When Christopher Gomez (BSM \u201925) first set foot in St. Catharines, it wasn\u2019t a campus tour or classroom that won him over; it was the rowing team.<\/p>\n
Drawn to Brock University from his hometown of Caledon, Gomez was searching for more than just a program. He was looking for a team environment that felt like home, which he found with the Badgers.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring late 2019 and early 2020, I made several trips to St. Catharines to train with the team,\u201d he said. \u201cThey were extremely welcoming and made it an easy choice to come here.\u201d<\/p>\n
After graduating with a Bachelor of Sport Management on Tuesday, June 10 during Brock\u2019s 117th Convocation, Gomez is looking back on his time at Brock with deep gratitude for both his academic journey and the community that made it meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs cheesy as it might sound, I think about family,\u201d he said. \u201cMy teammates and coaches became my family. But also, my actual family because they never missed a single race, whether it was a rainy October regatta or nationals in British Columbia. They were always there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gomez competed for Brock rowing at the national level and trained across Canada and the United States, all while balancing a demanding academic schedule.<\/p>\n
During his time on the team, he helped the Brock men\u2019s rowing program capture four consecutive Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Men\u2019s Rowing Championship titles.<\/p>\n
Much of Gomez\u2019s university experience was shaped by head coach Tom Kent, a legendary figure in Canadian rowing.<\/p>\n
\u201cTom has been my coach the entire time I\u2019ve been at Brock, and he\u2019s one of the most inspiring people I\u2019ve ever met,\u201d Gomez said. \u201cHe\u2019s given 50 years of his life to the sport. He taught me that it doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re down a man or up against a bigger crew, because with \u2018brains and guts\u2019 you can still win.\u201d<\/p>\n
But as his time at Brock came to an end, Gomez faced the difficult realization that his identity as a varsity athlete would change once he crossed the stage at Convocation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt hit me in my last year. That this incredible experience was going to end,\u201d he said. \u201cIt made me appreciate every moment more, because I knew I couldn\u2019t take it for granted. Varsity sport is a privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n
As he navigates from rowing to a career in finance, Gomez is already working in banking and plans to specialize in investments and asset management.<\/p>\n
But he has no plans to fully leave the sport behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll race in alumni events and I plan to stay involved with the Brock rowing program,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can count on me being at every OUA Championship here in St. Catharines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Gomez envisions moving closer to family, continuing his professional growth and giving back to the sport and school that shaped him.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrock gave me more than a degree,\u201d he said. \u201cIt gave me lifelong friends, mentors and a second home.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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