HAWKS HOST NORTH ALBION FOR “BASEBALL KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES”
The Humber College Athletics Department hosted 130 students from North Albion High School on Friday for phase one of their Community Sport Development: Careers and Employability Skills in Sport Community Partnership.
The day, titled "Baseball Knows No Boundaries", opened with a Wiffle Ball Challenge, in which participants had an opportunity to take swings with instruction from Hawks Varsity Athletes. After getting warmed up, the kids broke up into groups for several detailed looks at career possibilities in sport. Greg Dennis, a journalism professor at the college, went through what it takes to get involved in sports writing and reporting. Humber Varsity Strength and Conditioning Coaches Teresa Arnini and Jay Melhado went over the preparation that goes into performing at a high level, and how they both ensure Varsity Athletes are playing at their peak. They also explained the paths they took to their current jobs, and how passion plays such a key role in choosing your career path.
Next up, Manager of Athletics/Sports Information Jim Bialek went through typical coverage of Hawks Varsity Events, including photography, videography, journalism, reporting and social media. After a mock run through of an at-bat in which jobs were demonstrated, the kids had an opportunity to give the various roles a shot themselves. On adjacent courts, Crystal Pole-Langdon gave a walkthrough of Fitness and Health and Sport Management Programs available at Humber, while the art of umpiring was broken down by Chris Teliatnik and Chris Marko.
For lunch, a variety of healthy options were provided, including salad, quinoa, halal chicken and vegetable pasta. Beforehand, a talk was given on the importance of eating properly and an account of the nutritional value of the food they would be eating.
The third and final look at career opportunities came from Athletic Trainer's Jennifer Bell and Melanie Evens, who gave their talk in Humber's Athletic Therapy Centre. They went through the role an Athletic Therapist plays, and then exemplified four exercises from the Thrower's Ten, a pitcher's workout program. At the same time, Dave Quattro told the group of his experiences playing baseball in Nebraska and explained how sport helped him get to where he wanted to be.
To end the day, a baseball skills competition took place in which participants had an opportunity to take turns at four different skills, including running, pitching, catching and batting. Closing remarks came from host and Humber Athletic Events and Tournament Coordinator Matt Ferreira, who put the great day together along with Humber Program Development Consultant Theresa Steger.
Funding was provided in part by the Humber College Community Partnership Development Fund.
