"It's an absolute honor to be appointed to the International Handball Federation's Coaching Commission," said Cavanaugh.  "The nomination comes from my colleagues in the Pan American region who have found me to be competent and reliable over the years hosting numerous competitions.  It means a lot to have their trust and respect as we work to advance the sport of Team Handball."

Cavanaugh has an extensive background in the sport of Team Handball at both an administrative and coaching level.  He served as the USA Men's National Team Handball Head Coach from 1978-80, as well as coaching his UCLA Club Team to a National Championships title in 1979.  He coached the USA Men's National Deaf Team to three bronze medal finishes in the World Games for the Deaf and has recently coached the U.S. Air Force Academy's Men's Club Team to a Collegiate National Championship Title (2001) and a Division I Open National Title (2004).

Cavanaugh holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Kinesiology from UCLA.  He will serve on the IHF's Coaching Commission with eight other distinguished continental and national team program coaches from around the world.