Garrett Collier is now overseeing club he once competed for and his father played a huge part of.
The Richmond Kajaks Track and Field Club has announced Collier his been hired as the new head coach.
“After interviewing the strongest candidates, one from as far away as Alaska, we are confident that the whole club will benefit from Garrett’s vast experience, organizational skills and fresh perspective,” said Kristina Bradley, vice-president of Kajaks Board member and Chair of the selection committee.
Collier grew up as a Kajaks athlete and discovered his love for Throws. He didn’t have to look far for help with his father Richard becoming one of the top Throws coaches in the country and serving as Kajaks head coach for many years.
Garrett has since built up his own coaching resumé with over 13 years of working and recruiting athletes at the NCAA Division One and Two levels. He currently oversees the development and implementation of the annual strategic plan for track & field in the province for BC Athletics. He initially joined the Kajaks coaching staff in May as a Throws coach and is looking forward to his expanded role.
“I’m very excited to be back as a head coach. This is the club that supported me for so many years, and started me on my journey in the world of athletics,” said Collier.
“While my background is in Throws, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest coaches in the Distance, Jumps, Sprint and Combined Events disciplines. I look forward to working with the Kajaks community in building a strong club in all disciplines.
“I want our athletes to have the same positive experiences I and other athletes were able to enjoy. I want our coaches to have the support they need to make those goals come true, and I want our parents and volunteers to feel welcomed, building on the family atmosphere Kajaks has been known for.
“We all have an opportunity to make Kajaks a leading example of excellence in a club, and I look forward to getting to know you all and working towards that aim.”
For more information on the Kajaks visit www.kajaks.ca
