Coach Defty grew up in Healdsburg, California. He attended Healdsburg High, setting school records in 440 yd dash and 330 yd low hurdles, and winning league in both and sections in 330 lh.  He attended UCD, ran track for 4 years competing primarily in 400 hurdles and mile relay. After finishing at UCD, he attended USMC Officer Candidate School and served three years as an active duty Marine Officer.  During his service with HQBN 1ST MARDIV, he competed for, and was officer-in-charge of the battalion track team.  After leaving the service Coach Defty earned his teaching credential and has been teaching and coaching since.  He has coached at Jr. High level for three years, established and lead elementary school Running Clubs at Montgomery Elementary (2002-2010) and Fairfield Elementary (2010-present), and has been the hurdle coach at DHS since 2002.