About the coach
Coach Sam
Head Coach
Olympian · NCAA All-American · Professional Runner · Passionate Mentor
Biography
Coach Sam Vazquez competed in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 London Olympic Games. An elite middle-distance runner with NCAA, NAIA, and professional experience, he coaches with the same discipline he learned from Coach John McDonnell and Coach Peter Hopfe — structured, science-based training in a supportive environment for beginners and competitive athletes alike.
Biography
Coach Sam Vazquez competed in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 London Olympic Games. An elite middle-distance runner with NCAA, NAIA, and professional experience, he coaches with the same discipline he learned from Coach John McDonnell and Coach Peter Hopfe — structured, science-based training in a supportive environment for beginners and competitive athletes alike.
Elite athletic achievements
2012 Olympic Games Competitor
- Represented Puerto Rico in the men’s 1,500-meter event at the London Olympic Games after hitting the international qualifying standard of 3:37.60.
- Former national record holder for Puerto Rico.
3-Time National Champion
- NAIA Indoor 1,000-meter national champion (2011).
- NCAA national champion.
- High school 1,600-meter national champion.
6-Time State High School Champion
- Two-time 800m champion, two-time 1,600m champion, and two-time cross country team champion.
Former Florida State Record Holder
- Held the Florida high school mile record at 4:03.
International Championship Competitor
- Represented the Puerto Rican national team at major regional competitions, including the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Multi-Time All-American
- Earned multiple All-American honors during a standout collegiate running career.
University Record Holder
- Set lasting institutional benchmarks in the 800-meter, 1,000-meter, 1,500-meter, and Mile events.
Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee
- Inducted into the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of historic collegiate and international achievements.
Coaching & program leadership
Head Cross Country / Track & Field Coach — Roosevelt University
- Directed collegiate running programs, managing comprehensive training regimens, strategic recruitment, and program development.
Assistant Track & Field Coach
- Contributed specialized technical expertise to middle-distance and distance programs, successfully guiding student-athletes to conference titles and national qualification standards.