The King's Connection Magazine Volume 23 Number 4//Fall 2013 | Página 6

FACULTY NEWS

New Coordinator the
Competitive Heart in
Eagles Athletics
E

agles Athletics welcomes alumnus TODD VAN DRIEL
(BA, ‘12,) as Athletics and Recreation Coordinator. Van
Driel returns to King’s after four years as an Eagle studentathlete playing men’s soccer and volleyball.
“Todd is a dedicated, passionate athlete. He is committed
to Eagles athletics and to each member of our teams,” says
Director of Athletics Grace Scott. “He brings his naturally
competitive spirit to work every day striving to make our
athletics program the best.”
In his role as Athletics and Recreation Coordinator, Van Driel
is responsible for overseeing the running of home games,
liaising with the provincial and federal collegiate athletics
governing bodies and assisting with the day-to-day activities
of the Eagles.
When asked why he wanted to return to King’s, Van Driel
says “I couldn’t imagine suddenly stopping my connection to
King’s. During my time as a student-athlete, I saw the athletics
program at King’s grow and I want to continue to serve.”
For Van Driel, playing sports was part of his life from a young
age growing up in Smithers, B.C. His competitive nature was
nurtured in his athletic, naturally competitive family. He played
soccer, volleyball and basketball all through high school and
came to King’s to continue playing sports.
During his time as an Eagle, he was a recognized athlete in
soccer. Van Driel was named ACAC All-Conference for three
consecutive years (10/11, 11/12, and 12/13) and King’s Athlete
of the Year for the 2011/12.
“King’s is small by comparison but we have high calibre,
quality athletes playing for our teams,” says Van Driel. “With
the introducti on of badminton, this next year is sure to be a
landmark year for Eagles athletes.” ?

4 /// The King’s Connection /// Fall 2013

“Kings Athletics really emphasizes
the importance of playing for God,
which transfers to all aspects of life.
It allows you to put everything into
perspective and helps you through
the challenges and struggles but also
keeps you modest and humble in your
achievements and success.”

Former Eagle athletes
DAVID VAN BERKEL
(BA, ‘10) and DARYL VAN
DRIEL (‘10) (Todd’s older
brother), are putting their
athletic skills and training to
good use pursuing careers
as firefighters. Becoming
a firefighter in Edmonton
is no small feat. Often it
can take candidates up to
five years to be accepted.
Van Berkel leveraged his
skills to be accepted in two
years. Van Driel recently
completed the physical
try-outs and exceeded
the standards in many of
the categories. Wearing
all the required firefighting
equipment, recruits have to
run on a treadmill (known
as the VO2 max test) for at
least 13 minutes and are
stopped at 21 minutes.
Van Driel stopped at 21
minutes 20 seconds. He is
the first person to do so this
year. He also completed all
the shorter tests – like the
dummy lift and hose pull –
in half the time allotted. He is
grateful to King’s for allowing
him to use the workout
centre to train. The facility
is available for use by all
King’s alum.

- David Van Berkel (BA, ’10)

The King’s Connection /// Fall 2013 /// 5