Ryan Banta
Ryan Banta is in his 11th season coaching track and field. Ryan has been an enthusiastic member of the track and field community at both at the high school and club levels. In addition to his time spent in the world track he continues to run an annual winter and summer training program for a number of developmental athletes. Mr. Banta takes great pride developing athletes from the youth level to the door step of college.
While coaching at a local high school his track and field athletes have achieved 75 school records, 2 top four finishes at the state championships, 3 district championships,2 runner up finishes at districts, 195 top ten performances, 94 state semi-finalist (sectionals), 57 state qualifiers, 2 state records (3200 and 4x800), 14 national ranked events, 32 all state performances, 7 state champions, 6 runner up performances, and 2 Gatorade athletes of the year. Ryan enjoys the great opportunity of working with young members of the Ladue/St. Louis Lightning track and field club as a assistant coach. To date the St. Louis Lightning track club has assisted athletes in achieving 6 national titles, 31 All American performances, and 61 national qualifiers. Coach Banta’s off season program has become well known in the local St. Louis area. “Going Banta” has produced a number of division I and division II athletes. Ryan has earned his USATF level II certification in sprints, hurdles, relays, and endurance. Recently he earned a USTFCCCA track and field technical coaching certification.
Besides track and field coach Banta has expanded his training into the realm of cross country. During his short time in the sport his athletes accomplishments include two state championships, a two time the Footlocker National qualifier, an individual AAU title, all state athletes, multiple school records (Whitfield, PC, and Westminster Christian Academy), and dozens of state qualifiers.
In addition to his endeavors in running he also played an important role in the football program as its strength and speed coach. During his time as the strength coach the football team achieved a record of 46-22 including a state championship appearance. Individually his athletes went on to earn 8 All State Honors. One of his athletes even set the national linebacker bench press record at the Army All American combine completing 41 reps.
Coach Banta has not only spends his time working with athletes locally but at the state level as well. Coach Banta has spoken at a number of clinics and high schools about improving the youth athlete. He is a member of the Missouri high school activities association advisory board for track and field. Ryan also is a member of the Mizzou track and field summer camp staff where he coaches sprints and relays. Most recently coach Banta has severed as a member of the selection staff for Team Missouri at the Greatsouthwest Track and Field Classic.
