endurance coaching team, supporting athletes ranging from youth competitors to masters athletes and recreational road runners. His focus is on building confidence, consistency, and a strong foundation for long-term success in the sport.

Drawing from years of competition at a high level, Dean helps athletes develop effective training habits, race strategies, and the mental resilience needed to reach their goals. He is passionate about creating a supportive and positive environment where athletes can challenge themselves, improve, and enjoy the process of training and competition.

Dean’s passion for running, wealth of experience, and commitment to athlete development make him a valued mentor within the club.

Distance & Endurance Coach

Our Team