Neil Langevin (BA/BEd '91, MEd '10) Director, Pronghorn Athletics

Where are you from?
I moved to Sparwood, British Columbia for high school and that’s where I started playing rugby. One of my teammates, Andrew Walmsley (BEd ’86), became my best friend in high school. He was older and I visited him when he came to the U of L to take education. I loved the campus and the town, so I followed him after I graduated. I lived in residence for three years working as a residence councillor. While living in residence, I met my wife Karla, who also has a BSc (1989) and a BEd (1992) from the U of L. I completed a BA and BEd, and later completed an MEd. I taught in the Lethbridge Public School District for 28 years, mainly on the north side, including Wilson Middle School and Winston Churchill High School.

How long have you been at the U of L and what do you do here?
I’ve been here since high school — 1984! In addition to being a residence councillor, I was also a course assistant for education, a rugby coach, sessional instructor for the Faculty of Education and now I am the athletic director. I started coaching the U of L Pronghorn team in 2000 while I was still working full time. I was lucky enough to be part of a successful program winning six Canada West titles and five medals at the national championships on three occasions. My fellow U of L alums, Toby Boulet (BEd ’89, MEd ’04), JJ Ondrus (BSc/BEd ’04) and faculty member, Dr. Rob Kossuth, figured prominently in this success. I moved to a full-time coaching position after my friend and mentor, Ric Suggitt, passed away. Last year, I agreed to take on the athletic director position.

What’s the best part of your job?
I get to support student athletes who contribute so much to our community. I love the U of L and southern Alberta!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’m an army brat and grew up living on armed forces bases.