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Coaches & Athlete Bios
Our Coach
Shane Hickman: Head Men's and Women's Track and Field Coach, Moapa Valley High School
Coach Shane Hickman is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the world of high school athletics, serving as the Head Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Coach at Moapa Valley High School. With over 22 years of head coaching experience, Shane has established himself as a leader in the sport and a mentor to countless student-athletes.
As a standout track athlete during his high school years, Shane’s talent was evident early on. He was instrumental in leading his team to back-to-back state championships in his junior and senior years. A dominant force in the 110-meter hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles, Shane secured two state championships in these events. His senior year was particularly remarkable, as he clinched state victories in the 100-meter (10.8), 200-meter (22.45), 110-meter hurdles (14.31), and 300-meter hurdles (49.51), amassing an impressive total of 40 points and propelling his team to yet another state championship title. His exceptional performances earned him the prestigious title of Review Journal Men’s Track Athlete of the Year in both 1995 and 1996, reflecting his extraordinary athletic talent and dedication.
Despite receiving multiple track scholarship offers, Shane chose to pursue a collegiate football career and continued his education at Southern Utah University, where he further developed his athletic skills.
After transitioning into coaching, Shane quickly made his mark, guiding the Moapa Valley track and field programs to significant success. Under his leadership, the men’s team has secured state championships in 2010, 2022, 2023, and 2024, a testament to his coaching prowess and ability to inspire athletes to excel. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was honored as the 2024 USTFCCCA Men’s Nevada Track & Field Coach of the Year and has been named Region Coach of the Year seven times.
Shane Hickman’s dedication to track and field, along with his commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the track, has solidified his reputation as one of the foremost coaches in high school athletics. His passion for the sport and unwavering support for his athletes continue to leave a lasting impact at Moapa Valley High School and beyond. Shane and his wife, Rachael, reside in Logandale, NV with their 6 children.
Our Coach
Coach Tyrel Cooper, USATF Level 3 Certified Coach
Tyrel Cooper stands as a distinguished figure in the world of high school and collegiate track and cross country coaching, with nearly three decades of experience dedicated to nurturing athletes and promoting excellence in sports. Over his remarkable 17-year tenure as a high school coach, Tyrel has made an indelible impact at Arbor View, Coronado, and Amplus High Schools, fostering a culture of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance among his athletes.
In addition to his work at the high school level, Tyrel has also served as the Associate Head Coach for Track and Cross Country at Cardinal Stritch University for one year, contributing his extensive knowledge and passion for athletics to the collegiate level. His commitment to developing younger athletes is exemplified through his four years as a middle school and elementary track and cross country coach at Amplus, where he laid the foundation for future competitors.
Tyrel’s leadership extends beyond coaching, having spent eight years as an Athletic Director at Coronado and Amplus High Schools. In these roles, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the athletic programs and providing student-athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field. His influence in the sports community is further solidified through his work as a track and cross country coordinator and as the NIAA competition coordinator for postseason events, roles he has held for around a decade.
Recognized for his dedication and effectiveness, Tyrel has been honored as a 8-time Regional Coach of the Year, leading his teams to remarkable achievements, including two state championship titles in cross country, one state runner-up in cross country, and another in track. Under his mentorship, numerous individual athletes have earned regional and state championships and medals, further establishing his legacy of developing not only teams but also individual excellence.
Tyrel’s coaching qualifications are as impressive as his achievements. He holds a USATF Level 2 certification in Distance, Sprints/Hurdles, and Multi-Events, and he is recognized with an IAAF Level 5 certification in Distance. Additionally, he serves as a certified instructor for USATF Level 1 courses and is a certified athletic director through the NIAAA, showcasing his commitment to professional development and education.
For six years, Tyrel served as the President of the Southern NV Coaches Association, advocating for coaches’ needs and advancing the sport of track & field and cross country in his community. His extensive experience and dedication to athletics have not only shaped his athletes’ lives but have also contributed significantly to the broader sports landscape.
Tyrel Cooper continues to inspire and empower athletes, coaches, and the entire community through his passion and steadfast commitment to athletics, making him a true coaching legend in the world of track and field and cross country.
Nike Pro Athlete
Josh Thompson
Joshua Thompson is a distinguished professional track and field athlete for Nike, specializing in the 1500m. A product of Moapa Valley High School in Nevada, he excelled in track and cross country, winning two state championships each in the 3200m and cross country, and playing a key role in his team’s 2010 Nevada State Track & Field championship and the 2011 Nevada State Basketball championship. Recruited by Central Arizona College, Thompson made his mark in both track and basketball before serving a two-year LDS mission in Nicaragua. He continued his athletic career at Oklahoma State University, where he won five Big XII titles and qualified for the NCAA Championships five times. Notably, in February 2016, Thompson made history as the first Nevada native to run a mile in under 4 minutes with a time of 3:58.33 at the Husky Classic and placed 4th at the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. After graduating, he signed a professional contract with Nike and joined the Bowerman Track Club based in Portland, Oregon. Over his seven-year professional career, Thompson has competed in two World Championships and was a World Finalist in both the 2022 Indoor World 1500m in Serbia and the 2022 Outdoor World 1500m in Eugene, Oregon. Thompson’s notable achievements include winning the 1500m at The Match Europe v USA in 2019, the 2019 ISTAF Berlin and the 2020 USATF Indoor 1500m. Thompson also earned silver in the 1500m at the 2022 USATF Indoor Track & Field Championship. Thompson placed 3rd in both the 2019 USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships and the 2022 USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He has qualified for 13 USATF National Championship meets and competed in the 2021 USA Olympic Trials where he placed 6th in the U.S. 1500m final. Thompson holds personal bests of 3:34.77 in the 1500m and 3:52.49 in the mile. Thompson resides in Nevada with his wife, Bryce, and their two children, Jett and Remi. They are expecting a third child, a daughter, this past December 2024.
Collegiate Athlete
Austin Groll
Get to know us
Meet More of our coaches
Jackson Mortensen
Specializes in High Jump
Brandon Jones
Specializes in hurdles and sprints
Richard Bush
Specializes in Horizontal Jumps and Pole Vault
Our values serve as the guiding principles that shape our identity and define the culture of our Track & Field community
Excellence
Excellence in track and field combines speed, strength, and determination, showcasing discipline and resilience. It’s about pushing limits, inspiring others, and embodying the true spirit of athleticism.
Community
Community in track and field represents unity, support, and shared passion. It’s about athletes, coaches, and fans coming together to celebrate achievements, inspire growth, and foster camaraderie both on and off the track.
Innovation
Innovation in track and field drives the sport forward through advanced techniques, cutting-edge technology, and creative strategies. It’s about reimagining possibilities to enhance performance, safety, and the overall athletic experience.