U SPORTS News

Throughout the 2017-18 season, U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to know…”

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Name: Mark Kontulainen

School: Algoma University

Position: Athletic and Recreation Director

Seniority: 29 years

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

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1. How did you get to your current position, and what do you enjoy most about our job?

After completing my kinesiology degree from the University of Waterloo (1986), I was hired at Algoma University as their fitness co-ordinator.  As the university grew, I was responsible for intramural sports offerings and then promoted to athletic director for the varsity sports program during the school’s tenure in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association from 2001 to 2012.  Since then, we have been competing in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U SPORTS.  The thing I enjoy most about my job is interacting with and helping our varsity student-athletes and coaches.  Their personalities and vigor keep me energized! 

2. Who has had the most influence on your career?

I would have to say George Leach, who was the athletic director from 1972 to 1986 at Algoma University.  I obtained my BA in psychology form Algoma after graduating from Waterloo and played ice hockey and slo-pitch for George.  He hired me as the fitness coordinator and was a great supporter and mentor. George carried a copy of the following quote on a piece of paper in his wallet:

 

I shall pass through this world but once any good therefore I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it: for I shall not pass this way again.

Quote by Stephen Grellet

I often think about this quote and hope to live by this code.

3. What is your greatest sporting moment or achievement?

During the 1990s and early 2000’s, I was competing in endurance sports and competed in the Boston Marathon, the New York Marathon, and the North American Birkebeiner.  I also served two missions on the Team Ontario Mission Staff and attended the Canada Games in 2003 and 2005.

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 4. How would you define an Algoma University student-athlete?

An Algoma University student-athlete is an athlete who strives to be best on the field of play and in the classroom.  In recent years, our student-athletes have been involved in a number community outreach initiatives.

5. What does success look like for the Algoma University athletics program?

Since we are a relatively new sports program in the OUA and U SPORTS, making the playoffs, receiving all-star selection, and a large percentage of our student-athletes receiving OUA and U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian Awards as well as graduating is our success.

6. What’s the biggest challenge you face in today’s sports world?

Our biggest challenges are the rising costs of university sport and our geographic location.  Our teams are known as road warriors and this can take a toll on our student-athletes.

7. Where would you like to see Canadian university sport in the next 3 to 5 years?

I like the direction that U SPORTS is taking.  I would like to see media coverage on par with professional sports so our awesome student-athletes would get the national recognition they deserve.

8. If you could sit down for dinner with one person in the sports industry (athlete, coach or manager), who would it be? Why? What would you talk about?

Definitely, Bobby Orr!  As a child, I idolized him as an athlete and respect what he has achieved in and out of sport.   I would talk to him about his playing days in Boston and also talk to him about what he thinks of the game of hockey today.

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9. What would you say to a sports fan who’s never watched a U SPORTS game/tournament/competition?

Simple: I would say that they are missing out on some of the best sport experiences in our country!

10. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from work?

Spending time with family on vacation or at their sports/dance competition.  On my own schedule, doing things in the Algoma District wilderness like mountain biking and cross country skiing.  I am also an avid reader and enjoy watching movies and TV series.