Jeff Lackie & Thomas Erhard will run women & men's Ontario Ski Teams
COLLINGWOOD, ON (April 29, 2010) – Alpine Ontario welcomes two new Head Coaches to the Ontario Ski Team. Jeff Lackie from the AOA Ontario Development Team will be the new OST Women’s Head Coach and Thomas Erhard from Aspen, Colorado will be the new OST Men’s Head Coach.
Jeff Lackie has worked at Alpine Ontario since 2006 at both the Ski Team and Development Team level on the women’s side. In addition to coaching he was 
the Alpine Ontario Fitness Director for two years. Originally from the Devil’s Glen Country Club Jeff worked at Alpine Ski Club for several years before joining AOA. He is a CSCF Level 3 and is currently enrolled in NCCP level 4.
Asked about his new promotion Lackie commented. “I am really excited for the opportunity to work with such a talented group of athletes. The majority of the team I have coached before and it will be great to see them move to the next level and succeed.”
Jeff has always had a passion for dryland training and using technology while coaching. He will be an integral part of the Alpine Ontario Dart-Fish application coming next season.
Thomas Erhard joins Alpine Ontario from his current residence in Lake Placid, New York where he lives with his wife and two children. For the past two years he has been the Head Coach of the Apex Racing International Team (a European based private team). Prior to this Erhard has experience as a Program Director (New York Ski Educational Foundation) and six years experience at the Europa Cup level with the US Ski Team. He is a USSA/USSCA Level 400 and International, PSIA Level 3.
Thomas comments on his new position. “It is with great pleasure and pride that I have been offered and accepted the opportunity to work with Alpine Ontario in the coming years. The deep history of amazing Alpine skiers coming out of Ontario has always been a fascination of mine. The sport is always about the people and culture behind it and from my experiences in Ontario, the individuals and families I have known over the years are a very special group. I look forward to starting the journey and dedicating my heart and soul to the athletes and programs of Alpine Ontario!”
AOA President Nancy Esson shares both Jeff’s and Thomas’ enthusiasm. “We actively sought after new leaders feeling both Jeff and Thomas would be great role models to the athletes on the Ontario Ski Team. It is my belief both coaches have the right skill set and experience to help our athletes move to the next level. As we all know ski racing can be very unforgiving while also giving you some of the best experiences of your life. Having the right coach can make the difference and it is my belief that Thomas and Jeff are more than capable of this.”
About the Ontario Ski Team
The Ontario Ski Team represents the highest level of alpine skiing in the province with athletes spending over 120 days on snow each year. Commencing in May they will travel to Western Canada, South America and Europe in preparation for a 5-month competitive season that runs from late November through to the end of April.
About Alpine Ontario
As the recognized Provincial Sport Organization and promoter of alpine ski racing in Ontario, Alpine Ontario Alpin represents 50 member ski clubs, over 30,000 active racers, coaches, officials and volunteers in four divisions: Alpine Ontario South Division, National Capital Division, Lake Superior Division Alpine and Northern Ontario Division. AOA coordinates several successful programs across the province and continues to foster the development of ski racing programs from the grass roots to the elite level.
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For further information
Kristin Ellis
Alpine Ontario Communications
Tel: (705) 444-5111 ext. 132
Fax: (705) 444-5116
communications@alpineontario.ca
www.alpineontario.ca
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