Dave Scott-Thomas is also taking a leave of absence from the track and field club he founded.
Earlier this week the University of Guelph confirmed that Scott-Thomas was taking a personal leave from his role as head coach of the U of G cross-country and track and field teams while the university reviewed information it had been sent by current and former athletes.
Scott-Thomas has coached the teams since 1996 and is a 30-time USPORT coach of the year for various teams.
Friday The Speed River Track and Field Club announced Scott-Thomas would also be taking a leave as head coach of the club.
The club stated that it is not in any way undertaking any kind of review of Scott-Thomas and that his absence is purely for personal health reasons.
Said an ameail from club manager Scott MacDonald:
"SRTFC’s head coach and club founder, Dave Scott-Thomas, has communicated that he will be taking an extended personal health leave from all coaching and administrative duties related to SRTFC, effective immediately.
"We are informing current athletes and staff of these changes, and the club will continue moving forward with our busy athletic season.
"The Club is aware of a review being conducted by the University of Guelph, and we are committed to supporting our community of athletes and coaches during this time. Dave has been on a personal leave of absence from his UG coaching duties since the review began. We ask that you respect Dave’s privacy at this time."
Scott-Thomas formed the club a year after arriving in Guelph as a way for U of G athletes to continue their training in a high-level setting during the summer months and after they had graduated from the U of G.
Over the years the club has attracted a number of top level runners who moved to Guelph to train with Scott-Thomas and other high-level athletes.
Several SRTFC athletes ended up competing in the Olympic Games.
