Your typical college student lives a busy lifestyle. Classes, studying, social activities, extra-curricular pursuits, students simply find ways to stay busy. When it comes to intercollegiate athletics, select few students receive the opportunity to play for a varsity team, committing seasons, or years to a game, competition, or race that they love.
In the current athletic landscape however, you rarely hear about someone who competes in two post-secondary sports. Try explaining that to second year Niagara College student-athlete Andy Hein. During 2014-15, the small town Omemee, Ontario native has proven that with hard work and natural athleticism, student-athletes can compete as a member of not just one, but three varsity programs.
This year, has seen Hein become a key member of the Niagara College men's soccer, cross country, and men's curling teams. And quite simply, he would have it no other way.
"It is all I have ever known,' said Hein with a smile. "In high school I competed in wrestling, track and field, cross-country, and soccer."
He chose to attend Niagara College because the school features one of the best Broadcasting, Radio, Television, and Film programs in the province. His career aspiration is to become a sports play-by-play announcer.
"Niagara College was my first choice because of the program they offer," he added. "When I saw they offered soccer at the varsity level – my main sport – I was more than eager to try-out."
In 2013, Hein was a walk-on for the men's soccer program, playing in seven games as the team went on to a 3-3-2 season. As the school year progressed, he found himself wanting to become more active in the athletic community on campus.
When Niagara College introduced a cross-country program for the 2014 school year, Hein was more than excited to participate in a second sport.
"I emailed coach [Adam Upshaw] about potentially trying out for the team," he said. "I let him know about my soccer obligations and he was more than willing to help me balance both sports."
Hein completed his time trial faster than any other runner and quickly became one of the stars of the team. At the OCAA Championships, he finished first on the team, but was disappointed with his 34th place finish.
"For various reasons my training wasn't where it needed to be for provincials. Next year, I'll make sure I improve on my results."
As far as his second season with the Knights soccer team, Hein was key member of a program that went 5-3, the first five win season in Niagara College men's soccer history. The forward finished second on the team in scoring, recording three goals in seven games, including one of the Knights biggest goals of the season during the team's October 2nd match against the Mohawk Mountaineers.
"Scoring the game winning goal against Mohawk and securing a playoff spot has been the highlight of my career at Niagara so far," Hein said. "Hopefully next year we can go on a deeper playoff run."
Most sports require a commitment of six, even seven days a week throughout their seasons. In addition, athletes train multiple times per week through the offseason, with some days requiring multiple training sessions.
"Sometimes I would train for cross-country at 5:00pm, leave for soccer practice at 6:30pm, then head back to school to finish up my homework," Hein said. "During the week, things can get a little hectic when you combine two sports with my academic responsibilities."
Certain sports, such as soccer and cross-country, are conducive to dual athletes. Then there is curling, a winter sport Hein decided to compete in when he is finished with soccer and cross country in the fall.
"I have been curling since I was 10 years old with the Omemee Curling Club," he said. "I had to stop temporarily in high school, but I really wanted to pick it back up."
And 'pick it back up' he did, quickly demonstrating his shot making and strategic abilities to curling coach Scott Brown, who elected to name Hein as the skip for the Niagara College men's curling team.
He is responsible for leading the team and giving it strategic direction. He believes his rink has a chance to place in the top three at provincials this year, and he hopes to be competing at the National Championship in March.
As if school and competing as a member of three varsity teams wasn't enough, the winter semester has seen Hein become the official "voice of the Knights." Hein is getting an early start on his career aspirations by serving as the play-by-play announcer for the Niagara College varsity basketball games.
"It feels like you become part of the action as a play-by-play announcer," he said. "You become more entwined with the game and it's a great way to support the other teams."
Since August, Hein has become a regular in and around the Niagara College department of athletics and recreation.
"I've just always felt the need to be involved, and playing sports is such a big part of my life." He continued "adding the play-by-play job to my plate lets me be around sports while also giving me career experience. It's great!"
"It's having great coaches here at Niagara College that allowed me to accomplish all of this," added Hein modestly.
To anyone who knows the Hein however, his success as a student, student-athlete, and student-employee, all stem from his passion for experiencing as much as possible.
