STAFF

The team at Upper Echelon is the heart of our business. We have a group of educated and experienced coaches and professionals to serve our clients. Our staff is prepared to provide the highest quality services by academic education, continuing education and certifications, and practical athletic experience. Click on each coach to read more.

russell.jpgRUSSELL CREE, DPT, CSCS

Cycling Coach, Exercise Physiologist, Bike Fitter, Physical Therapist

Russell's Coaching Philosophy: “I believe all my clients have a similar goal – to be the best they can be. This holds true for a professional athlete preparing for the Olympics or a recreational cyclist preparing for their first century. Experiencing the upper limits of your potential is an amazing accomplishment. To do this, I focus on physical training, mental preparation, and maintaining optimal health. With these pillars in place, one has a chance to reach their full potential. It’s not about being the best, but about being your best.” 

Education
• Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Temple University
• Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin
• B.S. in Exercise Science and Chemistry, Northern Arizona University
• Undergraduate Research at the High Altitude Olympic Training Center
• A.S. in Health and Human Performance, Central Oregon Community College

Competitive Experience
• Began competitive cycling in 1994
• Category 1 Road
• Category 1 Cyclocross
• PRO XC Mountain Bike
• Category 2 Track Cyclist

Coaching Experience
• Professional coaching since 1998
• Team Director for the Broadmark Capital & Hagens Berman Elite Cycling Team
• Provider of services to Olympic and World Champion cyclists and triathletes
• Founder and owner of Upper Echelon Fitness, LLC
• Coach at the 2009 USA Cycling NW Junior Camp

Continuing Education and Certifications
• Licensed Physical Therapist
• Slowtwitch F.I.S.T. Bike Fit Certified
• BikeFit.com Bike Fitter
• John Cobb Aerodynamics of Cycling Workshop
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the NCSA
• FaCT Canada Lactate Testing Certified
• Dartfish Motion Analysis Trained
• Member of the Serotta International Cycling Institute
• NAIOMT Level I & II Manual Therapy Courses

 

 

 

evan.jpgEVAN ELKEN

Cycling Coach

Evan's Coaching Philosophy: “Evan's strength as a coach is similar to that on the bike - mental strength and discipline. Evan is a natural leader and has reached the top of the sport through disciplined training and tactical racing. This is conveyed through his coaching. Evan uses efficient training techniques to gain maximum gains with limited training time. His racing experience and leadership provide insight into racing tactfully for top results.”

Education
• B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics, Lewis & Clark College
• Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin
• B.S. in Exercise Science and Chemistry, Northern Arizona University
• Undergraduate Research at the High Altitude Olympic Training Center
• A.S. in Health and Human Performance, Central Oregon Community College

Competitive Experience
• Began competitive cycling in 1999
• Professional Cyclist from 2004 - current (Jittery Joes, Land Rover/ORBEA)
• Velonews Amateur Cyclist of the Year, 2004
• Stage wins at Cascade Classic and Tour de Beauce
• 8th Overall at the US Olympic Trials in 2004
• Competitive experience in nearly all of the top National races in North America
• Varsity baseball pitcher at Lewis & Clark College

Coaching Experience
• Team Captain for the Land Rover/ORBEA Professional Cycling Team
• Team Captain for the Jittery Joe's Professional Cycling Team
• Team Captain for the Broadmark Capital Elite Cycling Team
• Experienced in coaching all levels of racers from category 5 to category 1
• Over 5 years experience training with a powermeter

 

aj.jpgAJ LAFRENZ, MS

Triathlon Coach, Running Coach

Andrew's Coaching Philosophy: “Andrew's coaching is based in science. As an exercise physiologist and anatomy professor, Andrew is immersed in the latest research. While he has a thorough knowledge base in scientific literature, he also is current with the latest practical training principles. Andrew uses an integrated approach to training using scientific data and intuitive interpretation of results.” 

