NBCHS features a number of coaches who go above and beyond the call of duty, to ensure their students learn the game in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. (File photos/battlefordsNOW)

By Martin Martinson

NBCHS Coaches

Provincial Coaches Week shines light on locals making a difference (Pt. 1/3)

Sep 23, 2020 | 10:09 AM

Teamwork, dedication, work ethic and self-confidence.

These are four key pillars of what makes participation in sport of great value to youth in a community, and four qualities good coaching helps to instill in athletes from a young age.

This week is Coach’s Week in Saskatchewan, and as such, battlefordsNOW caught up with a number of local coaches from the community to see what motivates them to go beyond teaching the X’s and O’s, and put the extra time and attention into coaching the next generation of local athletes.

The following is part 1/3 in a series, and features a look at a couple of coaches from North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS).

For Shawna Sturk, volleyball has always been a sport in which she’s had a passion.

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So it should come as no surprise, that upon joining NBCHS, she would get involved in the school’s volleyball program.

After coaching with the senior boys team last season, Sturk will take the reigns as head coach of the junior boys this fall, if/when the season begins.

Sturk said in addition to allowing her to stay connected with the sport she enjoys, her experience coaching has also had additional benefits. She has also relished the opportunity to really get to know another side of the students, in a different setting, outside the four walls of the classroom.

“What makes me want to coach is getting to know the kids on another level,” she said. “We’re having fun, I’m teaching them a sport they enjoy and I’m giving them an opportunity to just really relax. It’s a different context than school.”

She said being able to watch a team come together and develop that sense of comaraderie is a special and rewarding experience.

“Especially at a bigger school like NBCHS, [the athletes] aren’t necessarily all in the same classes, so it’s great to watch them build other relationships and learn how to get along with other people from different classes and different age brackets,” she said. “You get to watch them become a team together, make friends among themselves, and build skills that bring together a bunch of different personalities.”

Head coach of the senior boys basketball team, Jeremy Cockrill, is another of the experienced coaches at the high school.

He said looking back over his time coaching, he’s really come to appreciate the opportunity each year to connect with a new group of athletes, and help contribute to their success and growth.

“You really recognize the value, the more you coach, in just being involved in the lives of youth in our community,” he said. “That’s time well spent for them where they learn if you work hard and dedicate yourself to something, and learn to work as part of a team, you can be rewarded with success. I think that’s really what motivates me to coach.”

While the coaching commitment may command some long hours and sacrifice of a quiet night off from time to time, Cockrill said it’s something he’s happy to do, and wouldn’t change for the world.

“For me, it makes me a better person,” he said. “Just in terms of learning to work with people from different backgrounds and understanding how to communicate with them. Then just learning how to prepare better for your opponent and take what you learn in a game into the practice setting. I’m happy to do it.”

Part 2/3 in battlefordsNOW’s coaching spotlight series will be posted Thursday morning, and feature a look at the coaches of John Paul II Collegiate. Stay tuned…

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1