COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -The United States Fencing Association announced today the resignation of Mike Pederson, the organization's Director of High Performance Programs. In March, Pederson was hired as the head of high performance, the area of the organization charged with the oversight and development of Olympic and National Team athletes. Kurt Aichele, USFA Executive Director commented, "Since stepping into that role (Mike) has effectively re-established our performance relationship with the USOC, and laid an excellent foundation for future success on the International stage. He departure from the program is a significant loss."
Discussions about the transition began during the Senior World Championships in Antalya, Turkey, where Mike had the opportunity to experience the role to its fullest. According to Pederson, "I have not taken this decision lightly...I recognize my sincere passion for coaching and working directly with the athletes."As a result of this realization, Pederson has decided to apply for the Women's Foil National Team Coach position that has not been filled, and will remain with the USFA in a full-time capacity as the High Performance Director through the first week of November. Aichele sees this as an opportunity to re-evaluate the current structure of the High Performance Program saying, "The USFA has witnessed a number of highly-talented individuals rotate through this role over the last five years. With that type of turnover, one has to step back and take a look at the role itself. I believe the time is right to consider a change. We have been working to develop a departmental structure that will effectively prepare us for the Olympic Games in '12, '16, and '20...Reorganization is never easy, but the opportunity before us is great. "Aichele will assume most of the communicative and programmatic functions of the Director High Performance, while Christine Simmons, Director of Operations for the USFA, will provide direct oversight of the High Performance staff effective November 9th.
For more information, please contact the USFA Director of Marketing & Communications, Rob Weekes(719) 351-5716.
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