Source: Dalhousie Sports Information
HALIFAX, N.S. - Dalhousie University Athletics and Recreational Services is pleased to announce that Richard Lehman has been named the head coach of the Tigers cross country and track and field teams.
Richard joins the Tigers after a 14-month role as the Executive Director of Athletics Nova Scotia and a two-year position as the physical education teacher at Kings View Academy.
The past two years he has served as an assistant coach for the Dalhousie cross country and track and field teams and his knowledge of the current program will ease the transition. Richard's coaching experience also includes coaching at the club level for two years as the Middle Distance Coach for Halifast Athletics and a year as the head coach of Dartmouth Athletics.
"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be the head coach of both of these teams," says Richard. "Both Dalhousie's cross country and track and field programs are highly respected across the country and are on the verge of breaking ground nationally. I look forward to working with the Tigers in this new capacity and I expect the program to continue to be among the very best in the CIS."
Richard was a two-time track and field CIS first team all-Canadian and a Canada West all-star in both cross country and track and field with the University of Victoria Vikes. He was also recognized with the Vikes Martlet Athletic Award for outstanding contributions to the athletic program in the areas of service, participation, administration and community involvement.
Richard believes that his experience as a CIS student-athlete will be an asset in his new role as head coach.
"It will help me relate to the athletes. It was only five years ago that I was in their position, so I am very familiar with the way the CIS works and what it takes to win at this level."
Dalhousie's cross country and track and field teams have been very successful in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) and noted as contenders on the national stage. The women's cross country team has taken the AUS title the past two years and the men's cross country team last won in 2010. Women's track and field boasts 23 consecutive AUS championships while the men's track and field team has collected 11 consecutive titles. At the 2012 CIS track and field championship Tiger Simon Watts earned a gold medal in triple jump and Robert McCulloch took home bronze medals in the pentathlon and high jump.
Karen Moore, Director of Varsity Athletics at Dalhousie says, "Richard is a very positive addition to our coaching staff. His incredible enthusiasm and energy along with his vast experience make him the perfect candidate to lead our cross country and track and field programs into the future."