ja_mageia

Guts & Glory | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | Updates

Keynote Speaker: Ken Derrett

A native of Winnipeg (Manitoba), Ken Derrett graduated from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration. His degree would launch a very successful career in sports and entertainment marketing, eventually earning Derrett a honourary doctorate in Sports Administration from his alma mater.

Employed with the San Diego Chargers of the NFL for almost a decade, he was recently promoted to Senior Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer with the team. Under his direction, the Chargers have experienced increased sales in merchandise, premium seats, broadcasting revenues and sponsorship during each year.

Over the years, Ken Derrett has worked for the Canadian Football League, overseen the sports and entertainment properties of Labatt Breweries and served as Senior VP – Global Marketing Partnerships for the National Basketball Association.

From his start within the university setting of a northern Ontario community, Derrett has travelled a fascinating journey on the strength of a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. SportLink is incredibly pleased that he has chosen to take a few hours from his hectic schedule to share some of his story with supporters of local sports in Sudbury.

Local Star Athlete: Alannah MacLean

A rising star within the Sudbury high-school athletics’ scene, Alannah MacLean was honoured this past June at the House of Kin Sports Hall of Fame dinner, recognized as the 2010 Amateur Female Athlete of the Year.

A student at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, MacLean has enjoyed a great deal of success in Nordic skiing, track and field and cross country running. In March, MacLean captured Gold at the all-Ontario high-school Nordic ski championships (OFSAA), sweeping both the city (SDSSA) and northern (NOSSA) titles en route to her provincial crown.

In June, she entered the OFSAA track & field championships ranked 18th in the 400m hurdles, defying the odds in advancing to the finals and finishing seventh in Ontario. A devout athlete since her elementary school days, MacLean remains active in the community, competing both for the Walden Cross Country Fitness Club as well as Track North Athletic Club.

Local Super Athlete & Coach: Mike Coughlin

Mike Coughlin’s journey into the world of Triathlons began in 2001 when he started with basic training for fun and fitness. After only six months of training, and with no specific background in sport, he did very well in competition. It didn’t take long for him to be hooked for life.

Today, he is an accomplished triathlete with several Ironman and Ultraman competitions under his belt. He has raced with top triathletes, and has been coached by the best. His passion for the sport has taken him all over the world, to places like New Zealand and Hawaii. He is a certified coach for the sport, and works with beginners and experts alike through coaching sessions and yearly clinics hosted by Discomfort Zone.

For Mike, the triathlete’s lifestyle isn’t only about health and endurance. It has been, and continues to be a means of self discovery.