October 9/14 12:25 pm - OCA Announces New Hirings

Posted by Editoress on 10/9/14
 

We are pleased to announce two new hires to the Ontario Cycling Associations (OCA) High Performance Program. The search was extensive, however, after a little over a month of reviewing applications and holding interviews we are pleased to announce that both the High Performance Manager position, along with the Provincial Track Development Coach role have been filled.

We are please to announce that Michael Suraci will be filling the role of High Performance Manager. Michael brings a wealth of knowledge to the position which he has built over his 10 years in the not-for-profit sport sector. A proven record of project and personnel management, ranging from his time as Executive Director at Wheelchair Baskets Ontario to his most recent position as Assistant Director at the Ontario Federation of School Athletics will be a major asset to the OCA and the High Performance Program.

"I'm excited to be taking on this great opportunity with Ontario Cycling.  Brendan and the staff at OCA have done a fantastic job in developing the High Performance program and I hope to help build on that success," said Michael, OCA's new High Performance Manager.

After ten years growing the sport of Track Cycling in the province of Ontario, Forest City Velodrome founder, Rob Good, has been hired on as our Provincial Track Development Coach. For the last eight seasons, Rob has been running one of thee most successful Track programs in Canada, producing world class athletes which have gone on to compete on the international stage.

Rob will be stepping into a brand new position here at the OCA which is funded through Cycling Canada, Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario, Own the Podium and Ontario Cycling. All funding parties are extremely excited to have full time coach focused on developing the next pool of National Team athletes.

"I have been a supporter of Cycling Ontario for a number of years as a member of the High Performance Committee and coach on numerous projects. As Ontario turns the page on a new beginning with the opening of the Mattamy National Cycling Centre Velodrome in Milton, it's an exciting time to be involved with Track cyclists of all ages.  The future looks bright for all Ontario cyclists, whether they are recreational riders, sportif riders looking for fitness, or the full time racer looking to make it to the National Track Team.  Opportunities to advance for Ontario's youth have never been greater," says Rob Good.

In partnership with the Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative (OHPSI) and the Ontario National Centre Strategy for 2014-2015, funding for Ontario's High Performance program is at an all time high with over $550,000 invested. The funds have not only resulted in the hiring of new coaches, it also will contribute to the establishment of a daily training environment at the Milton Velodrome and further development of our Rising Stars Academy program.

Led by High Performance Manager Michael Suraci, Sean Kelly (MTB and Road Development Coach), Rob Good (Track Development Coach) and Brendan Arnold (BMX Development Coach) will propel the programs, coaches and athletes to new heights in the months and years to come.

Courtesy OCA