Education
• B.S. in Biology, University of Portland
• Masters in Exercise Physiology, University of Georgia

Competitive Experience
• Professional Triathlete
• Top 3 placing in Sprint, Olympic, and Half-Ironman (70.3) distance events
• Winner of the 2008 Portland Triathlon
• Nationally Ranked Duathlete in 2004
• Division 1 runner at the University of Portland and the University of Georgia
• University of Georgia Cycling Team

Coaching Experience
• Has coached several 28 minute 10k runners
• Has coached Olympic Trials qualifiers and All-Americans
• Assistant coach for the University of Portland Track and XC Running Team
• Experienced using power based training for cycling

 

chris.jpgCHRIS SWAN

Cycling Coach

Chris' Coaching Philosophy: “I believe it is important to develop a rider in ways that not only increase their performance on the bike, but which also translate into a healthier lifestyle. In addition to improving physical and mental fitness, I feel many riders can benefit from learning more about their form, and by focusing on the small details of cycling skills that are often missed. It is my goal to develop riders fully, so that the athlete discovers their entire potential.”

Education
• B.S. in Economics, University of Oregon
• Study in music performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Competitive Experience
• Category 1 Road and Cyclocross
• Category 2 Track Cycling
• Competitive Sailing since 1991

Coaching Experience
• University of Oregon Cycling Team, 2007-present

 

omer.jpgOMER KEM

Cycling Coach

Omer's Coaching Philosophy: "Success is a product of self-belief."

Education
• North Salem High School 2000
• Oregon State University 2001-2003

Competitive Experience
• 6 years as a professional cyclist
• Raced on 5 continents

Coaching Experience
• 3 years coaching men and women
• Team coach for Willamette University Cycling Team

Continuing Education and Certifications
• Worked with Max Testa
• Certified in Cyclops Power Software

 

tina.jpgTINA BRUBAKER

Cycling Coach

Tina's Coaching Philosophy: “Fundamentals and happiness. Focusing on entry-level riders, I believe the focus of development is through enjoyment of the sport. A happy rider is a fast rider. Put your mind at ease, be comfortable in the sport, and progress as a cyclist and a person.”

Education
• Portland State University
• World Travel
• Lover of life 

Competitive Experience
• Category 1 Road
• Category 1 Cyclocross
• Pro XC MTB
• Best All-Around Rider (BARR) Champion 1999 and 2008
• Oregon State Criterium Champion

Coaching Experience
• Professional coaching for 5+ years
• Women's-only clinics for road, mountain bike, and cyclocross
• Focusing on novice women for road, cyclocross and mountain biking

 

forbes.jpgBRIAN FORBES

Cycling Coach

Education
• Mesa Community College
• Kingman High School

Competitive Experience
• Professional cyclist for 3 years
• 15 years of Elite level racing
• Arizona State Road Champion
• Arizona Cyclist of the Year
• College and high school football education and certifications

Education and Certifications
• Certified bicycle fitter  

 

linnea.jpgLINNEA ALVORD

Triathlon Coach

Linnea's Coaching Philosophy: "The keys to your athletic success are both physical and mental. As your coach in training, nutrition, and execution, my highly individualized programs are geared to enable you to compete effectively, efficiently and safely. You will develop the mental confidence and physical skills necessary to achieve your goals and exceed your own expectations. Whether you want to complete your first or umpteenth endurance event, I work with your unique skills and goals to maximize the experience and your performance. I can even train with you at your convenience if you need the motivation, companionship, or some extra incentive!"

Education
• B.A. in Spanish, Dartmouth College
• MBA in Marketing of Product Innovation and Technology, Portland State University

Competitive Experience
• Ironman Hawaii World Championships, 2007, 2008, 2009
• Ironman 70.3 World Championships, 2006
• ITU World Championships, 2005 (Olympic distance)
• USA Triathlon All-American Triathlete 2005-current
• Numerous wins and top finishes at local events since 2005

Coaching Experience
• Head Coach, Multnomah Athletic Club Triathlon Team, 2009-current
• Coached and assisted at over 10 Triathlon Clinics and Multi-day Camps with professionals like Gordo Byrn, Chris McCormack, Joanna Zeiger and more, 2007-current
• Athletes coached include Ironman, Half Ironman, Marathon, Ultramarathon athletes, first-timers, ages 20-60. Unique experiences with first-timers and new/expecting mothers
• Organize open water swims and group training events in single/multisports
• Professionally coached since 2004. Coach with Counterpart Coaching, LLC, 2007-2010

Continuing Education and Certifications
• USA Triathlon Certified Coach Level I, 2007-current. Level II Certification (pending 2010)
• Youth Triathlon Clinician (pending 2010)
• Certified Personal Trainer and Spinning Instructor since 2008
• Yoga Coaching certification (pending 2010)