Hershey Blaze TC Coaches & Volunteers
Coaching is a profession of love. You can't coach people unless you love them.
-- Eddie Robinson
-- Eddie Robinson
Hershey Blaze coaches come from all types of backgrounds here in the Central PA area. While our track and field abilities vary- the main goal is to provide a fun & safe environment for the children to enjoy this great sport while competing at a high level. All HBTC coaches are registered United States Track & Field(USATF) coaches and some have children competing in the club. We are truly a family environment.
HBTC coaches are also recreational athletes who run in various 5K's, half marathons and marathons. We don't just talk the talk...we are examples!! We're always looking for additional help & expertise with our youth. If you'd like to volunteer your time and become a coach with Hershey Blaze please contact us at hersheyyouthtc@gmail.com.
HBTC coaches are also recreational athletes who run in various 5K's, half marathons and marathons. We don't just talk the talk...we are examples!! We're always looking for additional help & expertise with our youth. If you'd like to volunteer your time and become a coach with Hershey Blaze please contact us at hersheyyouthtc@gmail.com.
Our Founders
Head Coach/ Founder Alan Paynter- Hershey & Mechanicsburg
USATF Coaching Certification- Level 1
Sprints & Relays
Children: Christopher, Maliyah & Jaren
Alan Paynter was inspired to form the Hershey Blaze Track Club by his own personal childhood experience with the Cinnaminson Track Club in NJ. By the time he and his wife settled in Central Pennsylvania and had their own children who wanted to run track they learned there was nothing in the area. So they entered meets as unattached runners and competed alone for a number of years. With the support and addition of a few other families in the spring of 2013, all of that changed. The Hershey Blaze Track Club was born!
Coach Paynter was a sprinter and football player at Lenape High School in South Jersey and earned a scholarship to the West Virginia Wesleyan College and later transferred to Kutztown University to play football. Upon graduation from college Coach Paynter accepted an assistant football and Head Boys & Girls Track Coach position at Central Catholic High School in Reading, Pa. His athletes at Central went on to earn more than 30 District & State medals and have become some the most successful track & field athletes in the school's history.
Professionally, Coach Paynter has been a college admissions officer for 19 years and currently works for Dickinson College. He is also the Sprints Coach at Mechanisburg Area High School. Additionally, both he and his wife Jennifer have also been relief houseparents at the Milton Hershey School. Coach Paynter has worked in education and non profit organizations for over 20 years and considers working with young people his calling and life's work. Alan is a member of Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc., enjoys exercise and fitness as well as riding his bike. He has already completed several marathons and half marathons and soon taking on triathlons.
USATF Coaching Certification- Level 1
Sprints & Relays
Children: Christopher, Maliyah & Jaren
Alan Paynter was inspired to form the Hershey Blaze Track Club by his own personal childhood experience with the Cinnaminson Track Club in NJ. By the time he and his wife settled in Central Pennsylvania and had their own children who wanted to run track they learned there was nothing in the area. So they entered meets as unattached runners and competed alone for a number of years. With the support and addition of a few other families in the spring of 2013, all of that changed. The Hershey Blaze Track Club was born!
Coach Paynter was a sprinter and football player at Lenape High School in South Jersey and earned a scholarship to the West Virginia Wesleyan College and later transferred to Kutztown University to play football. Upon graduation from college Coach Paynter accepted an assistant football and Head Boys & Girls Track Coach position at Central Catholic High School in Reading, Pa. His athletes at Central went on to earn more than 30 District & State medals and have become some the most successful track & field athletes in the school's history.
Professionally, Coach Paynter has been a college admissions officer for 19 years and currently works for Dickinson College. He is also the Sprints Coach at Mechanisburg Area High School. Additionally, both he and his wife Jennifer have also been relief houseparents at the Milton Hershey School. Coach Paynter has worked in education and non profit organizations for over 20 years and considers working with young people his calling and life's work. Alan is a member of Iota Phi Theta, Fraternity, Inc., enjoys exercise and fitness as well as riding his bike. He has already completed several marathons and half marathons and soon taking on triathlons.
