UPEI announces coaches for varsity Cross Country and Track and Field Club
University of Prince Edward Island Director of Athletics and Recreation Chris Huggan is excited to introduce Mike Peterson, Stanley Chaisson, Jen Nicholson, and Rob MacKenzie as the coaching staff for UPEI’s varsity Cross-Country and Track and Field Club. All four individuals bring a wealth of experience in the sport.
“I am thrilled to have Mike, Stanley, Jen, and Rob as coaches for our Cross-Country running team. The recent growth of cross-country running on PEI is largely attributed to their passion, effort, and commitment. They will attract the best runners from schools across PEI and far beyond. Under their leadership, it will not take long until we are a force to be reckoned with in the AUS.”
After establishing a successful program at Colonel Gray High School, Mike Peterson, an avid marathoner, is happy to start the process of building a cross-country program at the university level. Whether it is his own children, a new runner, or an elite athlete, he enjoys helping people develop into the best that they can be.
Peterson says, "I am extremely excited that UPEI is joining the AUS cross-country scene. One of my goals at Colonel Gray was always been to keep people running after they finish high school. This will give more local athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level, right here in their own backyard.”
Stanley Chaisson has been involved in running for over 15 years as a competitor and coach. He competed for Dalhousie University in cross-country and track and field becoming a CIS All Canadian in 2004. He has since trained and coached runners of all abilities and distances. He is presently a Physical Education teacher at Kensington Intermediate High School and is eager to be a part of the UPEI coaching staff.
“Running has always been a part of my life,” adds Jen Nicholson. “I ran cross-country in elementary school and off and on throughout my teenage years. There wasn’t a cross-country team at my university, but I wish I had the opportunity because you push yourself harder when you know you have team that’s counting on you. I am really looking forward to passing on my love for the sport and working with such a great group of people”.
Rob MacKenzie of Long Creek, has been running competitively on PEI for the past 15 years. MacKenzie has raced many distances, from the mile right up to the marathon, and enjoys working with other local runners to help them reach their running goals.
MacKenzie adds, “I’m really excited to help UPEI get a cross-country program up and running. This is a great opportunity for Island high-school athletes who wish to run competitively at a higher level upon graduating.”
The varsity club invites all those interested in joining to contact Mike Peterson at mapeterson44@hotmail.com. The next training session is Tuesday and Wednesday at 4:00 pm at the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place track.
About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas