Coaches & Staff

Coaches and Staff

Head Coach

Mike Benoit

Founder and Head Coach

Mike "Coach Zig" Benoit is the Founder and Head Coach at Maryland Blaze Track Club and Perry Hall Youth Track. He received his undergraduate degree at Morgan State University, where he also ran collegiate track in the middle distances. He later earned a graduate degree from Goucher College.

He holds an active Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate in Special Education and an Administrator 1 endorsement, and is in his 24th year in service for Baltimore City Schools.

His coaching experience includes serving as a graduate assistant coach at Goucher College, volunteer assistant coach for Baltimore City Youth Track and Field Club and McKim Track Club, and volunteer assistant coach for the Mergenthaler Vo-Tech High School XC and Track and Field team.

He holds a USATF XC Specialist certificate, USATF Level 1 certification, and USATF Level 2 certification in youth specialization. He specializes in coaching cross country, long sprints, middle and long distance, turbo javelin, and javelin.

He has coached over 50 All-American athletes and multiple national champions with Maryland Blaze Track Club. He is passionate about setting a national standard for youth cross country and track and field programs.

Outside of running the program, Mike enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife, four boys, close family, and friends. He is very proud of the team and will continue to contribute to the mission and vision of Maryland Blaze Track Club and Perry Hall Youth Track.