Jennifer Paynter- Hershey
Head Club Administrator/ Co-Founder
Jennifer is often referred to as "the glue that keeps the club together and running". She is responsible for most of the day to day organization of the club as well as being the parent of 3 standout athletes. As a child, Jennifer herself was a multi-sport athlete from the Big Spring School District in Newville, PA. Her athletic talent as a defensive back in Field Hockey landed her a scholarship to play for the Kutztown University Golden Bears. It was during their college years when she and Coach Paynter met. As athletes, they often spent time working out together in the off season.
Jennifer is an at home mom and also the owner of Perfectly Paynted by Jennifer. She produces some of the best custom cupcakes and cakes one could ask for. Her baking has long been one of her greatest talents known by all. But it is the care, dedication and passion that she puts into that business that also fuels the Hershey Blaze Track Club.
Head Club Administrator/ Co-Founder
Jennifer is often referred to as "the glue that keeps the club together and running". She is responsible for most of the day to day organization of the club as well as being the parent of 3 standout athletes. As a child, Jennifer herself was a multi-sport athlete from the Big Spring School District in Newville, PA. Her athletic talent as a defensive back in Field Hockey landed her a scholarship to play for the Kutztown University Golden Bears. It was during their college years when she and Coach Paynter met. As athletes, they often spent time working out together in the off season.
Jennifer is an at home mom and also the owner of Perfectly Paynted by Jennifer. She produces some of the best custom cupcakes and cakes one could ask for. Her baking has long been one of her greatest talents known by all. But it is the care, dedication and passion that she puts into that business that also fuels the Hershey Blaze Track Club.
Blaze Hershey/ Hummelstown Site
Coaches David & Josie Vitale- Hershey
Distance / Blaze Cross Country
Children: Giada(GiGi) & Luciana(LuLu)
Coach Dave and Coach Josie are parents of two of our youngest Blaze athletes and a constant figure at our practices supporting all of our "Blaze Mini's". Both are highly competitive and experienced marathon runners as well as triathletes. The energy and commitment they bring to the organization is second to none. When they are not coaching they can almost always be found training intensely for their next major event.
Distance / Blaze Cross Country
Children: Giada(GiGi) & Luciana(LuLu)
Coach Dave and Coach Josie are parents of two of our youngest Blaze athletes and a constant figure at our practices supporting all of our "Blaze Mini's". Both are highly competitive and experienced marathon runners as well as triathletes. The energy and commitment they bring to the organization is second to none. When they are not coaching they can almost always be found training intensely for their next major event.
Coach Chris Paynter- Hershey
Assistant Coach
Bio coming soon
Assistant Coach
Bio coming soon
Coach Camryn Simpson
Jumps Coach Bio coming soon 
Coach Addison Lauver
Volunteer Coach- 8 & Unders Coach Bio coming soon |
Coach John Cerminara- Richmond, Virgina
Visiting Coach USATF Coaching Certification- Level 1 Throws Coach Cerminara has over 15 years of experience competing and coaching in the sport of track and field. Born in Richmond, VA, John grew up in Williamsburg, VA and attended Jamestown High School where he competed all 4 years in indoor and outdoor track. After competing in sprinting and jumping events, John found his calling, excelling at discus and shot put his senior year. He finished his senior season with a District Championship in Discus and a 12th place finish in the State AA Championship Meet. Coach Cerminara brings his excitement and enthusiasm to the throwing events for the Hershey Blaze as well as create a safe and accepting environment for any young athletes looking to learn how to throw. Since having Coach John join us, Blaze throwers have been among the top medalists at every event we've attended. |
Coach Mario Hardison- Harrisburg
Volunteer Coach Children: Quincy & Omari Coach Hardison was a sprinter, basketball and football player at Greater Johnstown High School in Western Pennsylvania and earned a football scholarship to the Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania. While participating in football, he walked onto the track team to help develop more speed and endurance for the upcoming football season. Coach Hardison broke three track & field records while in college 100m Dash, 400m Relay and 800m Relay. During his junior year, Mario qualified in the 100m Dash, for the National Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championship in Riverside, CA. Coach Hardison holds a Bachelors Degree in Business. Mario enjoys helping sprinters build the foundation needed to exceed in their track future. |
Blaze KOP Site
Coach Kevin Mobley- King of Prussia
Coach & Site Director
Children: Isaiah & Mia
Coach Mobley brings years of experience as a college football player and high school coach to the Hershey Blaze Track Club. He also was a high school track athlete at Harriton High School before college. Kevin earned a scholarship to play football at Kutztown University where he was a standout Defensive Back and recently named to the University's All Decade Team. As a high school football coach he's been a major part of the success of the Upper Merion High School football program.
