July 10, 2018 (Thunder Bay, Ontario) – Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Kates as Head Coach effective September 2018.  Kates brings extensive experience as a high performance coach and athlete to the role.  In addition to achieving some of the highest levels of coaching certification available, Kates played a pivotal role in developing Big Thunder programs and the Lakehead Nordic Team both as Head Coach from 2008 to 2014 and as a skilled volunteer for many years. Long-time board member and newly elected Club President Todd Randall commented “we are pleased to welcome back Adam’s unabashed passion for cross-country skiing and coaching.  We look forward to his mentoring the next generation of Big Thunder and Lakehead Varsity athletes.”

Reflecting on this new chapter as Big Thunder’s Head Coach, Kates is “excited to be back with both Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club and Lakehead Nordic Skiing and to lead both programs to continued success into the future”.  Kates added “cross-country skiing in Thunder Bay has played a major role in my life for almost two decades and I feel fortunate to be back in an official capacity with these two great organizations.”

Athletes will continue training throughout the summer to be in prime shape and ‘ready to race’ going into the on-snow season in the fall.  It is anticipated that Kates’ extensive past experience with Big Thunder and the Lakehead Nordic team will make the transition a smooth one for both athletes and club organizers.

About Big Thunder
Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club is a not-for-profit organization managed collaboratively by a volunteer Board of Directors and a full-time, paid Head Coach.   Our mission is to play a leadership role in the development and promotion of the sport of cross-country skiing in the community of Thunder Bay through programs and services for athletes of all ages and abilities, participants, coaches/leaders, officials and volunteers.  Find out more about our successful and innovative programs at: www.btnordic.ca