September 17, 2014 (Thunder Bay, Ontario) – Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Leif Lennie to the position of Head Coach. In the past 3 years, Lennie has worked with both Big Thunder and Thunder Bay’s National Development Centre, providing technical instruction, coaching and wax support.

He was named Assistant Coach for Big Thunder in September 2013, working primarily with the Big Thunder’s Development Team athletes. As a former member of NDC Thunder Bay, Leif brings a wealth of experience surrounding elite ski racing.

Heikki Luoma, President of Big Thunder’s Board of Directors outlined the key factors in Lennie’s selection to this role within the Club: ” In addition to his firsthand knowledge of Nordic skiing and racing in Canada, the Selection Committee members were very impressed with Leif’s passion for the sport, accountability in his previous roles, and self-awareness of his own skills and abilities.”

Through Big Thunder’s partnership with Lakehead XC, Lennie will also be taking the reins of the highly successful Thunderwolves varsity Nordic ski team. “I’m very excited to bring some new ideas to both Big Thunder and Lakehead xc, and to continue to build upon a legacy of excellence.”