Juggling studies and sports
Most parents dream of their children excelling in something, with education usually high on the list. Tyron Ehiwe’s parents were no exception.
“My parents always wanted me to focus on school first and soccer second. I always wanted to play soccer,” says the business student. “So I found a way to balance both. And now it’s working out nicely.”
“Nicely” is an understatement. Now in his fourth year of the Bachelor of Commerce program and his fourth season playing on the Griffins’ men’s soccer team, Tyron has excelled as both student and athlete. And his efforts have been recognized by numerous awards – for Outstanding Contribution to MacEwan’s men’s soccer team; the Alberta Colleges Athletics Association Academic Award (ACAC) and a spot on the ACAC All Conference All-Star Team; and accolades from the Canadian Colleges Athletics Association as a Scholar Athlete and Academic All-Canadian.
When asked how he feels about his achievements, his reply is more humble than proud. “It’s kind of cool,” he smiles. “It was a nice reward for all the hard work my parents have encouraged me to put into school and soccer. They’ve supported me so much through both.”
Tyron credits his family’s support as the key to his success. Born and raised in Fort McMurray, his soccer career began at the age of four, kicking the soccer ball around with his dad. He started getting serious about the game at around 10 years old, and by 14 he was playing with 16- to18-year-olds.
“That’s when I realized this was what I wanted to do, to see how far I could take it,” he says. “I started working a lot harder and training more often.”
By the time he turned 16, Tyron was training with the college team, which gave him insight into the level of play he’d be facing in post-secondary soccer.
After graduating from high school, he did a year of university transfer at Keyano College before coming to MacEwan University to start his commerce degree.
“I really liked working with numbers, so commerce seemed like a natural fit,” he says. The smaller class sizes are one of the reasons he chose to study here. “I wanted direct communication with faculty members – a two-way relationship. I wanted to have them understand what I needed from them instead of only having them ask for what they needed from me.”
To ensure he dedicates enough time to both his studies and his sport, Tyron does a lot of planning ahead. But the ongoing support of his family helps him deal with the pressure. “It’s tough to balance both when you want to do both great,” he says. Living with his younger brother and the regular phone calls and frequent visits with his parents help him stay on track.
With plans to pursue his CA designation after he graduates, Tyron hopes to someday have an accounting career that would allow him to travel the world. As for soccer, once he’s no longer a Griffin will he continue to play?
Silly question.
“I have to,” he laughs. “It keeps my mind off things and keeps the stress down. It’s a nice hobby that I have.”
