SAINT-LAURENT — Akshay Grover is a commerce student at John Abbott College, but on Tuesday, his business was all about track and field.
“It’s fun to come back [to my high school] and help out,” he told Global News, as he toted a clipboard and cheered students running by.
Grover is one of four alumni of Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School (PCHS) who returned to coach young athletes taking part in the Greater Montreal Athletics Association (GMAA) track and field meet.
He’s volunteering his support on the sidelines, along with three other alumni, to make a difference in the community.
The results are noticeable: when Grover attended PCHS, the track and field roster sometimes dipped as low as six students.
Now, it’s close to reaching 100 athletes.
“It’s been remarkable,” said track coach Kate Lagendyk.
“The kids really look up to them.”
Langendyk is a graduate from Beaconsfield High School and volunteered as a soccer coach in the West Island youth leagues.
For the team, the involvement of alumni at PCHS represents more of a victory for the community than any finish on the track.
“It brings back a lot of memories, good memories because all the coaches had a big impact on me,” said Matthew Soloman, an alumni coach.
“They really started my career in long distance running.”