July 09, 2012 – Cross Country Ontario is pleased to announce Eric Bailey as the recipient of the 2012 Heinz Niederhauser Coaching Award. Eric has been active in the Ontario coaching community for more than 10 years. Eric began his coaching career with Big Thunder before becoming the Head Coach of the National Development Centre in Thunder Bay.

Eric brought a great deal of energy to the position and has developed a strong program for high performance athletes in Ontario. After 8 years with the NDC, Eric has ‘retired’ from coaching. He remains active in our sport as Cross Country Canada’s Assistant Director of Coaching Development and volunteering with the 2013 World Junior/U23 Trials organizing committee in Thunder Bay.

The Heinz Niederhauser Coaching Award is presented annually to a coach who has made outstanding contributions to coaching and athletes in Ontario. Past recipients include Heinz Niederhauser, Martti Puumala, Larry Sinclair, Jack Sasseville, Dave Mallory and Patti Kitler.