It’s official: Rob Pike has been promoted from acting head coach to head coach of the Spartans men’s and women’s cross country and track and field programs.
TWU director of athletics Murray Hall made the announcement, calling the move “a very strong hiring decision for Trinity Western University.”
“It sends a clear message about the importance of The Complete Champion Approach™. Rob embodies what we want in our leaders; character, caring and competence,” Hall continued. “Rob works at becoming a complete champion himself every day, so it comes naturally for him to teach and coach others to develop into complete champions in all areas of their life.”
Hall liked the trajectory the team is on under Pike’s leadership the past seven months, as he stepped up to the role of acting head coach to fill a temporary leadership gap.
“Rob is a committed life-long learner and has assembled an excellent expert based coaching staff; watch for great things ahead,” Hall said.
On being announced as head coach, Pike said, “I am fully invested in this University and program, so it is with honour and gratitude that I accept this formal appointment. I am excited to further build the program and continue working with our student-athletes and alumni.”
Pike, who was acting head coach since last May, had been an assistant coach with the Spartans for three years prior to the start of the 2015-16 season.
Pike initially joined the Spartans in the spring of 2012 as an assistant coach following his work with the Mexican Federation as a coach for pole vaulter Giovanni Lanaro, in preparation for the London Olympic Games.
For the past 11 years Pike was with the Royal Glenora Club, from 2001 to 2011, in Edmonton where he worked with over 20 coaches and 100 athletes weekly including the soccer, hockey, swimming, figure skating, tennis, squash and badminton programs, designing and guiding physical preparation plans and injury prevention performance.
Prior to that, Pike worked with the University of Alberta track and field program, as well as the Capital City and Leduc Track Clubs, from 2001 to 2009. During this time Pike has developed multiple Canadian National team members and Alberta provincial record holders.
Pike is a graduate of Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, where he attended on an athletic scholarship for decathlon.
After his graduation in 1994 Pike’s focus shifted to pole vault, where he competed internationally as an individual and for Canada at various meets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Canada, and U.S.A.
Among the events he competed in included the world championships, Commonwealth Games, Francophone Games, FISU Games and Pan-Am Games from 1995 to 2002.
In addition Pike is a Level III certified coach in Athletics – jumps and gymnastics – trampoline and is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the American Coaching Education Program.
Outside of athletics, Pike trained and volunteered teaching “Heroes” with pastor Chris Banas: Spruce Grove Community Church, which partnered with the city of Spruce Grove to deliver this character resiliency curriculum to the junior high and high school classes.
He also volunteered for junior high and high schools throughout Alberta with camps, clinics and athletics programs and provided movement instruction and mentoring to children, adults and coaches accounting for over 300 hours annually.
Pike also organized and participated in fundraising, special events and exhibitions for track and field and has done speaking engagements for motivation, encouragement, and testimonial affairs.