Coaching Staff
Joseph McDonough
Lakehead Running President
Lakehead University Head Coach
Email: lakehead.running@gmail.com
Phone: (807) 620-5248
Coach McDonough began coaching with Lakehead Running in 2014, where he quickly became involved with Lakehead University's sprint program. McDonough made the transition to year-round coaching soon after, working with athletes in all disciplines; sprints, distance, and hurdles.
2021 will be Coach McDonough's 8th year with the program, but first as club President, as he took on the new position last fall.
Coach McDonough has worked with numerous national, and OFSAA medalists over the years, and was named Provincial Team Head Coach for the U18 National Championship team the past 4 seasons.
In his 2nd year working with the university team, McDonough helped secure the program's first ever medals in the sprint events at the OUA Championships (60m and 300m), sending Lakehead's first ever 60m and 300m representatives to the national championships in 2020. Coach McDonough competed in Track & Field for Lakehead Running from 2008 - 2011, moving onto the varsity program for an additional 5 years. In his time, McDonough's career was highlighted by a 6th and 7th place finish at the national championships (200m/400m) and Lakehead records in the 200m, 300m and 600m.
McDonough, who graduated in 2017 with a degree in Education also works for the Lakehead Public School Board, where he volunteers for Hammarskjold High School's Track & Field Program each season.
"My goal is to provide each of our athletes with the best possible experience in athletics. By creating a positive and inclusive environment, I aim to show athletes that training should be rewarding, fun and full of lifelong friendships. Whether I'm training someone to compete at the World Championships , or at their local High School Championship, I will always aim to help them improve as an athlete each practice."
Kyle McGillivray
Vice President/Events Coach, Lakehead Running
Event Coach, Lakehead University
Coach McGillivray graduated from Hammarskjold high school in 2011 and returned to coach the throwing events in 2012. In 2014 coach McGillivray and coach McDonough took over the Hammarskjold high school track program and proceeded to win every overall team title since. Together they have coached athletes responsible for 33 NWOSSAA regional records.
After initially working with only throwing athletes, coach McGillivray shifted his focus primarily to the jumping events, coaching multiple OFSAA medalists in the jumps. Over the past few years, he has also twice been named provincial team assistant coach for the U18/U16 national championships. This is coach McGillivray’s first year as Lakehead Running Vice President, and event coach at Lakehead University.
Coach McGillivray competed for Lakehead University from 2011-2015, specializing in the weight throw, an event in which he holds the school record.
Coach McGillivray graduated from Lakehead University with an honor's bachelor of Kinesiology in 2015, a Master of Science in Kinesiology in 2020, and is in year 2/2 of the bachelor of education program at Lakehead University this year.
“I aim to support each athlete to the best of my ability on the track and in the classroom. We’re fortunate to work with such a great group of young athletes that help us to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. While track and field is an individual sport, the common goal of getting a little bit better every day creates a phenomenal team atmosphere that I am proud to be a part of.”
