Gibb honoured as Kodiaks Student Athlete of the Week

Westwind Weekly News Photo submitted by Lethbridge College

By Heather Cameron
Westwind Weekly News

For the week of January 30, Lethbridge College student Gunnarr Gibb was one of two athletes that were named Canadian Brewhouse Kodiaks Student-Athletes of the Week.

“It feels great to be recognized for the hard work we put in each week,” said Gibb.

Currently in his third year of Exercise Science, Gibb hails from Cardston and according to the Lethbridge College Department of Athletics website competed in the first ACAC Grand Prix of the season, finishing first in the 300 metre dash, first in the 4×200 meter relay, and second in the 60 metre dash.

“I was a very athletic kid growing up competing in most sports, but track was never one of them,” said Gibb. “My dad always wanted me to compete, but there wasn’t a team in my hometown, and I didn’t want to travel to train in Lethbridge. But my first semester at the college my anatomy instructor, who is the head coach of the cross-country and track team, invited me out to an ID camp and I ended up going and joining the team. In my first year I struggled with injury, partially tearing my hamstring, and pulling my other one once I came back. I didn’t find much success, but I decided to train hard over the summer to come back the next year, and we won championships, and I was able to set the Kodiaks 300 metre record.”

That said, Gibb believes that success takes consistency.

“I keep to a strict and consistent routine of self-care to keep myself healthy because we have really stepped up our intensity for training this season,” said Gibb. “I also finally listened to my mom and started eating my vegetables.”

Gibb says that along with advice, his family also provides him with support.

“My parents are always extremely proud and supportive in everything I do and are the first two people I want to call or talk to after anything big happens in my life,” said Gibb. “I only have one sister who I live with while I am in school, and the four of us have been very close all our lives. I couldn’t think of a better support group to have in my corner while I take on the challenge of being a student athlete.”

Gibb also says he also got a plethora of messages from friends and old teachers congratulating him on being named Athlete of the Week, which he considers pretty special because it means they still follow what he is doing and are excited for his success.

“I am excited, there are so many uncertainties in life so I’m ready to see what’s in store for me,” said Gibb. “My team and I are training hard for championships in March, and we are hungry for another ring. Since I am 24, I have been through more ups and downs in life compared to many of the young guys on the team which has made it easier for me to settle into a leadership position on the team and be the guy to motivate my teammates to get better and be the guy they can come to for advice.”

Outside of school and athletics, Gunnarr says he works at Lethbridge Supplements and Vitamins, owns a small beef jerky business called ‘Uncle Ray’s Beef Jerky,’ and he also volunteer coaches at the Lethbridge Track Club when he can. 

As far as the future after college is done goes, Gibb says he plans to focus on his business while working towards getting himself a job as a strength coach working with a team or individual athletes and will also be doing a lot of traveling and seeing the world outside of southern Alberta.

“Keep pushing for what you want because you may be closer to your goal than you expect,” said Gibb. “If I gave up and quit track after all the injuries my first year, I wouldn’t have been a part of a championship team.”