About Us

About Us

Vision
Lakehead University Athletics Department creates an environment in which the student-athlete can achieve their highest level both athletically and academically. We enhance the university experience for all students.

Mission
To enrich the student experience by offering quality athletics, physical activity programs while enhancing the profile and marketability of Lakehead University. We will strive for national championships in all varsity sports.

Lakehead University Vision
Lakehead University will be a respected, mid-sized university offering a range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. With excellence and accountability as its hallmarks, Lakehead University will compete successfully for scholars, students and funding in the Canadian academic realm. As expected of any modern university, Lakehead will participate in the global community but also will continue to respect the special role it can play in the region and in aboriginal education in Canada. Building on its established foundation, Lakehead will increase its commitment to scholarly activity research, outreach and professional service. The university will pursue opportunities that provide distinction and support for the academic function.

Lakehead University is committed to excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate teaching, service, research and other scholarly activity. As part of this commitment, Lakehead University is dedicated to a student-centred learning environment. Lakehead University values its people and the diversity of their ideas, contributions and achievements. Lakehead University is dedicated to working with aboriginal peoples in furthering their educational aspirations. Building on its past accomplishments and recognizing its role in Northwestern Ontario, Lakehead University reaches out regionally, nationally and internationally.

Lakehead University is committed to educating students who are recognized for leadership and independent critical thinking and who are aware of social and environmental responsibilities.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me at tom.warden@lakeheadu.ca or call me directly at (807) 343-8213.

Welcome to Lakehead University Athletics!
It is my sincere privilege to present to you an athletics program that is marked for excellence.

Our student-athletes are not only known for their athletic prowess, but have also set high standards in the academic arena. Many of our student athletes are consistently named to U Sports or OUA academic honours.

Lakehead University Athletics is also very proud of the esteemed leadership provided for its student athletes. Among our coaching staff are notable educators and people of high integrity who are positive role models. Our coaching staff takes special care in training student athletes to compete at the highest level while preparing young adults for life through team building and hard work.

The athletic heritage at Lakehead University is impressive so please if you have the opportunity explore our rapidly expanding and improving facilities, including the recently opened Wolf Den, do so. Our current and former student athletes are ambassadors for our institution and they represent a rich legacy and tradition that make us all proud THUNDERWOLVES!

Once again, welcome to Lakehead University Athletics — the place that strives for excellence in the OUA and U Sports!

Sincerely,

Tom Warden
Director of Athletics

 

Lakehead University Athletics Tobacco Free Sports Policy

Background
The Athletic Department at Lakehead University recognizes that there is ample research demonstrating the health hazards from the use of tobacco products. In addition, it acknowledges that high profile sports athletes have a powerful influence on the lifestyle choices of youth. The Thunderwolves’ athletes are involved directly and indirectly with youth in a wide variety of activities through community events and training camps. We wish to promote a healthy athletic environment and portray a positive role model for youth.

Policy Rationale
· Tobacco use is considered the single most preventable cause of premature disease and death in Canada
· Regular use of tobacco is ultimately harmful to every user’s health, directly causing cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes and premature death
· The use of spit tobacco is a health and sanitation issue
· Nicotine is a powerfully addictive substance
· Nicotine harms an athlete’s performance
· Secondhand smoke is a threat to the personal health of everyone, especially persons with asthma and other respiratory problems
· Children and adolescents often emulate their sports “heroes and heroines”
· The NCAA places a ban on the use of tobacco products in conjunction with athletic events

This Policy is established to:
· Further the goal of consistency among ongoing school and community programs to discourage children from using tobacco products;
· Promote health and encourage players to adopt healthy lifestyles;
· Reflect and emphasize the hazards of tobacco use;

Definition
For the purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined to include spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, and snuff, in any form and any lit or unlit cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, or clove cigarette. Tobacco use includes smoking, chewing, dipping or any other use of tobacco products.

Policy
The use of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, by student-athletes, or team or game personnel (coaches, athletic trainers, managers, and game officials), is prohibited in all sports during practice and competition. This policy applies to all practice, training and competition sites and is considered to begin upon arrival and ends when one leaves.

This ban includes related activities such as banquets, autograph sessions, media conferences, post game interviews, clinics and other occasions related to university athletic events and tournaments.

In addition, the Athletic Department strongly discourages the use of any tobacco product at any time. Every effort will be made to provide education to prevent the initiation of its use and assist those requiring help to quit.

Procedures
1. Signage: Appropriate signage announcing this policy will be placed at entrances to buildings and at other locations as deemed necessary. The Physical Plant Department will arrange for such signage.

2. Publication: This Policy will be announced in the University Communications Bulletin and the Argus. The general policy statement will be included in the university calendar and will be posted on the university web-site. All prospective students/athletes shall be made aware of the Tobacco Free Sports Policy during the recruitment and orientation process.

3. Public Events: Organizers and attendees at public sporting events using university facilities will be required to comply with the Tobacco Free Sports Policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating this policy to attendees and for enforcing the policy.

4. Tobacco Cessation Programs: Health Services will provide resource materials to students, faculty and staff in order to support their efforts in tobacco cessation.

5. Sale: The selling of tobacco products on campus is prohibited.

Compliance
Any student-athlete or team personnel who use tobacco during practice or competition shall be disqualified for the remainder of that practice or competition. The situation will be subject to review by the athletic director.

Officials, scorers and other game personnel are likewise prohibited from tobacco use during training and competition. If observed by a game official or game administrator, the offender shall be directed to immediately dispose of the tobacco product. Failure to comply when directed shall result in ejection. Such actions by game officials will be reported to the supervisor of officials.

The success of this policy will depend upon mutual consideration and cooperation.