B.Kin-AT Student Profile: Colin Olbert
Kids who grow up watching professional sports on TV can usually only dream of one day being a part of the hustle and bustle of the big leagues, rubbing elbows and swapping stories with players they idolized as youngsters.
For Colin Olbert, a fourth-year Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management student, his dreams are becoming reality.
The athletic therapy (AT) major has been interning with the Winnipeg Jets’ and Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ respective medical staffs as a student AT. Olbert says he’s grateful for the chance to learn under the lights of the pro sports stage.
“Observing what it takes to run the medical operation, and to be an athletic therapist at the professional sport level (while lending a hand along the way), is something that’s been both very cool for myself and something that I consider to be very valuable,” Olbert adds. “I feel fortunate to have these opportunities so early on in my future career.”
Program: Bachelor of Kinesiology–Athletic Therapy
Year of Study: 4
Hometown: Born and raised in Winnipeg, Man.
Outside-of-school interests/extra-curricular activities: I’ve always been (and continue to be) big into playing a lot of different sports, with hockey and Slo-Pitch the two atop the list. Since I love eating good food, cooking is something else I’ve taken a fairly heavy interest in over the past few years. Some might say (no, not just my mom) I even have some chef-like talent in the kitchen. I also enjoy getting out to the cabin, as it allows me to relax, get outdoors, and spend time with friends and family.
Why did you choose Kinesiology-Athletic Therapy at U of M: Growing up as a kid who always played multiple sports, the associated bumps and bruises were something I had to deal with quite often. Experiencing injury and pain through sport made me want to help others recover from their own injuries and get them back to doing whatever it is they do. The U of M’s AT program (and the profession itself) fit perfectly with my interests and also allowed me to stay involved with sport.
What’s been one highlight so far: The opportunity I’ve had working in professional sports with both the Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Making connections in the field and being behind the scenes in that environment has taught me a lot, and helped me better myself as a student AT.
What are your plans for after graduation: Throughout my degree, I’ve enjoyed both the clinical and field aspects associated with AT, and once certified as an AT I plan to stay involved with both sides of the profession. At the end of the day, the career path is dynamic, and things change very often. I’m open to any opportunity that may present itself after graduation. I also plan to get my certification as a strength and conditioning specialist to further expand my knowledge and skill-set, and to broaden my scope of practice.
What advice do you have for those interested in studying AT at U of M: Do research on both the profession and program to determine whether AT will suit your interests and character. There are a lot of extra-curricular activities involved with the program that require a strong work ethic to find success. Progressing through the program, meeting great people along the way, and seeing yourself develop both as a student AT and as a person, is very rewarding.