Planning one’s legacy is often associated with retirement, something done upon consideration of one’s life achievements and adversities, and the desire to make a difference in the lives of those that follow. Rarely do we think of people under 40 planning such a gift.
Sean Baynton stands apart from most of his contemporaries in this regard. At 39, the UVic alumnus has already established a bequest in his Will to support student athletes in the Vikes Cross Country and Track program, a gesture of generosity to pay forward the support he was given as a coach-in-training.
Sean was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK, eventually obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan in 2003. After a stint in Edmonton, AB, the national track and field team champion came to Victoria to pursue a unique opportunity. “The University of Victoria provided me an opportunity to establish my career path in a way that no other Canadian post-secondary institution could,” Sean explains. He credits the athletics and physical education departments for helping him sustain his drive to achieve “something larger than just myself.”
After obtaining his Master of Coaching diploma via the National Coaching Institute on UVic’s campus in 2008, Sean went on to complete a Master of Education in coaching studies from UVic in 2012. During that time, people like Vikes Head Coach Brent Fougner and his graduate supervisor Dr. Rick Bell had a tremendous influence on his success. Sean speaks with humility about his mentors, stating he “never met a more patient and grounded human being” than Fougner and expressing his gratitude for Dr. Bell’s patience “with the pace of my ‘learning’ and [for] not giving up on my academic pursuits.” The fledgling coach received such effective coaching himself that he convocated second place among his cohort.
Sean with team members Bella Gustin and Jessica Van Mulligen
While his career has taken him away from Victoria, coaching a national medalist in CIS/U SPORTS track and field and winning two CIS/U SPORTS track and field national team champions as a coach, Sean’s connection to UVic is inextricable. “Post-secondary education has made a massive difference in my life,” Sean says, and the support he received here has not only propelled him toward a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, but continually spurs him to try to make a difference in other people’s lives.
That is why Sean at his relatively young age has already established a bequest that will support UVic Vikes Cross Country and Track student athletes, both to honour the people who have contributed to his success and to leave a legacy of the highest values of coaching. What better way is there to inspire success?
For more information on leaving a gift in your Will to UVic, please contact Kristy Colpron mgrlegacydev@uvic.ca or 250-721-8967.
