PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Pilots add ex-professional runner and coach, Ryan Vail, to the cross country/track coaching staff. Vail is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where he holds a Master of Science in International Trade and Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Political Science. During his time at OSU, Vail was a decorated runner, earning multiple All-American honors and leading the Oklahoma State cross country team to a national title at the 2009 NCAA Championships, as well as a third-place podium finish in 2007. 

Following his time in Oklahoma, Vail would sign a professional contract with Brooks Running Co. where he would find a successful career racing on the roads. During his decade long career under Brooks, Vail would qualify for multiple Olympic Trails. In this time, he would qualify for a total of six events at the Olympic Trials, qualifying in both the marathon and the 10,000 meter events. Vail would also earn himself three top-10 finishes at World Marathon Majors (London, New York, and Berlin), as well as play a critical role in helping Team USA place second at the World Cross Country Championships in 2013. He would also assist in developing and marketing shoes and gear for Brooks, both with his performances, social media posts and providing feedback for the development teams. 

Outside of his professional running, Vail would build a name for himself within the running world serving several different roles at a variety of companies. This would include securing sponsorships for large events such as the Rock n' Roll Marathon series, marketing for brands such as Athlete IQ and managing brand engagement for Road Runner Sports. 

Additionally, Vail would develop his own coaching brand in 2013 known as PreVail Coaching, where he would remotely provide insight and training plans for runners looking to progress in events ranging from the mile to the marathon. His plans would focus on helping athletes manage nutrition, training load, strength training and even race strategy. Vail would use PreVail Coaching until 2017 when he would join the large array of online coaches at RunDoyen. Vail continues to coach remotely through the RunDoyen platform where he remains passionate about helping runners achieve their goals and maximize their potential. 

Following his professional career, Vail would continue to grow the running community by working alongside Sound Running to host world class track meets throughout the United States. During his time at Sound Running, Vail would act as the Assistant Event Coordinator focusing on logistics, management, and creating meaning experiences for both the athletes and spectators. Additionally, from Jan. 2022 to July 2022, Vail would act as a Field Marketing Specialist for Saucony Running where he would run educational events and demonstrate products to athletes and store owners throughout the Pacific Northwest. Most recently, Vail worked as a National Sales Lead at BOCO Gear where he would manage Fleet Feet store accounts nationwide, adding new accounts in the running specialty segment of the company. 

Going forward, Vail will assist in coaching and recruiting efforts for the Pilots going forward, taking the reins from Jack Mullaney. The Pilots are excited to add Vail to the coaching staff and look forward to seeing what he will add to the program.