About the Danbury Youth Track and Field Association

Coaches

Matt Corso, XC Head Coach/Distance Coach

Matt was born in Bridgeport and has lived in Danbury for over 40 years. Coach Corso
graduated from DHS and was a 2 year varsity in track and cross country under the
direction of the legendary Dan OGrady and Bob Taborsak. Matt was a State medalist in
indoor 4x4 relay. Upon graduation for DHS he attended Western New Mexico University,
lettered in track and cross country. Coach Corso has completed in (4) marathons, and
continues to receive age group awards in local road races.

Catherine Petz, XC Coach/Distance Coach

Cathy was born in Bremerhaven, Germany and grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts.
Coach Petz has lived in Danbury for 38 yrs. She attended Fisher College, Boston, MA and
has been running for 30+ years. As a competitive distance runner she has participated
in 4 marathons (New York, Cape Cod, Boston, Marine Corps) and continues to run
competitively - 5ks, 10ks, marathons and most often places in her age group.
Coach Petz is also a Tri-athlete that does sprints, Olympic distance and Ironman
competitions. In her spare time she does Cross-fit training.

Suzanne Whelchel, Team Mom/Hurdle Coach

Suzanne was born and raised in Valhalla, New York and graduated from Valhalla
Junior/Senior High School. During seventh grade, Suzanne began running and
competing with the Varsity track team. As an eighth grader, Suzanne was the youngest
student to earn a Varsity letter. For 5 years, Suzanne competed in the 100, 100 Hurdles,
200, 400R, and 800R and was captain during her junior and senior years. Suzanne also
played 4 years of field hockey, 3 years at the varsity level. She continued her love of
field hockey, playing four years for Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, VA.
As a senior, Suzanne earned All South Region All American honors. Suzanne lives in
Danbury with her husband John and 2 daughters, Sofia and Corinne who are both
members of the DYTFA Danbury Flyers.

John Whelchel-Sprinter Coach

John was raised in Danbury and graduated from Danbury High School. He was a three
season runner for the Hatters from his freshman to senior year competing in cross
country, indoor and outdoor track. John was an accomplished sprinter and middle
distance runner competing in the 220yds, 300yds, 440yds, 600 and 880 yard distances
and was co-captain of both the indoor and outdoor teams during his junior and senior
years. John lives in Danbury with his wife Suzanne and two daughters Sofia and Corinne
who are both members of the Danbury FLYERS track team.

Gail H. Williams, GM/ Head Track and Field Coach (AAU Certified)
Gail was raised in Danbury and graduated from DHS. While in high School Coach
Williams was a 3 yr Varsity DHS Track and Field participant competing in the 400m, 4 x 4
relay teams and the 200m. Ms. Williams is also a former 1yr Cross Country Runner and
State Qualifier under Coach Bob Taborsak. Gail was on the 1982-1983 Indoor Girls FCIAC
Western Division Championship Team. Since graduation from DHS, Gail served as the
Co-Founder and was the Commissioner of DAYO LIGHTNING Middle School Track and
Field (Spring/Summer Track and Field Program). She also was the Founder / Event
Director of the Annual LIGHTNING Spring Break Invitational. In 2013, Mrs. Williams CoFounded the Danbury Youth Track and Field Association FLYERS. As both a
Commissioner and a Coach, Gail has successfully raised monies and developed
numerous successful AAU and USATF Jr Olympic participants on a Regional, District and
National level. In addition to coaching Ms. Williams serves on the Board of Governance
for the WCC Middle School Track and Field Program (2yrs), is an OGrady Relay Volunteer
(3 yrs), a FCIAC Meet volunteer (1 yr) and was the former CT SW District Coordinator for
the Hershey Games (2yr). Gail lives in Danbury with her husband Greg (the Co- Founder
DYTFA), her son Shaun and her daughter Kimberleigh who is a member of the DYTFA
Danbury FLYERS.