Victory at the Battle On Bay case competition  demonstrates student-athletes’ drive.

By Jayme Marteniuk – Staff Writer

In a display of talent and determination, Bishop’s lacrosse athletes Sebastien Elie and Jacob Turenne, men’s rugby player Brenan Priest and teammate Charleston Turner recently took first place at the Battle On Bay Case Competition in Toronto. Representing the Bishop’s Williams School of Business, the team not only secured an award but also showcased the transferable skills and qualities student athletes carry over into the world of case competitions, making them a force to be reckoned with. Case competitions are known for their intensity. Participants invest significant amounts of hard work and preparation without receiving course credits for their efforts. Yet, the experience gained from case competitions can be invaluable. They can sharpen professional skills, promote teamwork and instill confidence and credibility. 

Sebastien Elie, who majors in accounting with a minor in finance, believes that participating in these competitions should be mandatory for all students and not just an option. Their collaborative team environments and the need for quick thinking is exactly what young individuals will encounter in their future careers. Elie emphasizes that sacrifices are part of the journey. However, he expresses that the payoff is well worth the effort, and the skills acquired extend far beyond the competition room. Elie draws parallels between the discipline, time management and hard work on the lacrosse field and the demands of case competitions. As an athlete, he says he sees opportunity to channel the energy and determination created during the sports season into his academic and professional endeavors.

Jacob Turenne majors in finance with a double minors in economics and business technology analytics. Familiar with competition as a lacrosse player, Turenne embraces case competitions’ challenges as an additional game off the field. Turenne highlights the importance of time management and journaling to organize thoughts and stay focused. He acknowledges that case competitions can be a lot of work, leading some students to drop out. However, Turenne urges participants to look at the bigger picture, emphasizing that the ultimate reward is well worth the effort invested.

Rivalries with teams such as Brock, Guelph, and Western University are fierce on the lacrosse field, say the athletes. However, what sets athletes like Elie and Turenne apart is their ability to carry this competitive spirit from the field to the competition room.

Elie, Turenne, Turner and Priest’s success at the Battle On Bay Case Competition underscores the tremendous potential and unique skills that student athletes can bring to academic and professional settings. Athletes’ ability to seamlessly integrate discipline, time management and a competitive spirit into the world of case competitions serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and students alike. The journey from the field to the competition room is not only possible but can be exceptionally rewarding, creating well-rounded individuals ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.