Nakkertok has a large number of experienced and enthusiastic coaches and waxing technicians to meet the needs and wide range of our many athletes:
|
Mike Vieira Head Coach - all Racing Programs Mike has recently started his role as head Coach of Nakkertok Ski Team. Mike brings a depth of knowledge, experience, energy and expertise to the Nakkertok Ski team. Most recently Mike was the head coach of the Whistler Nordic Ski Club. In this position, he oversaw the training for athletes and skiers of all skill levels and led athletes to a range of events, including the B.C. midget and provincial championships and the Canadian nationals. Prior coaching roles that Mike has been involved with include:
Mike graduated from Queen's University with two degrees, a B.P.H.E. (Bachelor of Physical and Health Education) and a B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science, with a major in Biology). Mike is currently completing working on his Level 4 NCCP Cross Country Ski Certification. In addition, Mike has also coached a variety of other sports and holds certifications in: downhill skiing (Level 2); mountain biking (Level 1); and volleyball (Level 1). Mike's Words of Wisdom: Can't, won't, never, three words that a good skier rarely uses. |
 |
|
Audrey Attali Coach - Midgets and Junior Racing Team Audrey joined the coaching staff in April 2007. Audrey has competed throughout her life having been a competitive swimmer and having raced triathlon before beginning competitive skiing. Audrey competed for two years in cross-country skiing and switched to biathlon. At 17, Audrey moved to Quebec city to join the National team in Valcartier and competed in two World Championships (Youth and Junior, under 20) and one European Championship. Audrey recently left the National team to focus on her studies and cross-country skiing. Audrey is currently studying Physical and Health Education at Ottawa University. Her goal is to share her racing experiences with Nakkertok athletes and at the same time, ensure that they view cross-country skiing as a lifelong, and pleasureable activity above all else. |
 |
|
Gilles Bérubé Head Wax Technician Gilles Bérubé est membre du Club Nakkertok depuis 2001 et occupe le poste de farteur en chef depuis 2005. Il a fait ses débuts en ski de fond de compétition en 1981 et a participé à plusieurs championnats Canadiens, Coupes Québec et à de nombreux loppets (Keskinada, Marcialonga, Mont Valin). Gilles est entrepreneur en construction-rénovation et s’est impliqué dans la construction de Owl Cabin en 2005 et de la « Ski barn » en 2006. Il aime le travail d’équipe et possède un bon sens de l’humour. Durant ces années sur le circuit de compétition , il a développé une expertise dans le domaine du fartage et de la préparation des bases. Il est passionné de la bonne glisse et du travail bien fait. Il vient tout juste de compléter son niveau I comme entraîneur communautaire. Comme nous tous,chaque automne il attend avec impatience l’arrivée des premiers flocons… Gilles Bérubé is a member of Nakkertok ski club since 2001 and has been the head wax technician since 2005. Gilles started competitive cross country skiing in 1981 and participated in many canadian championships, Quebec cups and Loppets (Keskinada, Marcialonga,Mont-Valin). Gilles is a general contractor in construction and renovation and was involved in the construction of « Owl Cabin » in 2005 and the « Ski Barn » in 2006. Gilles enjoys team work and brings a good sense of humour to the team. Over the years, on the competition circuit, he has developed an expertise in waxing and base preparation. He enjoys seeing a job well done and a great glide. He just completed his ICC course. Like all of us, every fall he’s waiting impatiently for the first flurrys to come... |
 |
|
Megan Cumming Coach - Midgets and Junior Team Megan Cumming started with Nakkertok as a Jackrabbit skier many, many years ago. Climbing the program ladder, she made her way up to the racing team and a few years later found success in biathlon. Megan also participated in swimming at a national level throughout most of her career as a skier. After a stint as a Jackrabbit instructor, Megan moved decided to lend a hand to the bigger, louder, and faster kids on the racing team. Her main role is helping midget-level skiers have fun and become capable, confident skiers. Megan is currently working on some coaching certifications. She holds a degree in Physical and Health Education and takes a keen interest the stuff that fuels skiers – food and nutrition. |
 |
|
Brad Jones Coach - Midgets and Junior Racing Team Brad has been an active coach with Nakkertok's Junior Racing Program over the last six years. Currently certified to NCCP Level 2 and working on his Level 3. Brad began his coaching career back in 1990 as a Jackrabbit Leader when he and his two children were a lot younger than they are now.
