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Sport Management student following in his uncle’s DC footsteps

Student Spotlight: Coulter Babcock

Coulter Babcock isn’t the first member of his family to study Sport Management at Durham College (DC).

That distinction belongs to his uncle Brent Fisher, a 2007 graduate of the program who went on to a successful career as marketing director for the Ontario Hockey League’s Owen Sound Attack.

So, when Babcock (a lifelong sports fan and standout baseball player) was considering his post-secondary options, the choice was easy.

“Since the day I was born, sports have been everything I’ve ever lived for,” he said. “Whether it’s coaching, playing, or learning, it’s all I ever wanted to do. It’s all I ever will do.”

The first stop on his educational journey took him south of the border, where his skills on the baseball diamond earned him a spot on the team at Prairie State College in Chicago while he studied physical therapy. An unfortunate injury ended his tenure there prematurely, and he returned home.

Having heard so much about his uncle’s experience at DC, his next step was an obvious one.

“He definitely inspired me to take this program and kind of follow in his footsteps, but take it my own way.”

Since arriving at DC in September of last year, Babcock has benefitted from his uncle’s experience. They often speak to discuss assignments, and he has connected his nephew with a number of other graduates of the program who have their own wisdom to impart.

Having spent so much time playing sports like baseball, basketball and curling, he has relished the opportunity to learn about what goes into making the action possible.

“I love being able to see what it takes to run a team. A lot of people on the outside think it’s all about the players, but a lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes and that’s what I really enjoy.”

He’s not alone. Babcock and his uncle are just two of the thousands of students who have benefitted from the program since its inception over 50 years ago. Introduced in 1972, it’s Canada’s longest running program of its kind according to program coordinator and professor Sheldon Koufman. Its alumni have gone on to work internationally at all levels of the sports business, from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to the National Football League and beyond.

“The program never gets stale,” said Koufman. “We continuously update the curriculum to meet the needs of industry and current students.”

A number of those alumni have given back to the program over the years. They’ve served on program advisory committees, shared their knowledge and experience with new students, and even hired graduates right out of school.

For Babcock, his path is clear. He’ll complete the program at DC and, if possible, return to the baseball diamond with the Durham Lords. But regardless of his own athletic future, he intends to continue his education in university with the goal of becoming a sports psychologist. Recognizing the stigma that still surrounds mental health, particularly in the world of professional sports, he is eager to make a difference.

“I’m a big advocate for men’s mental health. I’ve done a lot of work with Bell Let’s Talk,” he said. “Being able to be there for the athletes, to get them ready for games and ready for life, that’s always interested me.”

Learning all about the business of sports at DC will give him the perspective he needs to understand the people he’ll be helping, whether they’re on the field or the sidelines.

Making noise as the voice of the Durham Lords

Student spotlight: Haspreet Singh Hooda

If you’ve attended a Durham Lords game over the last three years, you know Haspreet Singh Hooda.

As the voice of the Lords, he keeps the crowd and the athletes pumped up during basketball, volleyball, rugby and soccer games. Judging by the success of the Lords in recent years, he does his job very well.

“Haspreet always energizes the crowd,” said Durham College (DC) athletic director Scott Dennis. “With his natural charisma and passion for sports, he makes every game a memorable experience for Lords Nation.”

It’s that passion for sports that brought Hooda to DC, and Canada. Growing up in India, he played and excelled in a wide range of sports. He competed at the national level in both swimming and arm wrestling, earned a black belt in karate and tried his hand at soccer, speedskating and powerlifting, among other sports.

When contemplating his future, he decided to combine his love of sports with his family’s affinity for business. That led him to study Sport Management at DC, and it’s been a lifechanging experience.

“I came from India as a student who was shy and more of an introvert, and sports demands that you make connections,” he said. “I started talking to more people and took any opportunity that came to me.”

One such opportunity was filling in for the announcer at a Lords rugby game. Though he had no prior experience or interest in the role, he took to it like a natural. Ken Babcock, DC’s athletic director at the time, was impressed and offered him more time behind the microphone. Three years later, he’s become as synonymous with the Lords as Louie and the green and gold.

In addition to announcing, Babcock gave Hooda another great opportunity; launching an extramural cricket team. Having played the sport for years in India, he was the ideal choice to build a team at DC and serve as its manager. Now in its second year, they play friendly tournament matches against teams from nearby colleges and universities.

Becoming so involved in campus life has been critical to navigating the challenges of life as an international student, and it’s something he recommends to those who follow in his footsteps.

“It’s not going to be easy. You might have some times when you’re completely homesick and you’re lonely, but always be open to new things. Put your hand up for every single opportunity you can,” he said. “Make friends and have fun. Go in with a positive mindset, keep a smile on your face, and never disrespect any work you get.”

The support of his professors, friends and the entire DC community has made him feel at home. Every compliment he’s received for his school work and announcing has fueled his continued success.

“It makes me feel good that my work has been noticed and appreciated. That gives me motivation for the next time. That’s how I got through every single day.”

Now in his final year of studies at DC, he’s ready for the next step. Having discovered his natural talent on the microphone, he intends to pursue a career in broadcasting. He has continued to make contacts in the world of sports, including Herbie Kuhn, the longtime voice of the Toronto Raptors, who accepted an invitation to attend a Lords basketball game in November.

All in all, Hooda’s DC experience has far surpassed his expectations.

“It has been an amazing journey for me. DC has given me a lot of things, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said. “Everyone here has accepted me with open arms. Thank you for making me a part of your family.”