Coaches Week Spotlight: Denis Aseltine
September 22nd, 2022
(Whitby, ON) - National Coaches Week is an annual campaign lead by the Coaching Association of Canada. Coaches Week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by taking the time to recognize and thank them for all their efforts. Join in on the week by recognizing your favourite coach on social media using the hashtag #ThanksCoach. Tag Rugby Ontario in the post so we can recognize them as well!
In celebration of National Coaches Week, Rugby Ontario is profiling volunteer coaches from across the Ontario rugby community. Next up in our Coaches Spotlight Series is Denis Aseltine. Denis coaches multiple teams for the Kingston Panthers RFC. He is also the Head Coach of the St. Lawrence College Men's Rugby team and coaches at Kingston Secondary School. Read below to learn more about Denis!
How did you first get involved with rugby?
I first heard about rugby in grade 10 through my good friend Jeff Dunn so I went out for the team for the first time my grade 10 year and because we were low in numbers for Jr and Sr the decision was made to run a Varsity team only. My first year I played in the centers. We didn't win a game or even score one try but I loved it. I knew if I could love this sport without any team or individual success that rugby and I were going to have a long relationship.
What is your favourite rugby memory?
My favourite rugby memory is watching my children fall in love with the sport like I did.
What do you love most about the sport?
That is a sport for everyone no matter your athletic ability
What made you want to become a coach?
I wanted to give back like the people before me
What role have mentors and mentees played in your coach development? Anyone you want to give a shoutout to?
My first rugby coach, Mike Doyle, was a big mentor. He helped me fall in love with the sport and instills values I still hold to this day. Since then I have met and worked with a bunch of people who have helped me along the way.
What challenges come with being a coach?
Time management and learning when to say no, which I am not good at.
What is your favourite part about coaching?
Watching people grow as people and not just as a rugby player.
How have you changed as a coach over your career?
I have learned a lot over the years about how the game has changed and different systems but the core beliefs about making it fun and helping people become better people and better rugby players still stands.
What have you learned during the pandemic that can help you grow as a coach?
I wouldn’t say I learned, but I believe even more strongly that keeping that social connection is important for mental health.
What would you say to someone who is considering getting into coaching?
I would say that is great and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What are your goals as you move forward in your coaching career?
One goal I have right now is to become better at coaching the scrum.
ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to lead, support and promote Rugby for All from communities to clubs to province. This mission signals a movement toward creating a more cohesive, supportive and progressive sporting environment that is responsive to the needs of all members.
To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
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Dalton Finkbeiner
Communications and Marketing Coordinator - Rugby Ontario
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