Coaches

Our high caliber coaching staff help encourage, mentor, support and train our athletes. They have decades of experience in Track and Field and working with youth. Their trusted and proven approach builds confidence and skills while creating a fun and engaging environment.

Tatjana Mece, Head Coach

Tatjana’s was an international-level athlete and National Champion in high jump and pentathlon with the Albanian National Team (1975-1980). She built on her love for the sport through coaching. She has over 40 years of experience coaching athletes from the elementary school to university level and fostering a love of the sport in generations of athletes.

Reach more about Coach Tatjana.

Besnik Mece, Technical Director

Besnik has more than 50 years of experience as a coach, working with elementary school to university level athletes. His roots in Track and Field began as an Albanian National Champion in the 3,000 metre steeplechase and competing internationally in middle and long distance. He brings an outstanding knowledge of the sport to his coaching.

Read more about Coach Besnik.

Gurchet (Gordie) Kandola, Coach

Gordie is one of the pioneers of coaching the Junior Development Program in New Westminster. He is the Spartans Junior Development Coordinator, fitness and jumps coach. Gordie enjoys training with the kids, helping them grow over the years.

Bogdan Pavel, Assistant Coach

Bio coming soon!

Ramneek Sekhon, Assistant Coach

Bio coming soon!

Don Benson, Honourary President, Life Member and Masters Head

A former Mr. Sport and both soccer and lacrosse Coach of the Year, New Westminster’s Don Benson is a founder of both the Royal City Track & Field Club (1996) and the New West Spartans (2007). He is the Spartans Honourary President for life.

Read more about Don Benson.