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Life after the Trojans

Three trophies, gold and silver medals and a season filled with memories have come to an end. With exams around the corner and students finishing up their last days, some of this year’s Trojans stars won’t be back for another season.

After dedicating many hours training with fellow teammates, the thought comes to mind: what’s next?

Volleyball player Dustin Fox is finished his college athletic career this season. Along with providing a great team atmosphere and creating friendships, his run as a college v-baller – which began at Grande
Prairie College – helped him stay fit and balanced.

“If I wasn’t playing athletics I would probably be 250 pounds and have a beer in my hand as much as I could,” said Fox. “I’ve learned a lot as a Trojan. If I wasn’t I would have missed out on a lot of opportunities and life lessons. School provides enough structure, but it’s the times after school, it’s the weekends.”

After being so involved, Fox says simply being finished with his sport is not an option.

“I haven’t really thought a lot about my plans after school,” said Fox. “I would like to … possibly get into coaching. I’ve had some of the best coaches in this entire country and I think that I could relay what they’ve taught me into a positive thing for other athletes.”

Jim McLean is one of those former Trojans who never lost his love for the sport, and never truly left.

“I started skating when I was three, started playing hockey when I was three,” said McLean. “My mom took me down to a Can Skate program and went on the ice the first time and really never looked back.”

A Trojan from the 1994-95 seasons, McLean has stayed involved in hockey for the past decade.

After playing hockey in multiple places in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, McLean found his way back to Calgary and back to SAIT.

“When I came back (in 2001) there was a position in the Wellness Centre,” said McLean. He eventually joined the Trojans hockey coaching roster under Ken Babey. “I had the opportunity to join the other side of the bench, and it was a no-brainer. It was a great decision.”

Having been the assistant coach now for the past nine years, many things make him want to stay.

“The reason I wanted to be part of the Trojan program was because it never changed since I was a player. The philosophy has always been team first,” said McLean.

This team spirit makes it difficult for anyone to leave. But for athletes like Fox, that’s a decision they’ll soon have to make.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” says Fox. “It’s been such a whirl wind.

“It was a really special experience for me.”

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