Key Achievements or Contributions
Starting a boys’ high school rugby program post-covid that lets young men achieve their potential through hard work with a focus on improving every day in a positive and inclusive program. 2X Zone 7’s Champions (’24,’25), 2X Rocky View Sr. Boys Champions (’24,’25), Rocky View Jr. Boys Champions (’25), 4 consecutive Provincial Tournaments.
Community Involvement
3 seasons of assistant coaching with Big Country Storm Representative Team (South Central Alberta Selects) at the Alberta Rugby Championship Tournament. Affiliated with the Airdrie Highlanders. Fun Fact or Personal Interest: Found a love for outdoor pursuits while I was living in New Zealand. I miss surfing over there, but have year-round hobbies outdoors here that keep me stoked and active.
Interview Questions
- What does receiving the POPS Award mean to you?
I’m excited about the exposure and positive impacts that this award can have on the Rugby Community in Airdrie. I’m humbled to hear that the program I run is having a positive impact on student athletes in the community. - What inspired you to get involved in this sport or activity?
I played rugby my senior year of high school and then was fortunate enough to play in New Zealand when I lived overseas in my early 20s. The culture around Rugby is unique and ingrained in the game. I wanted to provide opportunities for competition, belonging and contributing to a team, while demonstrating a high level of respect for opponents and officials. - Can you share a memorable moment from your journey?
I live and breathe coaching this team, but a couple of moments stand out. Two years ago, our team won Croxford’s first ever 15-a-side match in Springbank. Some of our guys had played 3 seasons to finally win one game. I bought Dairy Queen for the whole team on the bus ride back while they celebrated and sang. A tradition in Calgary Rugby is getting a photo beside the CRU clubhouse after a championship. It was awesome to experience that as a player, but even more special as a coach to see the hard work and commitment of my athletes culminate in a championship photo. - What makes Airdrie’s sports & activity community special?
The family involvement in sport in this community is unreal. Parents are supportive and engaged, and they trust us to work with their kids. I grew up in a community where parents coached, looked after outdoor rinks, and built community around their kids. I thought that might not exist anymore, but I see it here. Airdrie is special in how much folks give back and care. - Advice for someone starting out in your sport or activity?
For Players - Act like you know what you’re doing, accept feedback and work as hard as you can until you get it. For Coaches - Act like you know what you’re doing, accept feedback, and work as hard as you can until you start get it. Change how you coach if you don’t like the results. Keep learning and seek out opportunities to coach with others, especially those who have been doing it at higher levels. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about what you do?
Seeing the young men I work with grow as players and people. I take a lot of pride in seeing my guys come back for the next season and believe that they can accomplish and contribute more than the year before. Seeing graduated players in the community and hearing that the things we emphasized in our program benefits them at work and school means a lot. It’s been great seeing some of my players start to volunteer, especially coaching with the Airdrie Highlanders rugby club. I’m really proud of my players that have been successful at the representative and provincial level. - What’s one thing you hope people remember about your contribution?
Like any sport, you can hope that what you teach and do as a coach serves your players as they go into the next step in their lives. - Is there someone who influenced your journey you’d like to acknowledge?
My godfather Robbie McNab showed me what a successful program at high school sport can create for community. Emma Hamilton and Joe Won do so much work with our Rugby program that we have been able to become competitive at the provincial level in just a couple seasons. Our other coaches Dan, Brian, Lindsey, and Callum are invaluable. Paul Kerber was the best high school coach I had. Al Cooper, Tom Forzani, Ryan Thelwell, and Jon Dick are all coaches that I aspire to be like one day. Can’t forget my parents, Bill and Mary for always supporting me!
