CSI Calgary and BCS Create a Winning Environment

Experienced veterans were challenged by aspiring rookies the week of October 5 as Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS) held their annual push testing camp in the Ice House at WinSport.

Approximately 50 athletes participated in both individual and team push tests to show their potential. By achieving a time standard, athletes became eligible to participate at the World Cup level.

The camp was especially competitive as BCS coaches, pilots and staff have made recruitment efforts this past year which included hosting 17 recruitment camps across Canada. Bobsled pilots have also been recruiting athletes to form their own teams in preparation for selection races in Calgary and Whistler.

In order to make this initiative a success, BCS put in a request to the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary (CSI Calgary) for prospective teams to be able to train together and develop team chemistry at the CSI Calgary where the BCS National Team is based.

One athlete who has seen benefits is prospective brakeman Cam Stones. Stones, a former rugby player for McMaster University, moved to Calgary to take advantage of the CSI Calgary’s facilities and expertise. His effort paid off at the push camp, as he pushed 5.13, making the standard for the upcoming team selections in Calgary and Whistler.

For Stones, the advantage of training at the CSI Calgary was obvious. He notes that although “McMaster was world class, I am very lucky to have the opportunity to train with the National Team, especially CSI Calgary’s Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach Quin Sekulich. It pushes me to be better because I see how they train. These guys are monsters!”

Bobsleigh Head Coach Stephan Bosch knows that this arrangement has been very important. “Chemistry is critical for our sport and this will be a huge advantage for the future.”

Like Coach Bosch, two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Kaillie Humphries believes that chemistry is a critical element to a successful bobsled team. She appreciates the CSI Calgary allowing potential teammates to train with her, saying, “Team dynamics are so important. You can kill yourself training but you need a team with trust, commitment, fun, and compatibility. Once we get an athlete in the program, it is so important that they feel a part of the team. As a pilot, knowing I can recruit and that the people I talk to will be a serious consideration by BCS and CSI Calgary makes everything possible.”

Canadian Sport Institute Calgary: @csicalgary
Written by Brittany Schussler: @BSchussler
Photo by Dave Holland: @csicalgaryphoto