You don’t even go here

Fifth-year University of Regina athletes discuss their future

Ed Kapp
Sports Writer

In only the rarest of circumstances are student-athletes in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport system allowed to stay with their school’s squad for more than five years.

This year, the University of Regina Cougars and Rams are to show a number of their athletes – after half a decade together – the door.

The Carillon recently caught up with a few of the U of R’s fifth-year athletes to get an idea of what they feel the coming years hold for them.

Rebecca Rink, volleyball

I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Education [degree] at the end of April, and I am currently in the process of interviewing with school divisions. I am hoping to stay and teach in the Regina area. I have had interviews with Regina Catholic as well as Regina Public. Cross my fingers all goes well.

Brenden Owens, football

Well, I currently have this semester off as I did a bit of traveling for work and for fun. I am going back to classes here in the spring/summer semester to keep working at my petroleum engineering degree. I am also running a roofing business – Optimum Roofing Inc. – with my business partner and hope to continue to build our reputation and expand even further into the Regina market.

Once I finish my degree, I’m not exactly sure what I am going to do …  I enjoy running a business, but I have also worked very hard in school to earn my degree. I would also love to be able to give back to the Regina Rams program, as they have helped me so much throughout my five years as a football player and as a student. Thinking back, the Rams program has helped put me in a position where I can really do whatever I want to do in life – thanks, Frank and Bernie and countless others for everything you have done for the Rams program. And as a reminder, call Optimum Roofing for all your roofing needs. Sorry! I couldn’t help myself.

Drew Smith, volleyball

Next year I am heading to Toronto to attend the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College to pursue a chiropractic career.

Alison Jestadt, track and field

Since I have been doing a co-op work term during the fall and winter semesters, I still have a year of school to go. When I graduat,e I’m either going to go on the job hunt or get an after-degree in education or business.

Solveig Nilson, volleyball

I have applied for medicine and am hoping to one day be a doctor. In the more immediate future, I have an exciting graduation trip planned to Peru, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

Mike Kerr, football

I actually graduated this past December with a BBA majoring in human resources. With the opportunity to play on the Rams football team, I [stretched] and planned my classes so I could play my full years of eligibility. It took me longer than most students to get my degree – five and a half years – but it was worth the wait and I would never trade my experience of being a student-athlete for anything.

My goal is to play in the CFL and to be able to keep playing football. I was given a great opportunity to start that dream when I was invited to participate in the Duane Forde NIC combine this past May in Toronto. From there, [I’m still] training and hope I’m given a chance to take part in a training camp.

Currently, I am working as a recruiting co-ordinator with Employment Network, a human resources firm that recruits on behalf of hundreds of clients throughout Saskatchewan. It is a great company to work for and a great opportunity to start my career. Also, as a recent graduate, I understand how stressful the job search is. Any recent graduates who are looking for work should definitely visit Employment Networks’ web site – employmentnetwork.ca – to check out any current job postings or register their resume for any future opportunities … My plan now is to continue building my career and – if the opportunity to play football in the CFL arises – keep chasing my dream.