Rustlers connect with youth on leadership

Lakeland student-athletes were able to invest in of the department's three pillars this past week.

Several Rustlers from the volleyball, basketball and hockey teams took part in a leadership panel at E.S. Laird Middle School. Topics discussed included balancing academics with their athletic commitments, as well as teamwork and personal growth.

Principal Luke Maw said he appreciated the Rustlers for participating, given the value it provides for the school's leadership programming, which is part of an ongoing effort to help students develop confidence, communication skills and more.

"At E.S. Laird, we strive to offer opportunities for our students to learn and grow beyond the classroom," he said. "Hearing directly from student‑athletes about teamwork, leadership, humility, and confidence provides powerful messages our students can carry forward."

Men's basketball player Baha Salma, among the panelists for the Rustlers, said he thoroughly enjoyed the event and appreciated the opportunity to talk about leadership. Some of the specifics delved into maintaining your principles amidst everything you experience as a competitor.

"We talked about the qualities it takes, what kind of person you are as an athlete, how dedicated are you, while also remaining humble, that was one thing I added," Salma said. "Being able to compete and be successful, while remaining humble."

The fifth year combo guard added that he and the other athletes were pleasantly surprised at how receptive the students were during the panel, both for eye contact and how much interaction they had during and after the event.

"Some of them came up to me after and were saying to follow them on Instagram and YouTube and said they were going to come to our games," he laughed. "In all honesty, I wouldn't have minded having more time to talk to them."

Salma plays his final home game on Friday against the NAIT Ooks at 8:00 pm, preceded by the women's last home game. Volleyball will compete Saturday, starting at 6:00 pm, and both evenings will involve an athlete meet-and-greet to sign autographs after the games.