Lakehead Athletics would like to say farewell and congratulations to Chronicle Journal sports reporter, Dave Trifunov. Dave has accepted the position of sports editor for the Kelowna Daily Courier newspaper in Kelowna, B.C.
Lakehead Athletic Director Tom Warden said Trifunov's extensive and honest coverage of Lakeheads varsity teams helped raise the profile of the Thunderwolves in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario. Dave will be missed by the Thunderwolves programs and by Lakehead University. I want to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation for his dedication and professionalism when dealing with our coaches and, most of all, with our student-athletes. Daves integrity has allowed him to be respected by our university, athletes, and coaches while always maintaining an honest and critical eye while reporting on the Thunderwolves.
Trifunov has been the CJs Lakehead beat reporter since January of 2000; when he took over the position from a retiring Bud Tolman. Dave, who was born in Saskatchewan and raised in Ottawa, began his Lakehead beat covering basketball and volleyball, and then added on the task of covering Lakeheads successful mens hockey program.
Dave said he instantly loved the passion of university sports and really enjoyed covering Lakeheads teams. It was fantastic for a young guy to cover Lakehead basketball and volleyball games. The crowds were great, the stories equally intriguing. When hockey arrived, there was even more to write about. But the best thing about it is the fan support. Writing when you know people are going to read is why we do this job.
Dave was three times Lakeheads nominee for the Fred Sgambati Award as the top journalist covering CIS sports in Canada. He will be moving to Kelowna in mid July, with his girlfriend Michelle Lawrie, to take up his new post.
Dave said he is very excited about the move and career change but will miss his many friends in Thunder Bay and at Lakehead. It's going to be really hard to pack up and leave; I've made so many great friends. But my girlfriend is from Thunder Bay so I hope we'll be back for regular visits. I'll be sure to catch a Lakehead game whenever I can.
Lakeheads loss will be Kelownas gain and everybody involved in the Thunderwolves Athletics family extend their best wishes to Dave and Michelle as they begin this new chapter in their lives. Enjoy the weather!