Kutztown Univeristy is where Coaches Mobley and Paynter developed a friendship. This is where he and his wife Chrissy also met. They are the parents of two amazing young athletes- one of which run for Hershey Blaze Track Club. As much as our coaches bring athletic experience to the sport our true goal is to model lifelong dedication and friendship for our athletes. As a result of this renewed bond between these coaches the Hershey Blaze Track Club is launching its Blaze KOP site in the summer 2016. Together with the Paynters, the Mobley family are dedicated to growing this site as a testament to the great success of the Hershey Blaze Track Club and making the organization a national power.
Coach & Site Director
Children: Isaiah & Mia
Coach Mobley brings years of experience as a college football player and high school coach to the Hershey Blaze Track Club. He also was a high school track athlete at Harriton High School before college. Kevin earned a scholarship to play football at Kutztown University where he was a standout Defensive Back and recently named to the University's All Decade Team. As a high school football coach he's been a major part of the success of the Upper Merion High School football program.
Kutztown Univeristy is where Coaches Mobley and Paynter developed a friendship. This is where he and his wife Chrissy also met. They are the parents of two amazing young athletes- one of which run for Hershey Blaze Track Club. As much as our coaches bring athletic experience to the sport our true goal is to model lifelong dedication and friendship for our athletes. As a result of this renewed bond between these coaches the Hershey Blaze Track Club is launching its Blaze KOP site in the summer 2016. Together with the Paynters, the Mobley family are dedicated to growing this site as a testament to the great success of the Hershey Blaze Track Club and making the organization a national power.
Lebanon Blaze Site(Formerly Lebanon Running Rebels)
Coach Kathleen Dornes
Lebanon County Site Director
Jumps/Relays
Coach Dornes is a Lebanon County native and a graduate of ELCO school district and Susquehanna University. She ran track for 12 years, competing in the sprints and relays. Coach Dornes has been an assistant track and field coach for Lebanon School District for the past 7 seasons where she coaches the jumps and 4x1 teams.
Coach Dornes has coached 3 school record holders, 3 PIAA district 3 qualifiers, a league champion, a league runner up, a 3 time county champion, and a 2015 Junior Olympics qualifier in her time with Lebanon.
Lebanon County Site Director
Jumps/Relays
Coach Dornes is a Lebanon County native and a graduate of ELCO school district and Susquehanna University. She ran track for 12 years, competing in the sprints and relays. Coach Dornes has been an assistant track and field coach for Lebanon School District for the past 7 seasons where she coaches the jumps and 4x1 teams.
Coach Dornes has coached 3 school record holders, 3 PIAA district 3 qualifiers, a league champion, a league runner up, a 3 time county champion, and a 2015 Junior Olympics qualifier in her time with Lebanon.
Coach Matt Robinson
Mid Distance, Distance
Coach Robinson is a seasoned track and field and XC coach. He has coached at several different levels throughout his coaching career. Coach Robinson is currently the head XC coach at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Coach Robinson loves track and has for as long as he can remember. The passion he has for running is the same passion he has for coaching. Coach Robinson’s favorite part of track is knowing that he made a difference and an impact with his athletes!!
Coach Robinson’s XC team has won their league for the last 2 seasons, was 2nd in their regional meet, and placed 8th overall at Nationals. At the high school level, he has coached a Lancaster-Lebanon league champion, a PIAA district 3 medalist, and a PIAA state medalist.