|
 |
|
Kevin Jones Coach - Midgets and Junior Racing Team Kevin has been coaching with the Nakkertok Racing Rabbit and Midget ski programs for 6 years (four years as Head Coach). During that time Kevin has overseen significant growth in the program having grown from 15 to over fifty participants. Kevin is also the enthusiastic organizer of many innovative special events for kids including the Kids Adventure Race, Adirondack Hiking Trip, and the Halloween orienteering event. Kevin has also participated twice as the Regional coach for the Outaouais Ski Team at the Jeux du Quebec. Together, Kevin has over 25 years of cross-country ski racing, event organization and coaching experience. In addition to coaching the racing team, Kevin is the father of four nakkertok Racing program participants. Kevin has also competed internationally as an athlete on the Canadian Orienteering team. Kevin has his Level two NCCP coach certification. |
 |
|
Peter Lloyd Coach - Midgets and Junior Racing Team Peter is an avid cross-country skier and has been coaching with the Nakkertok Ski Club at all levels since 2000. Peter's completed his Level 2 NCCP and is working on his Level 3 certification. He's been cross country ski racing for over 30 years and has a BSc degree in Bio-Physical Education (Kinesiology) from Concordia University. Peter was one of the Coaches that led Nakkertok to a Club victory at the Quebec Provincial Midgets Norams in 2003 and a second place finish at the Canadian nationals in 2008. In 2005, he coached the Outaouais Divisional team at the Jeux Du Quebec. Peter has been working over the past couple of years primarily with the Junior Racing Team. He enjoys seeing the athletes having fun, and continuing to improve in all aspects of their performance. Peter has also competed and coached Triathlon racing and holds a Level 1 Technical certification in that sport.
|
 |
|
Dave Mallory Coach - Midgets, Junior Racing Team
Dave is a level 3 certified coach and has been coaching Cross Country skiing for 25 years.
Dave started coaching in 1980 where he took his CANSI level 1. During the period that Dave's been coaching with Nakkertok he's helped many athletes to achieve provincial and national level championships including five athletes who won national junior championships in Cross Country or Biathlon. Dave has been head division coach at 3 national championships and assisted in 4 others. Dave has been instrumental in helping to further develop the coaching program at Nakkertok.
Dave's current interests are in developing skiers and coaches. Dave enjoys the technical areas of both ski technique and waxing. |
 |
| Richard McKenna Coach – Midgets and Junior Racing Team Richard has been skiing for over 40 years, is an avid backcountry skier and has raced on occasion. Over the years, Richard has obtained CANSI Level I instructor certification, taught and organized Jackrabbit programs, and completed the NCCP community coaching course. In recent years, he has assisted with the Racing Rabbit and Midget programs, and has been chief of timing for a number of races at Nakkertok. |
 |
|
Tara Redpath Coach - Midgets and Junior Racing Team Tara has been cross-country skiing ever since she became too big to fit in her parents’ pulk. She began skiing competitively in the Challenge program with the Manitoba Naturalist’s Society and worked her way onto the Manitoba Ski Team at age 14. Tara represented Manitoba at three separate Canada Winter Games, and she won several medals at the Canadian Junior National Championships. Tara moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario in 1999 to join the National Team Development Centre, and she competed in the North American circuit for five seasons. Tara also represented Canada at the 2003 World University Games in Italy. Although Tara still enjoys skiing fast, she has now decided that it is time to give back to the ski community in Canada. Tara began volunteering as a Nakkertok coach in 2007 with the midget group. Her goal as a coach is to help young racers develop a life-long passion for the sport of cross-country skiing. |
 |
|
