Sean Ireland Named Long Track Program Director

Calgary - Speed Skate Canada today announced to it's National and Development Team members that Sean Ireland would be the Long Track Program Director for the 2010 season. Skaters training in Calgary have been doing so without knowing who was going to coach them for the upcoming season. Some Oval program coaches have as many as 40 skaters ranging from first year Oval skaters to National team skaters under their tutelage.

Ireland may be stepping into the breach and his decision is one welcomed by the skaters. His experience and advocacy for the athletes should make him a popular choice at the Oval. Speed Skate Canada seems to be undergoing a mass exodus at the management level and uncertainty appears to the order of the day in Calgary. The skaters will almost certainly welcome his direction as the next generation of Canadian long trackers prepare to face the world on the long road to Sochi in 20104.

Ireland has been heavily involved with speed skating at the highest levels as an athlete and as a coach. He has experience on the world stage as an Olympian, at the World Championships, and on the World Cup circuit. Ireland should be a skaters director. That could be the first step on the way to the podium in 2014. Go Ireland Go!