Tom Warden retains women’s and men’s basketball coaches Kreiner and Furtado

THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Lakehead Athletics Director Tom Warden announced today that Lakehead Basketball is on solid footing for the immediate future and years to come.

Jon Kreiner, head coach of the women’s program, has been signed to a 5-year contract, while Manny Furtado, who just completed 12 months at the helm of the men’s program, has signed a 2-year contract.

The decision to renew the university’s relationship with Kreiner comes after another successful season, one in which the team went deeper into the playoffs than it has in all of Kreiner’s tenure with the team, which began in 2003.

“I’m thrilled and excited to have the opportunity to continue my work with the Thunderwolves and the community of Thunder Bay,” says Kreiner. “The past twelve years have been a great experience. We’ve steadily grown women’s basketball in the Thunder Bay region at all levels. I look forward to building on last season and working with our young squad to grow into a national caliber team.”

“Jon’s done a great job recruiting, and is moving the women’s basketball program in the right direction,” stated Warden. “We’ve been pleased with his progress and look forward to it continuing though 2020.”

In his coaching career at Lakehead, Kreiner has a record of 181-223 (.448), and is coming off his most successful season in which his team went 25-9 (.735).

In his first year as head coach, Manny Furtado exceeded the expectations of many, and led the team to 19-12 record (.612) and the second round of the OUA playoffs.

“I am very thankful and‎ appreciative for the opportunity that Lakehead University and Tom Warden have given me,” says Furtado. “Last year was a big learning experience for myself and I look forward to preparing our men’s program for the challenge of getting Lakehead back to national contention.”

Coach Furtado, who was installed in August of last year, looks forward to his recruiting class of 2015, along with a returning class that has adjusted to his system for a full season.

“With 12 months under his belt in Thunder Bay, he’s had a chance to get his feet wet, and he’s earned this next opportunity,” says Tom Warden. “This contract represents our commitment to him, and his commitment to us and our goal, to have the men’s basketball program be one of the best in the country.”