Ask KP Responses: March 2009

March 29, 2009

From Tony:

Hi Kamau,
You come across as a very well educated man. Can you please talk about some of the distractions many athletes have that take them away from their studies, and how you managed to overcome them?
Thanks!

Hi Tony,

This email somehow got lost in the shuffle, and I must apologize for the late reply.

To answer your question, studies tend to take a back seat for many athletes, or really the general betterment of self at times I think because life gets so much better when you're on top of the athletic world. Everything tends to smile on you which can make it difficult for some to want to concert effort into any other avenue. As a young person I think that the most important skill that a student athlete must learn if they are to be successful in either realm is time management. When I was in University, my teammates and coaches thought that I was nuts because I insisted on taking 6 classes each semester in order to complete my undergrad requirements in 4 years or less, on top of playing 3 sports. I understood myself well enough at a young age to know that the busier I kept myself, the less trouble that I could get in - and the more productive I would be.

Athletes have enough to overcome as it is with the strong presence of drugs, social life distractions both romantic and friendly, pressures from friends and family, fans, coaches expectations etc. I really feel like it's necessary to the stability of the athlete to have both a creative outlet as well as an understanding of intellectual avenue to pursue with similar passion that which they take to the field of play.

Kp8

From Lonzell:

Hi Kamau thanks for making yourself available for these Q&A's. How would you rate relations between offense and defence this year? Is it tough not to "call out" the D after some of the games. I'm thinking of that 109-yard drive given up to the Argos a few weeks ago (I had to calm down before sending this!): even giving up 40 to a second-rate Lion team (no #1 QB; 2nd string running back goes off for 80-plus yards) on Friday. The Esks appear to do whatever they want on offense; but still has to win a shoot-out every other week! Best wishes for the rest of 2008

Hey Lonzell,

I apologize for the late reply, this email somehow got lost in the shuffle.

To answer your question I felt that the relationship built into a strong one by the end of the year between the Offence and Defence. At the time that you wrote this question in, I blogged about that because I figured that the perception may be that there was a strain. It never felt like that in the locker room or on the field though. We grew into our roles as the year went on, and this year I look forward to both of us being dominant.

Kp8

March 22, 2009

From Bonni:

I was wondering if you would be having any camps for younger players? My son told be about your camps and he wanted to enroll but he is only 12. Thanks.

Hi Bonni,

Keep an eye out towards June and July for our Atom/Peewee and Bantam camps. Hopefully I'll see you there!

Kp8

March 14, 2009

From Thomas:

what workouts/exercises do you do to help you be the great receiver you are.

Hey Thomas,

Keep an eye out on the training section of the website as in the next two months I'll be adding video and tips for training. Also, I'm holding two high school football camps in Edmonton this spring, so if you're between the ages of 13-17 and want to get better, click on the camps link on this website, or go to www.playmakeru.ca and come get better!

Kp8