Over four years of eligibility, the average NCAA DI track athlete will receive 8 pairs of spikes, if not more. Each pair is only worn a handful of times in practice and competition. Upon graduation, those spikes will be packed into a duffle bag and vast majority will end up in their mother’s basement.

Redshirt Spikes provides an avenue for those spikes to be distributed to high school programs and athletes. By eliminating a major financial barrier of participation, we hope to encourage participation in youth track & field and foster the NCAA student-athletes of the future.

  • track is WIDESPREAD

    On both the high school and collegiate level, track has more athletes than any other sport.

    Only basketball is offered by more schools.

  • track is DIVERSE

    From throwers to jumpers to distance runners, track offers an opportunity for all athletic abilities.

    Pair that a comparatively low barrier of entry, a track roster lends itself to athletic, racial and socio-economic diversity.

  • track is OPPORTUNITY

    NCAA track rosters are the most diverse non-revenue sport and represent a major pathway to higher education for athletes from all backgrounds.

  • track is ACCESIBLE

    The cost of participation is the lowest of any high school sport.

  • founder

    Connor grew up in a running family. His parents met on their high school XC team. Both competed in college. Both his siblings ran in high school. His grandfather runs daily still, at the age of 83. Instead of football or basketball players, his childhood bedroom was adorned with posters of Pre, Bernard Lagat, and Anthony Famiglietti.

    He represented Princeton University on the track and cross country team. After graduating, he used his remaining eligibility at Indiana University.

    Almost ten years after his last collegiate race, Connor found a bag of his spikes in his basement. A few carried sentimental value, but the majority should have been donated years ago. While those “heavy” spikes would be laughed off of today’s track, the idea for Redshirt Spikes was planted.

    Useless Running Facts:

    • Soph. National Record Holder HS 2k Steeple (2009-2021)

    • Indiana Middle School State Champion XC 2007

    • Member of 2009 USATF World Youth Team

  • advisor

    Logistics and Shipping

    Graham has nearly a decade of expertise in shipping and logistics, including his current role at United Parcel Service.

    Graham ran cross country and track at Westfield High School (IN), where he toed the line with Connor for two years. After his collegiate career at Franciscan Univeristy was shortened by injuries, he served as volunteer coach.

    Useless Running Facts:

    • defacto 1500m school record holder at Westfield HS

    • Member of Hoosier Harriers, 2010 USATF Cross Country Jr. Olympics Champions (Intermediate Boys)

  • advisor

    Educator and Athletic Director

    Between his high school career at CBA, collegiate career at Princeton, and post-collegiate leadership, Michael is a cornerstone of New Jersey running. Upon his return to CBA after college, Michael taught history and lead the national-class cross country program as a coach. For the pat 5 years, he has served as CBA’s Athletic Director, overseeing all 18 athletic programs.

    In addition to serving the CBA community, Michael has promoted running at large through his high school running camp and management of the New Jersey Middle School Championship.

    Useless Running Facts:

    • Holmdel Time : 15:19

    • Runs the first half of half of all his wife’s runs

  • advisor

    Youth Sports Advocate

    Andy is a lifelong steward of grassroots running and advocate of youth sports. He currently serves as the Director of Communications of BolderBoulder and President of Exclamation Services, a logistics management company for youth sport associations.

    Prior to Exclamation Services, Andy served as the Director of Grassroots at USAT&F for 12 years, overseeing all youth and master initiatives. He met his wife of 28 years at high school track practice.

    Useless Running Facts:

    • Holmdel Course Record Holder (‘84-’86)

    • Has run 4 marathons, all before the age of 14 (PB:3:12)

    • Currently, would lose to both of his sons at any distance