Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the St. Stephen’s track teams are starting their spring season on a brand new, resurfaced track at the school’s Denius Stadium. The community recently celebrated with a brief ceremony and Middle and Upper School runners breaking a red ribbon style finish line tape. 

The upgraded track features a smooth gray surface, finished with school branded vibrant purple in the transition zones. 

Addressing attendees, Head of School Chris Gunnin and Athletic Director Jon McCain both expressed their gratitude for the donor whose generosity brought this project to fruition. 

Following remarks, LaMont King P ’22, director of basketball operations, gathered Middle and Upper School runners at the starting line and sounded the horn. The Spartans sprinted 200 meters through the red finish line ribbon held by Jay Patterson, head strength and conditioning coach, and Chris Breckwoldt '86, P '20, '19, '17, Upper School assistant athletic director. 

After taking their quarter lap, one runner says he’s looking forward to seeing how the new track will help him and other athletes reach peak performance.

“The softer and newer track will make training easier on our bodies and help us to train more to improve our future performances,” says distance runner and cross country team member Graham Boles ’25. Boles plans to run at the collegiate level at Davidson College.

Spartan Track & Field student-athletes are led by a team of powerhouse coaches, including three Olympians and a Spartan alum.

Head Track Coach Sandra Farmer-Patrick

Sandra Farmer-Patrick is a 2-time Olympian, winning a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. The Jamaican-born American former athlete also won the 400-meter hurdles at the World Cup in 1989 and 1992.

Greg Cook, Middle School Track Coach

Middle School Track Coach and Cross Country Program Director

Emmanuel Matadi, Sprinter Coach

Emmanuel Matadi is a Liberian sprinter and a 3-time Olympian. He has represented Liberia in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the 2021 Summer Games in Tokyo and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Tyra Gittens Spotsville, Jumps and Throws Coach

Olympian Tyra Gittens Spotsville competed in the long jump at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, representing Trinidad and Tobago.

Katie Waite-Gwyn '98, Middle and Long Distance Coach

St. Stephen’s alum Katie Waite-Gwyn ran cross country and track at Rice University. 

David-Marquis Patrick, Hurdles Coach

David-Marquis Patrick competed in the men's 400-meter hurdles at The University of Kansas, and is the son of Sandra Farmer-Patrick.

As Spartan runners continue to break in the new track, Gunnin and the entire St. Stephen’s community are sharing excitement for more community celebrations in the months to come as we commemorate the school’s 75th anniversary throughout the 2025-26 academic year and the launch of the school’s most ambitious campaign.

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