File # 2009-10-05 2009-11-05 13:55 PST

On arriving at Vanderhoof Detachment from the RCMP training Academy in 2007, Cst Calvin Sanheim has turned his passion for football into an opportunity to mentor and coach local high school kids. The results have been impressive and rewarding for both Calvin and the Nechako Valley Vikings. 

Since his posting to the small town of Vanderhoof, BC, also known as the geographical center of British Columbia, just 100 km west of Prince George, one particular Mounties’ personal skill sets has been contributing to the development of local youth in a big way.

Constable Calvin Sanheim a relatively new member at the Vanderhoof RCMP Detachment with approximately 3 years service, is now well settled and recognized in the community of Vanderhoof. Cst Sanheim arrived at Vanderhoof “fresh out of Depot”, this his first posting since completing his police training.

Previous to his employment with the RCMP, he attended the University of St. Francis Xavier in Nova Scotia on a football scholarship. With a solid scholastic effort along side a budding and successful non professional football career, Constable Sanheim set his sights on a career in law enforcement with the RCMP and found himself in the small rural community of Vanderhoof.

Upon being posted to Vanderhoof in 2007, Constable Sanheim approached the Nechako Valley Secondary School, offering his volunteer services by assisting with coaching football. The school and team immediately recognized that Calvin was the only coach with post High School football experience and in turn was a valued asset both for the other coach as well as the players. The addition of Cst Sanheim was the turning point for the NVSS football team's development.

“2006 was the start up year for a football team at Nechako Valley Secondary and it was a humbling season with 2 wins and 4 losses. That year they had one teacher being all things, teacher/coach/ liaison. So for one man to handle all aspects of coaching a newly formed team in such a dynamic sport that most times sees specialty squad coaching with multiple coaches and assistants, all being said 2 and 4 is still a decent finish that is respectable”, stated Cst Sanheim.

In their second season of 2007, with Cst Sanheim part of the coaching team, the NVSS school had a record of 6 wins and one loss. Their only loss was in Prince George at the regional playoffs. The difference from year to the other was part in parcel of Cst Sanheim efforts to create a strong group of coaches to help out the head coach.

In 2008, NVSS had a record of 8 wins and one loss, making it up to the Double A Provincial playoffs in Kamloops, BC, defeating a team from the lower mainland with a strong performance.

“With these accomplishments, the NVSS football team moved into the B.C. High School Provincial Football league in 2009. Between 2007 and 2009, the team lost players, who graduated from NVSS and again were at a rebuilding stage, these young men worked hard all season. They did not have the same successes on the field, but it was also what developed off the field that was a positive for the local youth that was a direct result of Calvins’ volunterism and desire to help the youth in his community.

Since CST. Sanheim's involvement: two team members have taken their football career to the next level, one has received an opportunity to obtain a scholarship at Simon Fraser University and the other has made the Okanagan Sun Junior team (Kelowna). There have been about half a dozen more with opportunities to go on further with their acquired football skills, but have chosen not to do so at this point. The 2009 team has potential to have another group move on to University and Junior levels.

As a community volunteer, Cst. Sanheim has shown to be the catalyst to opening doors for these young people, in addition to building positive RCMP community ties with the youth and families of Vanderhoof. We are proud of Calvin’s mentoring efforts in his initiative to spark their ambitions in post secondary education through scholarships. In 2009 Calvin also brought a second officer onto the coaching squad, with the arrival of Cst Derek Stewart, who played junior football in Windsor Ont. It’s nice to see my officers involved with the community” stated Staff Sergeant Dave Beach NCO i/c Vanderhoof RCMP.

Photo Practice 2009 Cst Calvin Sanheim dark hoodie and cap, Cst Derek Stewart light colored hoodie.
 

Released by

Cpl. Dan Moskaluk
Media Relations Officer
South East District and North District
170 -395 Penno Road, Kelowna BC V1X-7W5
Office: (250) 491-2300
Cell: (250) 863-7433
Fax: (250) 491-2381
Email: dan.moskaluk@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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