Along the Broncos Trail: Catching Up with Philip Jalalpoor

Sport: Men's Basketball

 

Years Played at OC: 2014-15

 

Program of Study: Sports Management Diploma

 

 

Being originally from Germany, Olds College was actually my very first stop in Canada. My experiences as a Bronco prepared me very well for my time at the University of British Columbia the following years. Without the opportunity that was given to me to attend Olds College I might have never been able to take the steps that have led me to be where I am today. The relationships I made while at Olds College are incredible and I'm still in touch with different staff, coaches, and teammates today. 

 

 

After my year at OC I ended up transferring to the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) to become a part of the Men's Basketball team there and to earn a degree from this prestigious university. After I graduated in 2018, I decided to turn pro and returned to Europe. Since then I have been able to play in Spain, Austria, and my home country Germany and will be going into my 4th professional season for Medi Bayreuth in the Basketball Bundesliga (Germany) next year. 

 

 

I would have to say simply being part of the team that seemed to have pushed the Men's Basketball program at OC to a new level. In my year as a Bronco we were able to win the ACAC bronze Medal and were ranked nationally for the first time in program history. Being part of such a great team shattering all expectations was truly amazing. The other one would have to be my time with my teammates. The long road trips to Briercrest or Fort McMurray or simply the time spent at the townhouses really brought us together and created some memories that I will forever remember.

 

 

 

 

That is a tough question to answer since so many people at Olds played a key role in my time there. From former head coach Ben Julius who gave me a chance to lead a team, to our strength coach Mark Oxer that always pushed me not just to become a better player but also a better person, to our assistant coach Stephen Anthony who pushed our team to a new level. Also, former AD Bob Murray who relentlessly supported our team and myself the entire year I was there and former OC staff member Karen Dommett who guided me and helped me to truly set foot in Canada. Also, all my teammates but especially the captains Sam Kirkness and Kyle Huffman who took me in right from the start and allowed me to be myself on and off the court at all times.

 

But the single most influential person during my time at Olds College would have to be my former roommate and teammate Jacob Simmons. Jacob is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met and to this day our friendship is one of the most important things in my life. Jacob and his family became my second family in Canada and made my time in Alberta a truly special one. Who would have thought that I would meet my lifelong best friend at a college in Olds, Alberta?

 

 

Yes! I am still in touch from time to time with guys like Sam (Kirkness), Kyle (Huffman), Brian (Tolentino), Shaq (Bedminster), and Jo (Michel). Even though we rarely ever see each other, as soon as we connect it is just like the old days!

 

 

The one thing that comes to mind right away is to simply enjoy your time as a Bronco as much as you can. In just one year as a Bronco I was able to experience so many amazing things and made so many incredible friendships since I just completely immersed myself. So connect with everybody, but most importantly work hard every single day and you will end up where you are supposed to be.

 

To learn more about Olds College and the Olds College Broncos go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.