Mid Distance, Distance
Coach Robinson is a seasoned track and field and XC coach. He has coached at several different levels throughout his coaching career. Coach Robinson is currently the head XC coach at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Coach Robinson loves track and has for as long as he can remember. The passion he has for running is the same passion he has for coaching. Coach Robinson’s favorite part of track is knowing that he made a difference and an impact with his athletes!!
Coach Robinson’s XC team has won their league for the last 2 seasons, was 2nd in their regional meet, and placed 8th overall at Nationals. At the high school level, he has coached a Lancaster-Lebanon league champion, a PIAA district 3 medalist, and a PIAA state medalist.
Blaze Mechanicsburg
Coach J.D. Albright- Duncannon
Volunteer Coach
Children: Ashlyn & Colton
J.D. has participated in track and field since his days at Everett Area High School in Bedford County. J.D. is a multi County and District place finisher in track and field and an All County and and All Conference MVP as a running back in football. J.D. specialized in the 400, 800 and relays as a track athlete. After high school, he continued his track and football career his freshman year at St. Francis University. J.D. later transferred to Shippensburg University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. J.D. is also married to Tara Albright, who is the unofficial team photographer. J.D. and Tara reside in the Susquenita School District with their two children who compete in both track and cross country.
Volunteer Coach
Children: Ashlyn & Colton
J.D. has participated in track and field since his days at Everett Area High School in Bedford County. J.D. is a multi County and District place finisher in track and field and an All County and and All Conference MVP as a running back in football. J.D. specialized in the 400, 800 and relays as a track athlete. After high school, he continued his track and football career his freshman year at St. Francis University. J.D. later transferred to Shippensburg University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. J.D. is also married to Tara Albright, who is the unofficial team photographer. J.D. and Tara reside in the Susquenita School District with their two children who compete in both track and cross country.
BErks Blaze Site
Jason Holbrook- Exeter
Distance Coach
Berks Blaze XC Director
Children: Alex and Maddie
Jason Holbrook
When Jason isn’t manning his station as the race director for the local Healthy Kids Running Series (a group of cross-country races for children ages 4-13), he’s managing the schedules and resources it takes to corral the 240 children and 43 volunteers (and counting!) who currently call the Exeter Township Elite Track and Field program home. ETETF is a recreational summer track program that introduces children to distance running, sprinting, hurdles, shot put, long jump, and javelin.
His program, though, goes beyond just the kids. Jason and his team also provide seminars on healthy eating to the kids and parents. In yet another effort to make the lessons from the program extend long after its conclusion, Jason also offers a general fitness and mobility class to parents to encourage healthy households, not just healthy kids.
Coach Jason was a distance runner in school winning the District 1 title and placing 18th in the state of Pennsylvania in cross country. Jason’s strong desire to compete didn’t end as he aged. Jason currently competes in Crossfit and placed in the top 5% in the world in the 40-44 age group in the 2016 Crossfit Open and is currently training to improve his world ranking with a goal of competing in the Crossfit Games.
Currently, Jason is an Account Executive with Advanced AV in West Chester, PA.
Distance Coach
Berks Blaze XC Director
Children: Alex and Maddie
Jason Holbrook
When Jason isn’t manning his station as the race director for the local Healthy Kids Running Series (a group of cross-country races for children ages 4-13), he’s managing the schedules and resources it takes to corral the 240 children and 43 volunteers (and counting!) who currently call the Exeter Township Elite Track and Field program home. ETETF is a recreational summer track program that introduces children to distance running, sprinting, hurdles, shot put, long jump, and javelin.
His program, though, goes beyond just the kids. Jason and his team also provide seminars on healthy eating to the kids and parents. In yet another effort to make the lessons from the program extend long after its conclusion, Jason also offers a general fitness and mobility class to parents to encourage healthy households, not just healthy kids.
Coach Jason was a distance runner in school winning the District 1 title and placing 18th in the state of Pennsylvania in cross country. Jason’s strong desire to compete didn’t end as he aged. Jason currently competes in Crossfit and placed in the top 5% in the world in the 40-44 age group in the 2016 Crossfit Open and is currently training to improve his world ranking with a goal of competing in the Crossfit Games.
Currently, Jason is an Account Executive with Advanced AV in West Chester, PA.
