Drew Cochrane and Karissa Kirkup are student co-coordinators this school year for the University of Manitoba’s Bisons Against Bullying program.
As well as juggling academics and athletics, the dynamic duo arranges and conducts, with the help of other U of M student-athletes, free, one-hour presentations about bullying for school children. The program is part of the University of Manitoba Athletic Council.
“As a kid, there were many times I did not necessarily fit into the crowds I was in school with, and so it’s very important for me to show kids that they have the power to stand up for themselves and follow their dreams in life, just like the Bison athletes that present to them in this program,” said Cochrane, the son of David and Jennifer. “Also, it shows the kids that there are tons of people on their side, and they are not alone if they are being bullied!”
Bisons Against Bullying was started back in 2006. Last November the program conducted its 200th presentation. Kirkup, the daughter of Suzanne and Kary, was a part of it. Her favourite aspect of the presentations is getting to interact with the students.
“When the kids are telling me about bullying stories, it is obviously heartbreaking to hear that such great kids have to go through such unnecessary stress,” Kirkup said. “Whether it is short or long term, hearing any type of bullying stories is what gives Drew and I the motivation to take action and be a part of Bisons Against Bullying.”
Dynamic Duo
Cochrane is in his second year as a co-coordinator, while Kirkup is in her first year in the position.
“Karissa and Drew are both strong student-athletes that are great to work with,” said Curt Warkentin, the U of M’s associate athletic director.
“They are organized and do a good job promoting and representing the Bisons Against Bullying program. They are professional and courteous in dealing with teachers or principals wanting to book a B vs. B school visit, and they are great at connecting with other Bisons student-athletes to encourage them to volunteer their time. Most importantly, they truly care about kids and about spreading the anti-bullying message to kids in Manitoba.”
Cochrane, an engineering student, is a U of M swimmer. A kinesiology student, Kirkup plays for the Bisons women’s hockey team. The pair went to school at Virden Collegiate Institute together.
“As soon as we got the position, I was very excited to do something positive with someone from my hometown,” Kirkup said. “It is not very often people get the opportunity to work with someone they went to high school with, so I am very grateful I got to work with such a great person like him.”
During one part of the Bisons Against Bullying presentations, students are asked to raise their hands if they have been bullied, been a bystander to bullying, or have been a bully. Kirkup said they have had kids raise their hands for all three. The volunteer student-athletes go over strategies for all three situations and how to confront them in a positive way, she said.
“I really enjoy hearing their stories and when we ask questions, I am already pleasantly surprised how much they know about bullying, which is really great to see how far we have come as a society.”
Giving Back
Being a university athlete is a special opportunity, Cochrane said. The U of M puts a lot of resources into various sports programs. Cochrane said being involved with Bisons Against Bullying is a way to give back.
“The aspect of talking with the kids that I enjoy most in the Bisons vs. Bullying program is the way it can impact the kids,” he said. “The kids we deliver the anti-bullying message to, usually ages 9 to 12, really look up to university students and athletes, as I did when I was that age. It is also very special when kids are interested in the student athlete lifestyle and you can be a role model for them to pursue things in their future.”
Last year Cochrane and three other student-athletes went to The Pas for a youth conference for students from five nearby First Nations reserves. This past fall the organization had 250 pink t-shirts printed and did an anti-bullying themed volleyball game when the Bisons took on Edmonton’s MacEwan University.
Kirkup expressed appreciation for all of the Bisons student-athlete volunteers who take time out of busy schedules to give back. Warkentin had similar praise for the volunteers and coordinators.
“The life of a student-athlete is very full with classes, studying, team training times, strength and conditioning, personal skill or technique sessions, and competing on weekends; either at home or travelling. Despite these crazy busy schedules, the B vs. B coordinators and volunteers choose to get involved in this program to give back to the community and to care for kids. We cannot meet every school request we receive do to our busy schedules, but we do as many school visits as we are able to.”
