Coaches

Travis Pool, Head Coach

Hello! My name is Travis Pool, and I’m incredibly excited to join the North Idaho Blaze family!
For over 20 years, I’ve worked in our community as a Physical Therapist Assistant, helping individuals recover, grow, and reach their personal goals. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Health, and I’m passionate about helping young athletes elevate their performance and achieve their full potential.

I had the privilege of playing collegiate baseball, which gave me firsthand insight into the mindset and discipline required to compete at the next level. Over the past five years, I’ve been coaching athletes privately, focusing on speed development and overall performance training.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to bring my background in injury prevention and athletic coaching to North Idaho Blaze. I look forward to a season of growth, hard work, and success alongside our athletes!

Let’s make it a great season!

Linda Lanker, Specialty Coach Hurdles & Sprints

Coach Linda Lanker is in her 40th year as a Jr. College and High School coach. She has been with CCS since 1999 as hurdles coach. Linda has coached numerous State high school Champions as well as over 54 NWAC JC All Americans in the sprints and hurdles, and 15 NWAC Conference Champions. men and women. Coach Lanker is a 3 time Hall of Fame Coach who has a love and passion for the sport of Track and Field as well as for her athletes. She has traveled with the US Team to Peru, China, London and Japan. Linda has been sprints/hurdles coach on two men’s US Jr. Teams and Women’s US Head Coach twice for a Jr. and Sr. team. She has been involved as an athlete, coach and official with USATF since the ‘70’s and a pioneer in the 400m hurdles when the event started for women in 1973. She was Jr. National Champion in 1974 and ranked 4th in the Nation over all in 1973-75. Coach Lanker has received over 12 Coach of the Year honors and continues to coach and encourage athletes of all ages in the Inland Northwest.

Linda lives in Idaho with her architect, husband Glen and has 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren.

Coach Darlene Shriner, High Jump Coach

1973 - 1973 -- Asotin, WA Head Basketball, Track and Field/Tennis Coach
1979-1985 -- CHS Head Coach Girl's Track and Field program
1990-1993 -- CHS Asst. XC and Asst Track and Field Jumps Coach
1994-2002 -- LCHS Asst XC and Asst Track and Field Jumps Coach

I have my USATF Level I and Level II Coaching Certificate. During my career, I have been able to personally coach state champions in the high jump, long jump, shot put, mile, 2 mile, 400m, 800m and relay teams. I was honored as a Viking Legend Girl's Sport Coach in 2004 and in 2008, honored as one of the North Idaho Women's Sports Pioneers. I am a North Idaho native having attended school in the Cd'A School District, NIC and the University of Idaho. I am still active within the school district as a mentor to first and second year teachers at LCHS and most recently honored as having received the Idaho High School Activities Association District Distinguished Service Award in 2018. I am currently officiating at The Podium indoor track and field and summer Inland Northwest track and field, in addition to coaching and officiating Idaho District 1 High Jump.

Chris Ward, Coach

Howdy! I coach with North Idaho Blaze, where I work with athletes across a variety of track and field events, helping them grow both technically and competitively. I hold a USATF Level 1 certification and have coached multiple athletes who have qualified for the USATF Junior Olympic National Meet. During the indoor season, I also officiate at The Podium in events such as high jump, long jump, and triple jump.

I am originally from Coeur d’Alene, where I graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School before earning my degree in secondary education from the University of Idaho. Go Vandals! In addition to coaching with Blaze, I coach high jump and hurdles at Lakeland High School and teach social studies at Lake City High School. My teaching experience includes AP Government, Geography, Western Civilizations, U.S. History, and Sport Psychology.

Francesca Klefsky, Distance Coach

I have been a dedicated runner throughout my life. I earned All-American honors seven times while competing in Cross Country and Track at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Oregon, the hometown of legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. I continued my athletic and academic journey at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where I specialized in the Steeplechase and earned a degree in Politics.