Athletics play a big part of the fabric of John Paul II Collegiate, as their dedicated coaches have proven that hard work, time and attention go a long way to helping to build a competitive program. (Submitted photos/JPII Collegiate Staff)

By Martin Martinson

JPII Coaches

Provincial Coaches Week shines light on locals making a difference (Pt. 2/3)

Sep 24, 2020 | 9:00 AM

In the spirit of Coaches Week in Saskatchewan this week, battlefordsNOW is turning the spotlight on local coaches in the community, to highlight those who make youth athletics possible in the community.

Today, part two of the three-part series takes a look at some of the coaches at John Paul II Collegiate (JPII), who go above and beyond when it comes to their student-athletes.

Ever since he can remember, sports have played a pivotal role in the life of co-principal at JPII, Bruce Yockey.

Whether it was hockey or baseball, volleyball, or football, Yockey said those early memories on the field and around the rink remain to this day, some of the fondest he can recall. In fact, it was thanks in large part to those memories, that the now longtime educator is where he is today.

“I was fortunate to have a lot of good, dedicated coaches growing up, who had a big influence on me and I think that’s also a big reason I got into education,” he said. “I was really interested in the coaching aspect and I’ve always just really enjoyed it.”

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Yockey, who coaches both football and basketball at the school, said it was the lasting impact of their dedication that made him want to reciprocate and provide that extra time and attention to today’s youth athletes as well.

Another coach at JPII synonymous with athletics at the school, is a junior boys basketball coach, Nate Jurgens. However, for Jurgens, the inspiration for becoming a coach came from perhaps a bit of a different experience.

He knows first-hand the importance of a stable learning environment on the court, from experiencing musical chairs at the coaching position when he was a student-athlete in high school, himself.

“I think I had four or five different coaches throughout high school for strictly just basketball, so every year was a different person,” Jurgens said, reflecting on his own high school athletic career. “So I really wanted to give that stability and that consistency, because I felt it could [really make a difference].”

Jurgens remains, to this day, an avid basketball fan. He said in addition to providing a steady guide for youth athletes, it is also his joy of sharing his passion for the game with the next generation, that keeps him coming back at the coaching helm each year.

“I think the biggest thing is to be able to share that love, that passion, and that interest of the game,” Jurgens said. “I am still learning, I am always learning and it helps me to get a deeper understanding of the game coaching too. Every game and every practice I’m always learning to try to give as much to my players as I can.”

While booking tournaments, running practices, and managing the players is no doubt a time commitment, for those who love coaching, all those extra hours are made worth it for what the experience gives back.

Shelly Fransoo, who coaches boys volleyball, said she’s grateful for the opportunity coaching offers, to get to know the students away from the classroom.

“As an educator in the classroom, you get to see the academic side of a student’s ability, but that’s just a small part of their abilities and what they’re capable of,” Fransoo said. “Being able to see what they can physically do on a court or on a field, just really gives you a better appreciation of their full abilities and it’s fun being able to be with the kids in a little bit more of a relaxed setting.”

“[Sports serve as] that extra relationship-building piece,” head coach of the senior girls soccer team, Dee-Jaye Stebanuk added. “You get to see them separate from sitting in the classroom and you get to see their fun side and where they kind of excel, so it helps with your relationship in the classroom as well.”

Stebanuk said, much like many of her fellow teachers involved with the extracurricular activities, she’s very much looking forward to sports’ return within the high school ranks, whenever that might be.

Part 3/3 in battlefordsNOW’s coaching spotlight series will be posted Friday morning, and feature a look at other community coaches, from outside the high school ranks, making a difference in the at the grassroots level. Stay tuned…

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1