About –Coaches

Mandi Cole – Sprints & Hurdles

Ph: 0416 622 379

Mandi has been involved with track and field as an athlete and a coach since 1985. She is a Geelong Guild life member, and our current Coaching Coordinator and has coached many National and International level athletes in her coaching journey, however she is equally as adept at nurturing young athletes, and always gets a kick out of seeing athletes achieve Personal and Seasons Bests. Mandi also accepts athletes with disabilities to her training squad.

Qualifications

ATFCA and AA Level 4 coach – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays

ATFCA Level 4 – U15 All Events

AA Level 1 – Run Leader

Level 3 & 4 Personal Trainer Qualifications

Boxing Training Qualifications

Bob Holzer – Throws

Ph: 0419 599 793

Bob Holzer is our expert throws coach, however specialises in the hammer throw and javelin. Over the years he has coached a number of athletes to State Titles and National level competitions, with one of his recent coaching highlights being the coach of his National Bronze Medal winning granddaughter in the hammer throw. Bob has been involved in athletics as an athlete and coach for over 50 years, still competing in the throws events and regularly taking out gold medals in his age group at the Australian Masters Championships.

Qualifications

AA Level 1 – Community Athletics Coach

Hamish Nelson – Pole Vault

Ph: 0413 518 174

Hamish Nelson is a National level decathlete, who was a former World Junior representative who has been competing for Geelong Guild for many years. Owing to his multi-event roots, Hamish has a keen interest in all events and took over the majority of pole vault coaching in Geelong in 2014. While the pole vault squad numbers have increased significantly over the past 6 seasons, all athletes are welcome to come and give pole vault a try!

Qualifications

Podiatrist

Darren Riviere

Ph: 0422 667 087

With over 35 years of experience in athletics, Darren has a wealth of knowledge in the athletics world. Specialising in training distances from 800m right through to marathons, Darren has coached for 15 years from grass roots right through to State and National level. Boasting a 2 hour, 29 minute marathon and a 31.16 minute 10km in his heyday, Darren is looking forward to getting involved as a coach and also as an athlete again in 2025.

Qualifications

Athletics Victoria Level 1 Club Coach

Level 2 Recreation Coach

IAAF Kids’ Athletics Coach