SPIRE Institute and Academy (IA) is committed to developing technically skilled athletes who love to train and live to complete. Through an intensive regimen of technical and tactical training, customized competition and long-term athletic performance development, SPIRE builds strong, confident, mentally tough athletes known for embracing challenges and who thrive under the pressure of competition.

Internationally known track and field legend Charlie Powell is one of the gifted, experienced coaches at SPIRE who are helping to drive this holistic approach to building student athlete success. A one-time decathlete and hurdler himself, Powell has had a 30-year career coaching collegiate track and field at the highest levels.

Powell, a Western Kentucky alum, led the University of Pennsylvania Quakers for 30 years. Highly regarded as one of the most passionate figures and effective coaches in collegiate track and field, Powell has been the Director of Track & Field at SPIRE since 2011.

In addition to NCAA qualifiers, champions and All-Americans, Powell has also trained Olympians over the course of his illustrious coaching career. He served as the US Olympic Development Director for the 800–400 group for 16 years.

According to Powell, SPIRE is one of the best—if not the best—track and field complexes in the world. Located in Geneva, Ohio near Lake Erie, SPIRE’s outdoor track and field facilities include an 8-lane, 400-meter polyurethane international track with 48” wide lanes, four long jump pits, eight high jump positions, four pole vault boxes and an adjacent “throw stadium” that meets IAAF standards. Indoors, SPIRE’s track and field complex includes an 8-lane, 300-meter Beynon track and a separate field event area with two high jump, two long jump, 2 pole vault pits, two shotput circles and a portable weight throw cages for discus, shot and weight throws. Rounding out the training area is a 25,000 sq. ft. Performance Training Center that focuses on physical conditioning, mental skills training and nutrition/hydration education for the track and field athlete.

“SPIRE is breaking new ground as the ultimate training, education and competition facility in the country,” said Coach Powell in a statement issued when he joined the SPIRE track and field program. “We offer a track and field program here that allows all athletes to revitalize and rethink the road to success. I am honored to become involved in such an endeavor.”