COLLINGWOOD, ON (April 13, 2017) Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) is pleased to report that it continues to build upon the initiatives introduced during Mark Marshall’s tenure as Athletic Director. Mark joined AOA last October and has supported AOA’s principled analysis, development and redirection of the athletic programs including the new U16 Development Program. On behalf of the AOA staff and of the entire Ontario ski racing community we thank Mark for his perspective, vision and contributions to the organization.

Continuing on with the new U16 Development program AOA has secured the lead of Graeme Buckrell and Heather Metzger. Graeme and Heather will oversee the program both on snow and off. They are both on a part time contract with AOA while remaining in their current positions at their respective ski clubs.

Heather Metzger has been an active participant in and contributor to the alpine ski racing community for many years. Since 2011 she has been the Head Coach of the U16 Extended Program at Georgian Peaks Ski Club, prior to this she was the Technical Director at Alpine Ontario for five years, and before this the Alpine Program Director at Georgian Peaks for 10 years. She is a Level 3 Coach and Level 4 Instructor. Heather and her family live in Thornbury, ON. Her three children have all progressed through the ski programs at Georgian Peaks; her husband is also an alpine coach, her daughter on the Ontario Ski Team and her son in the U16 program.

Executive Director, Scott Barrett comments, “Heather will bring to the U16 Program the on-hill technical skills and training to make this program a success. Heather’s technical expertise is reflected in Georgian Peaks’ athlete development and will provide the best of training and resources for the program athletes.

Graeme Buckrell is a Level 4 Coach and has been the Head Coach of the Osler Bluff Ski Club since 1994. He and his wife are also owners of Active Life Conditioning located in Collingwood. Graeme and his family live in Collingwood with their two children – both heavily involved in hockey and their son in the U14 extended program at Osler. Graeme is known to be one of the strongest ski administrators in the sport and is renowned in Collingwood by hundreds of kids who look forward to the area’s best summer camp with a focus on multi-sport and skill development.

Scott Barrett contInues, “Having Graeme involved in administration of the U16 Development Program is a real asset for the program and the athletes. Not only is his expertise on the hill world class he is an effective administrator, well versed on athletes of this age and their needs off snow. I have no doubt that Graeme will bring the best administration and communication to this exciting new initiative.

Graeme and Heather will assist in the transition as Mark rounds out his tenure at AOA with spring planning until the middle of May. AOA wishes Mark well as he rejoins the world of Ontario Soccer.

ABOUT ALPINE ONTARIO ALPINE
Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) is the provincial governing body for the sport of alpine ski racing in Ontario. Alpine Ontario’s newly refined mission is to provide leadership and structure for high quality, sustainable and affordable programming and to communicate the competitive, recreational and lifestyle benefits of ski racing to the community. AOA represents four divisions, 44 member clubs and over 30,000 active athletes, coaches and officials (volunteers). AOA coordinates several successful programs across the province and continues to foster the development of “state of the art” ski-racing programs from the grass roots level to the elite level.

For more information contact:
Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA):
Scott Barrett
Executive Director
705-444-5111 x 206
sbarrett@alpineontario.local