COACHES
Our staff loves what they do, and they know their stuff! Read on to find out more about our team.
Ali Meeks
Coach, Company Owner
Coach Ali Meeks, company owner, is a USA Triathlon and TrainingPeaks certified coach who has worked alongside many athletes toward their goals in the full list of triathlon distances, including Ironman, half Ironman, Olympic distance, and sprint. Her coaching can be described as connected, organized, and peppered with contagious enthusiasm. She especially enjoys coaching those who struggle with swimming. Ali is a former NCAA Div I swimmer and a triathlete and open water swimmer in a myriad of distances, including Ironmans and 10 mile swim races. As wife to husband Kelly and mom to Shirley the wonder dog and 4 horses, she plans to continue her athletic habits until she outlives the competition.
Tom Longino
Coach
Coach Tom Longino is a USA Triathlon certified coach and many-time Ironman who comes from a multisport background of speedskating, football, track, triathlon, and the honor of serving our nation in the U.S. Navy. Tom is a US National and regional team roller speed skating record holder and track champion and an avid all distance triathlete and trail runner. He is a true student of triathlon, always researching about the latest advancements in speed, technology, performance, and elite coaching and applying that information to his athletes. As a coach, he enjoys working with beginner to advanced athletes and is a dedicated youth leader. He is husband to Jodie and father to two young athletes, one of whom is a tae kwon do black belt, so stand back.
Chris Torell
Coach
Coach Chris Torell is a lifelong competitive swimmer, with extensive swimming experience at the age group, Division 1 collegiate and FINA international levels. He was a four year letter winner and captain his senior year at Colgate University. Chris also swam for the St. Croix Dolphins (USVI) and Foxcatcher and Suburban swim clubs in Philadelphia. Chris has coached age group, college and Masters level athletes and his coaching philosophy focuses on correct, safe technique, dedicated practice and race effort and personal motivation tailored to the individual. He holds USA Swimming and YMCA coaching certifications and is a Level I ACSA coach. He resides in Syracuse NY with his wife Lucinda, is a coach for the Skaneateles Lightning and, yes, it snows all the time up there.
Michael Swanson
Coach
Coach Michael Swanson is a lifelong athlete who dabbled in Triathlon in 1989-2000 while serving in the US Army. He was encouraged by some friends to give triathlon a try again in 2016. He has placed in the top three for his age group in over 13 events since 2017. Mike qualified for the USAT Sprint National Championships in 2019 and 2021 and is currently ranked 4th in the state of Alabama for his age group. His passion for coaching and mentoring started in the military but was deepened in 2019 when he was a Mentor for Fleet Feet running store’s TRI 201 program. Mike is a Certified USAT Level One Coach. He often encourages others to “compete with joy”.
Tom Longino
Coach
Coach Tom Longino is a USA Triathlon certified coach and many-time Ironman who comes from a multisport background of speedskating, football, track, triathlon, and the honor of serving our nation in the U.S. Navy. Tom is a US National and regional team roller speed skating record holder and track champion and an avid all distance triathlete and trail runner. He is a true student of triathlon, always researching about the latest advancements in speed, technology, performance, and elite coaching and applying that information to his athletes. As a coach, he enjoys working with beginner to advanced athletes and is a dedicated youth leader. He is husband to Jodie and father to two young athletes, one of whom is a tae kwon do black belt, so stand back.
Chris Torell
Coach
Coach Chris Torell is a lifelong competitive swimmer, with extensive swimming experience at the age group, Division 1 collegiate and FINA international levels. He was a four year letter winner and captain his senior year at Colgate University. Chris also swam for the St. Croix Dolphins (USVI) and Foxcatcher and Suburban swim clubs in Philadelphia. Chris has coached age group, college and Masters level athletes and his coaching philosophy focuses on correct, safe technique, dedicated practice and race effort and personal motivation tailored to the individual. He holds USA Swimming and YMCA coaching certifications and is a Level I ACSA coach. He resides in Syracuse NY with his wife Lucinda, is a coach for the Skaneateles Lightning and, yes, it snows all the time up there.