U of A commits to high-performance athletics development

Monday, May 14, 2012
U of A commits to high-performance athletics development

In an effort to develop high-performance track and field and cross-country programming in the Edmonton area, the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation (FPER), which houses Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics, has implemented a program restructuring.

Under the auspices of the ‘Alberta Model’, which is an integration of the best sport scientists and the top sport performers with a goal of becoming leaders in performance, education, and applied research, this restructuring will harmonize two entities: the Golden Bears and Pandas track and field and cross-country programs, and the Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre (CACC), within FPER, and under the watch of Wes Moerman as the inaugural Associate Director of Athletics Programming (AD-AP), effective July 1st.

“Advancing the sport of athletics and working with coaches is very attractive to me,” said Moerman. “Working in an environment which aims to, and is capable of, leading the nation in the sport of athletics is inspiring. The University of Alberta Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, along with the Golden Bears and Pandas’ programs, are leaders in many regards, and I’m excited to be an influencer and initiator within a strong support network which aims to unite invested parties toward the progress of athletics in the city of Edmonton,” he concluded.

Reporting to Associate Professor and CACC Director Dr. Jim Denison, as well as Director of Athletics Dr. Ian Reade, this newly minted appointment replaces the traditional position of Golden Bears and Pandas track and field and cross-country head coach. The AD-AP will utilize the resources of FPER, which includes Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics, and the CACC, to establish a base to develop and support high-performance track and field and cross-country athletes in the capital region. The AD-AP will also oversee the development and implementation of programming for Golden Bears and Pandas’ track and field and cross-country student-athletes, while also creating an environment for coach mentorship as well as the engagement and promotion of sport science researchers.

Since 2010 Moerman, a native of Blenheim, Ont., had worked, in collaboration with Athletics Canada, as the Manager, National Program Coach Development at the CACC, and coached with Legacy Athletics, two entities that are legacies of the Edmonton-hosted 2001 IAAF World Championships in Athletics. He was also a member of the coaching staffs for Team BC (2009 Canada Games) and Team Alberta (2011 Western Canada Summer Games). He holds level 3 NCCP in sprints, hurdles and jumps, and he was a CIS competitor at the University of Guelph in pole vault and relays.

“Wes’ experience working at the national level in athletics to support coaches and help them improve their daily training environment is exactly the kind of background we were looking for in this role,” stated Denison. “We wanted someone who could build and lead an integrated program, and he has certainly shown the ability to do that in his role as Manager, National Program Coach Development. I am excited to work with him in creating something special for all our athletes and coaches in Edmonton.”

Moerman, who earned the coveted job after a national search, will be on hand to further expand on the position, his role and responsibilities, and what it means to the athletics community, at two “Town Hall” presentations May 15th (6:00 – 7:00 pm) and May 22nd (7:00 – 8:00 pm), both to be held in the multi-purpose room at Foote Field. An additional “Town Hall” meeting for Golden Bears and Pandas track and field and cross-country athletes will be held on May 28th from 7:00 – 8:00 pm in the Foote Field multi-purpose room.