Coach - Racing Rabbits From Geoff: When I was of RR/Midget age I was introduced to cross-country skiing. And didn’t enjoy the experience. I am one those wishful athletes that requires, knowledge, time and patience to master anything. The three things that didn’t exist for me (and many others) back then. My experience is so completely different from my sister's initial cross-country ski experience. It took a long time for me to have my cross-country skiing epiphany. (There are many but for coaching it has to be the first Bunny rabbit class I led. Like most I was reluctant and was essentially coerced into leading but after 2 minutes I was awakened. That was almost 13 years ago.) Once the revelation was upon me I vowed that any young skier in my care would receive as much patience, time and knowledge as it took for them to enjoy cross-country skiing and to be a skill-full skier. Stamps: Level 2 NCCP skiing, Level 2 rugby, Cross-country coaching course facilitator, B.Sc./B.Ed Philosophy: I coach to win = I coach so that every athlete learns how to persevere to improve. Everybody Plays |
 |
|
Paul Van Leeuwen Coach - Racing Rabbits Paul started out as an enthusiastic backcountry skier in the Rockies 25 years ago. In Ottawa he taught jackrabbit programs starting in January 2000, and then moved with his kids to the Racing Rabbits where he has been helping coach the last few years. Paul has NCCP Level 1 certification, and plans to take Competitive Coach Introduction in the fall of 2008. |
|
|
Sue Holloway Coach - Racing Rabbits
Sue Holloway started ski racing when she was 10 years old at the Ottawa Ski Club. Sue worked her way up the ranks and eventually made the 1976 Olympic Team and was a member of the 7th place 4 X 5 km relay team. Sue also participated in kayaking at the Summer Olympic Games achieving both silver and bronze medals in 1984 in Los Angeles. A lifetime member of Nakkertok Sue has been a cornerstone of the Racing Program having first joined the coaching ranks as an instructor in the Bunny Rabbit Program to the point where she now co-coordinates the Racing Rabbit program with Kevin Jones. Sue brings a wealth of experience, fun and enthusiasm to the Nakkertok Ski Racing program. Sue has her Level 2 NCCP and a Physical Education degree with a special interest in mental training.
|
 |
|
Jan Downing Coach - Racing Rabbits Jan realized her love of Nordic skiing after moving to Mayo, Yukon in the late 80’s from BC. As an avid downhiller it was obvious a change to skinny skis needed to be made. After 17 years in the Yukon, and a member of Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, the family moved to Vernon, BC, it was there that Jan started out as a Jackrabbit coach with Souvereign Lake Nordic Center. A move to Ottawa and a reconnection with “Coach Sue” was all it took to be recruited as a Racing Rabbit coach. Nakkertok is the connection that makes Ottawa a wonderful city to live, a place you belong. Jan has completed her ICC, CCC and CCI (ask her sometime what that means!) as well as the CANSI Level 1. She is also one of the creators of the SKI X-C FAST initiative. |
|
|
James Young Coach - Racing Rabbits James Young is on his 2nd year as a Racing Rabbit coach and his 4th year as the Sunday learn-to-ski coordinator. He has his ICC and CCC coaching certifications. In addition, he coached in the learn-to-ski program for 5 years. As an athlete, he has competed at various distances in triathlon and cross country skiing. His past events include the 100 km Defi Boreale Skate ski event in Forrestville, the 50 km skate and classic Keskinda loppets, and the Hawaii Ironman. |
 |
|
Luc Groulx Luc joined Nakkertok in 2002 and has been supporting the coaching staff since then, as well as being a familiar face in the waxing room at the Midgets NORAMs and at the Nationals. He has been actively coaching since 2006, first with the Racing Rabbits and now with the Train to Train group, making sure everyone has fun while honing their skills. Luc began cross-country skiing some years ago... at age 18, after many years playing hockey and basketball. He is the happy father (read sponsor) of three kids in the racing programs and understands what you mean by ‘‘everything is spining around at home on Wednesdays and Saturdays before training sessions and race week-ends’’. Luc has his NCCP Community Coach certification and is working on his Competition Coaching certification. Past certifications include: CANSI Level 1 and Telemark as well as CSIA Level 2. Some family members consider him a ‘‘certified old school skier’’. |
 |
