Director Q and A with Jacob Appiah

Recently, we launched our “Director Q and A” series with Camp Director's Jonathan Isaac and Julia Garisto. Today, we introduce our Program Director of Flag Football Camp, Jacob Appiah!

1. Hi Jacob. Tell us about yourself. Give us your 60-second elevator pitch….

2. Why do you like working at summer camps?

Summer camps are an excellent place for staff and kids alike to get involved, be active, and have fun! It provides me the opportunity to get to know new people and share my passion for sport with youth.

3. What did being the Captain of the York University football team mean to you?

Being the captain of the York University football team was an exceptionally rewarding experience. It allowed me to be a team leader not just on the field but off as well. I became the voice for the team, a liaison between coaches and players, a problem solver. On the field I was entrusted to discuss calls with the referees and made the decisions that would be best for the team. Being Team Captain is a responsibility given to players at the top of their game and I definitely was. It gave me pride in my team and myself.

4. You've coached several teams throughout Toronto, including Etobicoke Eagles and Markham Raiders. What have you learned as a coach? Why do you enjoy coaching?

Since becoming a coach I think the most important thing I’ve learned is the importance of hard work and dedication. That’s the one factor that will always separate the good players from the GREAT players. Great players work exceptionally hard and their drive inspires those around them. It works the same way for coaches. The hard working coaches are the ones who are prepared and are better equipped to put their players and team in the best position to be successful.

I truly enjoy coaching: it is one the most rewarding things I have done in my life. I enjoy teaching kids the skills they can develop to be successful both on and off the field. I love the responsibility of being a role model, but the most enjoyable aspect for me is watching kids having fun and enjoy playing a sport I love so much.

5. What advice would you give to highschool athletes who are considering playing a varsity level sport at university?

Remember you’re a student first, take care of the academics because education opens many many doors. Secondly I would say work hard and stay disciplined. Put in the effort every time you play. Hard work will always beat talent when talent is not working hard.

6. What is my most memorable accomplishment as a player?

Throughout my career, I’ve had many accolades and accomplishments but most notably for myself would be the one game where I ran 420 yards getting 7 touchdowns.

7. Who is your favourite athlete?

Calvin Johnson (recently retired).

8. What is your favourite sports movie?

Remember the Titans.

9. If you could have lunch with any 3 people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Nelson Mandela, because I would love to hear how he could be so strong and positive in face of such atrocity.

Martin Luther King Jr, because at a time where it would’ve made the most sense to result to violence, he understood that violence would only make things worse.

Mahatma Gandhi, because his ability to stay calm and live anti-violence in the face of anger and adversity is inspiring.

10. If you could order any lunch to camp, what would it be?

HOT WINGS!

11. Ranch or blue cheese?

Neither.

12. Who’s your favourite super hero?

SUPERMAN!

13. When you put ketchup on your fries: on top or on the side?

On the side....I prefer to dunk it!

14. Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Definitely not!

15. Why is True North Flag Football Camp going to be so amazing in 2016?

Why wouldn’t it be?! Being active and making friends is always fun! Being able to do it while playing flag football, well THAT is truly amazing!