Sports innovator honoured as outstanding alumnus
Pat graduated from Waterloo in 1973 with a BSc in Kinesiology and was recognized with an athletic career award for achievements in Track and Field. Pat’s education and dedication to sport has led to a career of over 35 years’ experience in Sports Administration.
After completing a Master’s degree, Pat began his career at Sport Canada in performance planning, serving over 20 national sport organizations. Pat’s energy, creativity, and passion quickly became evident and garnered him the role of managing the Best-Ever ’88 athlete high performance program in preparation for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games.
Over the years, his career has progressed to include senior positions in numerous national sport organizations, including the Sport Medicine and Science Council, Ontario Summer Games, Health Canada, and Swimming Canada. His accomplishments include, initiating the “ugly images” on cigarette packages, further developing the “Mobile Athletic Sport Hospital” unit; and guest speaking at the UN on a national seniors program.
While working as VP International for the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (now Hockey Canada), he was the Director of Operations for the Women’s National Hockey Team, helping shepherd the team to gold at the inaugural IIHF Women’s World Championship. He later played an integral role in having women’s ice hockey added as a winter Olympic demonstration event, opening the door to its official status as a medal sport. Pat also guided Canada’s Junior Men’s Hockey Team to two World Championship wins.
Pat currently works as Executive Director of the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission. Passionate about protecting the health and safety of athletes, he has initiated leading studies in the field that will change the landscape of combative sports worldwide.
Pat has also been involved in the world of sport as a coach and volunteer. Pat is one of few Level 5 certified coaches in athletics, and has attended seven summer Olympics and five winter Olympics in various coaching and technical capacities. Athletes he has coached personally have won over 50 provincial and national titles. His contributions reach from the world stage to his home community including recognition as Ottawa Volunteer of the Year on two occasions and election to the City of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.
Pat values his education from Waterloo and has remained connected to the Faculty. He is an inspirational leader in sport administration. Pat’s energy and passion for innovative approaches to recreation and wellness set a great example of success for students and fellow alumni.