A review of the BCAK 20th Anniversary Event
I drove up the mountain like I had done many times before.
I had done it daily 20 years ago. Every morning, I would head up the mountain to Simon Fraser University.
I was at SFU because there was a 20-year celebration for the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK). I was also there to see an instructor, Craig Asmundson, and co-op coordinator, Nancy Johnson, who played a big part while I was at university. Plus, strength coach Roger Takahashi of the Vancouver Canucks was there to share his journey from kinesiology student to kinesiology professional.
BCAK Celebration
The evening started with a celebration of Craig Asmundson and Nancy Johnson on their contribution to the BCAK. Both helped create the BCAK 20 years ago and were early presidents of the association.
The association has grown to be a voice and advocate for kinesiologists in British Columbia.
The next part of the evening was a presentation by Roger Takahashi. It was great to hear Roger Takahashi share his journey. When I worked at a physical therapy clinic, I loved hearing about other people’s professions. It is fascinating to listen to what people do, their skills, and their journey to get where they are.
Let me go through some of the highlights of Roger’s presentation.
Roger highlighted the importance of volunteer work and how it was pivotal to him getting his job.
Roger’s Interview with the Canucks
He told a great story is the job interview he had with the Canucks in 2003. He described sitting in a chair, and on the other side of the room was a long table with every member of the Canucks. All the management, coaching, and medical staff. He described the interview as a shooting drill of questions. He had no idea how the interview went, but looking back, he feels his volunteer work gave him an understanding of hockey’s day-to-day operations, which set him apart from other candidates. In the interview, he showed he understood the process of hockey and understood hockey training.
Hockey Combine
He talked about the hockey combine and the role a strength coach plays in it. Roger shared how he evaluates the prospects and then meets with the coaching staff to rank the players. He downplayed the importance of the combine and highlighted the importance of focusing on the anaerobic tests and lower body power tests but also commented on the limitations of the testing.
He talked about how the physical aspect of a hockey player is a small part of an athlete. More extensive components are their attitude, work ethic, handling disappointment, and how they have developed over the years.
Roger also talked about what he does in a day. As an NHL strength coach, he said there is a lot more than supervising programs and shouting out things. He also works on gym maintenance, gym cleaning, researching on training and supplements, individual player injury needs, travel, planning periodization programs, preparing for games, and wrapping up after a match.
3 Future Trends of Hockey Training
- One last thing that Roger talked about is the area that will change training in the Maximal future gains have been made with exercises and program design.
- Supplementation companies are constantly creating new products, but it is essential to understand if the product will help or hinder the athlete.
- He feels breathing and training are probably where more of the focus will go with activity over the next few years.
Mmmm, Cake
Then the event wrapped up with a social and cake to celebrate 20 years of BCAK.
It was great to see the support from the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology students and the student association. About 150 students attended the event.
Darleen Bemister and Cheri Fiedler of the Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology Co-op organized things and ran a smooth and successful event.
Lastly, it has been great to see where the BCAK is now. I spent a lot of years on the executive board. I think I was on the board from 1996 to 2000. Those were some good and fun times. It is excellent to see that it is still going strong.
Few Highlights of the Event
Before I wrap up, I want to highlight a few things that stood out that might help you grow as an individual or professional.
- Craig remembered me even though I graduated in 1997. He said what was different with me as I stood out from the crowd. Do you stand out from the public or blend in.
- Nancy remembered me as well. She commented on my spelling. It has been my Achilles heel, but I am working on improving it.
- Lastly, Roger talked about his key to success as a strength coach. He said, “passion.” Passion fuels what he does, pushes growth, encourages learning, attracts people, and leads to people supporting you.
The three things above, I think, are essential things to remember.
Thank you very much to the BCAK, Roger, and the BPK (department, students, and co-op).
Until next time.
Rick Kaselj, MS
