Fort McMurray, AB; - The role of head coach of the Fort McMurray Manta Swim Club will be changing hands next season. Chris Stone, this season's head coach, has tendered his resignation effective August 14, 2015 to accept the role of head coach of the Halifax Trojan Aquatic Club.
Stone, who came to the Mantas in September 2014 from his previous roles as head coach of both a club and university program in Nova Scotia, cited family as the primary reason for the change.
"While I've loved every minute of my time here in the Wood Buffalo region, with the downturn in the price of oil, my wife hasn't been able to find gainful employment in her field, which meant we have spent the last year apart," said Stone.
"I definitely feel that the program is on much stronger ground now than it was in September, and am confident that the swimmers, parents and staff will continue to build on the small role I've played with a new head coach next season," he added.
Mantas president, Craig Ewashko echoed Stone's assessment.
"While we are disappointed to see Chris leave, we wish him well in Halifax, and are confident that we'll have a strong replacement in the role of FMSC head coach by the start of next season," Ewashko said.
FMSC is presently engaged in a nationwide search for a suitable replacement, with the posting available at http://www.csca.org/JobPosting.aspx