International Experience Tops up Canadian Luge Association Coaching Staff
The Canadian Luge Association is pleased to announce the addition of four new coaches to its roster.Former Junior World Champion and German national team slider, Robert Fegg and 2002 doubles silver medallist, Chris Thorpe, of the United States, will be joining veterans trainers Bernd Hahn, Mikael Zavialov and Walter Corey as assistant coaches for the Canadian National Junior Luge Team.
Mr. Fegg, who resides in Berchtesgaden, Germany, will be one of the principal coaches during the European leg of the 2002-2003 season. He brings with him over fifteen years of experience on the European and World luge circuit.
Chris Thorpe, who continues to compete in men's doubles for the United States, will work with the team throughout the season, both in North American and in Europe.
"We are very excited about the addition of Chris and Robert to the team," said Canadian Luge Association Coordinator, Tim Farstad. "Their international experience and expertise with European and American styles and training will greatly enhance our technical scope and potential as podium contenders.
"I also believe that our ability to recruit two such prominent and successful international sliders speaks volumes for the talent of our young lugers and the credibility of our international programs," he added.
Two retired Canadian national team members are returning to the Canadian Luge Association (CLA) to take on new challenges. Kyle Connelly, who retired after the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and former National Team member, Mike Lane, will take on the role of assistant coaches in the CLA development programs.
"We are so pleased that Mike and Kyle are staying on with the organization," stated Tim Farstad. "Our up-and-coming young sliders will benefit enormously from their expertise, and draw a great deal of inspiration from their personal experiences and successes. "Their return to the CLA is a great indication that we are on our way to developing a truly Canadian tradition in our international luge program," he concluded.
Source: Jennifer Pashniak, CLA
Information: Tim Farstad, CLA-OLTC (403) 616-1397 or gsnefgnq@pbqn.no.pn