Our Coaches

Coach Vassili Triantoses
Vassili is a world-renowned accomplished runner as well as a running coach.  He appeared twice in the cover of Runner’s World magazine, and has won 10 ultramarathons. He won the Delpasatore 100K, earning him a spot to compete in Italy for the United States.  He has competed in national races, including JFK 50 Mile Run, where he placed in the top 10 three times.  Vassili is a coach for Magruder High School as well as an assistant coach for track at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.  Vassili was also a certified coach for the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) Stride Clinic.

Coach Gretchen Triantos
Gretchen started her running career as a sprinter and ran for Magruder High School. She continued to race competitively for Montgomery College where she was the first woman to compete with an all-male track team.  In 1977, she became the first MC runner (male or female) to win a gold medal at the National Junior College Athletic Association Track Championship in 800 meters, where she also placed third in the mile.  She was inducted into Montgomery College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.  Gretchen was a head cross country coach at Magruder High School. 

Coach Anne Forsha
Anne is a member of the Montgomery County Road Runners (MCRRC), has run numerous half marathons usually finishing in the top 3 for her age group. Her running accomplishments include a win at the Brookeville 5K and 2nd place finish at RRCA 10M Challenge.  Anne was the MCRRC 2012 Woman’s Grandmaster Runner of the Year.

Coach Ken Trombatore
Coach Ken began running later in life, initially just a few neighborhood miles to stay fit. In 2006, he joined MCRRC’s First Time Marathon program and ran a blazing 2:55 at the Chicago Marathon, easily qualifying for the Boston Marathon. That first race sparked a passion: since then, he’s completed over 40 marathons (including 14 Boston Marathons), numerous shorter races, and several 50-mile ultras.
While he once focused on chasing PRs, his passion has shifted to coaching. Ken loves helping runners of all ages learn how to run and reach their goals. With his daughters part of MCRRC and Olney XC, he’s now become the latest member of the coaching team, running workouts with the kids, offering advice, and bringing energy and enthusiasm to every practice and meet. Most Olney XC kids know coach Ken from his famous “desert runs” after each practice. Whether pacing friends or cheering on young athletes, Coach Ken’s true gift is inspiring others to push their limits and love the sport.