Gagné named CCAA Cross-Country Running Coach of the Year

Jean-François Gagné of the Volontaires de Sherbrooke has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Cross-Country Running Coach of the Year.

Gagné received the award this evening at the 2017 CCAA Cross-Country Running National Championships, hosted by College Lionel-Groux in Blainville, QC.

"Jean-Francois runs a stellar program at Sherbrooke," said Bill Corcoran, CCAA Cross-Country Running Convenor. "His men's team has been at the top of the CCAA for a number of years and the women's team is much improved this year."

The Volontaires had a dominant season in the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) with the two-time defending National Champion men's team earning victories in all races including provincials.

The women's team picked up two victories this season along with their first-ever podium finish at RSEQ Championships, where they earned a bronze medal.

Gagné is a dedicated coach who aims to give his runners all of the necessary tools they need to become successful student-athletes. He hopes to develop individuals and not just athletes at Sherbrooke.

A physical education teacher at the institution, Gagné always makes himself available to his runners. He also coaches the Vert et Or de l'Université de Sherbrooke (U Sports).

He works with his athletes year-round and also offers cross-country running courses and clinics.

CCAA Coach of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA National Championship Awards Banquet. 

OTHER NOMINEES

Gerhard Lotz		Danny Webster		Claire Pabody
Augustana Vikings		Sheridan Bruins		Mount Allison Mounties
The Vikings captured a silver medal in the men's team event at the ACAC Championships. The women's team, fifth at provincials, earned Top 3 finishes in a pair of Grand Prix events this season. Lotz and co-coach Robert Renman strive to create a supportive environment, training structure and racing opportunities which allow the Augustana runners to get the most out of their running with regards to enjoyment, improvement and performance.		Webster's Bruins earned a bronze medal at the OCAA Championships in the men's team event. This season, the Sheridan men's team had two individual and two team Top 3 finishes. Webster's goal is to develop all-round quality student-athletes while ensuring struggling individuals get the proper support from the institution. This is his second season working with collegiate runners. Webster also coaches high school cross country and track .		In Pabody's first season with Mount Allison, the men's and women's teams peaked at the right time as they each earned gold medals at the ACAA Championships. Matt Fyfe captured individual gold, while Taylor Crosby earned women's silver at provincials. Pabody's goal is to grow the cross-country running program at Mount Allison.