Hats Off to the Lo-Ellen Park OFSAA Track and Field Coaches

Behind every successful team, there is another team cheering them on every step of the way. They are the school and community coaches who give students opportunities to participate in athletics at local, regional and provincial levels.

A prime example is Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School whose track and field athletes recently captured the Overall Combined Team Championship title at OFSAA Track and Field.

“To be the best in the province takes dedication, determination and diligence on the part of the athletes who train tirelessly and the coaches who support them,” said Rainbow District School Board Director of Education, Bruce Bourget.

He added:  “We are fortunate in Rainbow Schools to have talented teachers, support staff and community members who recognize the value of school sports and volunteer to coach school teams. Some of these volunteers have been coaching for many years which represents a significant commitment of time and energy. For many, they are giving back to the schools that helped to nurture their athletic abilities when they were in school.”

Teacher Coaches for Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School’s winning track and field team include Julie Lacroix, Kyle Beers, Dane MacVeigh, Colin Ward, John Oberthier and Sarah Booth.

Community Coaches include Neil Phipps and Serena San Cartier.

Community Club Coaches also deserve recognition, as they develop some of the student athletes. They include Track North Coaches Darren Jermyn, Richard Moss and Jim Taylor; and Airblastoff Coach Robert Esmie. Robert Esmie is an Olympic Gold medalist for Canada in the 4 X 100 metre relay.

Director Bourget thanked the staff coaches and community coaches for supporting student success in athletics. “The coaches are just as proud as the students,” he said. “In the case of Lo-Ellen Park’s recent win provincially, it’s exciting to see that the entire team is being celebrated on a message board in front of the school. We join with Lo-Ellen Park in thanking Innova Wealth Partners for congratulating the athletes and coaches on their historic win. We are immensely grateful to the many individuals in our schools and school communities who support our student athletes.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.