Bakersfield Grayhound Track Club Coaching Staff

Mark Nichols

Mark graduated East Bakersfield High School in 1977. From there he went on to Bakersfield College where he excelled in Football and Track. Mark excelled in the 4x100 relay, triple and long jumps. After attending one year at Bakersfield College, mark was offered a full ride football scholarship from San Jose State University. From 1981—1989 Mark played with the Detroit Lyons where he was the 1st round draft pick. Because of the love of the sport, since 1999, Mark has dedicated his time with the Bakersfield Grayhounds where many of the club members have excelled in track and field at the colligate level. In 2008 the Mayor of Bakersfield dedicated July 27 as Mark Nichols day.

Jermaine Spence. Head Coach

Coach Spence has been with the Bakersfield Grayhounds since 2007. He hails from Arlington High School in Riverside, California where he competed in football, basketball, and track and field. He still holds high school record for the 110 HH with a time of 14.00 flat. In 1997 he was a state qualifier in the 110HH 7th as a freshman. 1999 State Qualifier in the 110HH 5th sophomore. At CSU, Bakersfield, he was the 2002 Team Captain, 2002 Conference Champion in the 400 IH/ 2002 National Qualifier CCAA 110HH/ Cal Nevada Invitational runner up in the 110HH/ holds the 7th fastest time at CSUB in the 110HH.

Coach Spence is one of our very dedicated coaches and he welcomes each of you to this event.

Russell Grimes, Relay Coach

Coach Grimes has over 30 years of track experience. He excelled in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100 relay and long jump. He graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1970. At E.B. he played football as the wide receiver, kick off and punt return specialist. Coach Grimes received a track and football scholarship at Cal Poly SLO under the direction of Coach Steve Simmons, where he majored in engineering. While at Cal Poly his track experience included the 100m, 200m and the 4x100 relay where the record still stands. He received his teaching credentials in 1981 from CSU, Bakersfield. After receiving his credential, he went back to EBHS where he taught Math and coached the girls track team. Under his direction the EB girls relay won the City championship and placed second in the valley. Coach Grimes has been with the Bakersfield Grayhounds since 2006 where he has coach the boys and girls relay teams. Welcome U.S.A.T.F. Region 14!

Libby Tracy, Assistant Coach

Coach Libby has been with the Bakersfield Grayhounds since 2007. Coach Libby attended Los Angeles Jordan High School and Cal State Bakersfield. Beginning in 1991—1996 he was coached under the direction of Charles Craig and Russell Grimes. Coach Libby holds the three (3) time CAA Champ in the Long Jump. One (1) time CCAA Champ High Jump, Two (2) time All American long jump and he still holds the record for the long jump at CSUB. Coach Libby's athletes have placed at both the national levels where last year his Triple Jumper Shannon Edwards broke the record in Livermore. In 2007, another triple jumper, Thomas Grimes placed 8th at the USATF in Mt Sac in 2007, broke the record at Nationals for the AAU and won a gold medal for the long jump.

After his time at CSUB, Libby went on to receive his teaching credential in 2007 where he majored in Physical Education. Coach Libby is now teaching P. E. at Beardsly Jr. High School where he received a $1000 grant for his Physical Education Core classes. Good luck to all and welcome!

Phillip McCollum

Coach McCollum has been with the Bakersfield Grayhounds since 2009. During his time with the Grayhounds he has coached the Boys and Girls high jump.

Coach McCollum is the Head Track coach at Garces Memorial High School here in Bakersfield.

Kenny Stevenson, Assistant Coach

Coach Stevenson has been with the Bakersfield Grayhounds since 2008. He attended Bakersfield College and CSUB where he ran the 400 meters with a 47.77. In his spare time he enjoys working with our youth and we are privileged to have him on our team. Good luck Region 14!

Shannon Edwards

Coach Edwards has been with the Bakersfield Grayhounds for the past four (4) years. He also coaches for the Golden Empire Football league South High School, 1987

Basketball
Football

6th Place in the 1984 Junior Olympics
4x100 Relay

GEYF – 2 years
Football

YMCA – 6 years
Football
Basketball
Baseball

NJB – 3 years, Assistant Coach