Ryan Banta is Parkway Central High School Girls Head track and field coach 2003 to the present, and Parkway Central High School Head XC coach 2013 to present. Ryan’s coaching tenure has yielded 84 school records. 2 top 4 finishes in 2008 and 2009, District Champs 2007, 2008, and 2009, four runner up finishes at districts 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, two state records 4×800 and 3200 meter run, 14 nationally ranked events, 34 all state performances, 7 runner up finishes, 8 state championship events and 70 state qualifiers(track and xc). Ryan is the MTCCCA Vice President and MSHSAA advisory board member. He is a writer for elitetrack.com and speedendurance.com and has his USATF Level II in Sprints, Hurdles, Relays, and Endurance, as well as a USTFCCCA technical certification.
Athletic Background:Â I played college football, ran track, and played rugby after college.
Biggest Influences/Mentors:Â Dan Pfaff, Sean Burris, Steve Warren, and Gary Winckler.
Favorite Books/Podcasts: Â I enjoy the Just-fly-sports podcast! My favorite books are Talent is Overrated, The Gold Mine Effect, and Talent Code.
Proudest Moment as a Coach: Is the continuous growth of the young people I work with on a daily basis. Having a national record holder in the bench press and in the 5k within the same year wasn’t too bad either.
Advice for Young Coaches:Â Do not be afraid to contact those you respect and ask for help. People are willing to share you just have to ask.
Products: The Sprinter’s Compendium that will be released soon!