Deon Flynn Named Head Coach for Trojans Running

CALGARY, ALTA., (May 6, 2025)

SAIT Athletics and Recreation Department are excited to announce Deon Flynn will become the new head coach of the Trojans cross-country and indoor track programs – taking over for Ryan Edgar who stepped down from the role in early April after nearly 10 years.

“I see myself as the engineer and the athletes as the race car drivers. We work together, receiving feedback and data from the athletes, and based on their responses, we adjust their training,” said Flynn about his love for coaching. “Even though we are one team, every athlete is on their own journey. Not everyone has the natural ability to become a great athlete, but everyone has the potential to improve their athletic performance. It is very rewarding to witness each athlete's transformation, both physically and mentally.”

Flynn joins a Trojans running program that is very familiar with the view from the podium.

The Trojans men’s cross-country running team has won the CCAA gold medal in two of the last three seasons (2022, 2024) and the CCAA individual gold medal this past year (Nathan Woyessa). Closer to home, they have captured the ACAC team title the past four consecutive years (2021-24) and men’s individual title the past two with Woyessa earning both.

On the women’s side, Trojans alum Makenna Fitzgerald recently became the first runner in CCAA history to win three consecutive individual cross-country running titles (2021, 2022, 2023) to go along with her three-straight ACAC individual gold medals.

In indoor track, SAIT has collected 10 teams medals (4 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze) and 79 individual medals (32 gold, 25 silver, 22 bronze) in the last 10 years.

“I believe we can build upon what is currently in place for the SAIT Trojans,” Flynn said. “This will be a "We" approach, building a mindset of "Team in One" rather than "One in Team." We will have a highly competent coaching staff, allowing us to divide responsibilities while still pulling on the same rope, in the same direction, and at the same time.”

While Flynn is now the new head coach of the Trojans, he is certainly not new to the ACAC, nor SAIT.

From 2000-2013, Flynn coached the cross-country running program at Keyano College – also competing for them as a runner in the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He then moved to Calgary and joined the Trojans as an assistant coach for the 2014-15 season. That year, he helped lead the Trojans women’s cross-country team to an ACAC silver medal and the men’s team to a bronze.

On top of the ACAC medals, Flynn was also integral in SAIT hosting the 2014 CCAA Cross-Country Running National Championships – helping to stage the course and assist with behind-the-scenes tasks.

“I missed working with college-aged athletes and I believe I have the expertise to contribute to their growth and development,” said Flynn when asked why he wanted to return to post-secondary athletics. “Additionally, the ACAC offers a competitive environment, and I am excited about the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals who share the same vision of advancing the programs to new heights.”

After his year at SAIT, Flynn has continued to coach high-performance athletes, serving as the distance coach for Team Alberta in both 2019 and 2024.

He has also been the head coach of the Calgary Spartans Track & Field Club since 2018, where he has played a key role in developing some of the province’s top talent.

"Bringing on a coach with this level of experience is a game-changer,” said Lauren Kucera, SAIT Athletics and Recreation Manager. “His proven track record with elite athletes brings not only credibility, but also a wealth of insight that will elevate every runner’s performance."

Two of those elite athletes that Flynn has had a hand in molding will be familiar to SAIT Trojans followers – Trevor Hofbauer and Matthew Travaglini.

Hofbauer got his start as a competitive runner with the Trojans in 2012 before going on to compete in the men’s marathon at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Travaglini came to SAIT already an accomplished runner and went on to capture back-to-back CCAA and ACAC men’s individual titles in 2017 and 2018 – earning him an ACAC Hall of Fame induction last summer.

When the pair heard about Flynn’s intentions of applying for the role, both sent SAIT’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, Wade Kolmel, letters of recommendation.

“Trevor and Matt are two of the biggest names in the Calgary running community, and they have earned the respect of many people,” Flynn said. “They both thought I would be a good fit for the role and were excited for me. I feel very fortunate to have such a strong relationship with both of them, as their support means a lot in this process.”

Kolmel already knew of Flynn’s work from their time together at Keyano College and he was very open to the idea of a reunion.

“Deon is a wonderful addition to our Trojans head coaching community,” Kolmel said. “His previous experience within the ACAC and CCAA should expedite his impact with the Trojans, and his advocacy for sport here in Calgary should propel our roster of runners as they chase personal best times and podium results. We are excited to welcome him back to the Trojans family.”

For more information on the Trojans running programs or to contact Deon – trojans.xcrunning@sait.ca