A Former Foothills Falcon’s football injury led to a future physiotherapist reconnecting with his hometown. Joe Koshman, who is weeks from earning his master’s degree in physiotherapy from the University of Saskatchewan, will begin full-time work at Summit Physiotherapy in Okotoks in October. “This is like coming full circle,” the 24-year-old Koshman said. “In my senior year at the Comp, I dislocated my shoulder and I came into to see Bob (Dunlop) at Summit and I had an immediate interest in it (physiotherapy). “I thought what Bob had done with the Olympic team and athletes like that, I felt that would be a great career to have.” He went on to get his undergraduate degree at the University of Lethbridge in kinesiology before going to working towards his master’s in Saskatoon. All as a result of the then Grade 12 DB trying to break up a pass against the Austin O’Brien Crusaders. “It was in the third game of the season and I was having a good year, I had four interceptions in the first two games then that happened in the third quarter,” Koshman said. “My dad (Jim Koshman) with being involved with the CFL as an official, knew medical staff that knew Bob, so that was where dad sent me.” It was a tough journey for a high-academic football player with visions of playing at the post-secondary level. “It was tough, Bob was always honest and straightforward about my chances to play football, that they were low,” Koshman said. “He will push you as hard as you can handle it, but obviously safety is no. 1 in avoiding re-injury… but it was really hard not to be out there in my senior year with my teammates.” Dunlop, Summit’s clinic director, said Koshman brought the same attributes he had on the gridiron while undergoing physiotherapy. “He was dedicated, committed, hard working,” said Dunlop, adding Koshman also had common sense when recovering from the injury, not trying to rush things to get back on the field. Koshman was in a sling for eight weeks, but was able to return for the Falcons’ final game of the season in 2010. While he played his final game, the injury led to a new career goal. He believes the injury and being an athlete will help him as a physiotherapist. “I can relate to some of the athletes and what they are going through — pressure from parents, peers, coaches.” He said he could also relate to those wanting to extend their athletics to the next level. “How can we get them ready — layout a long-term goal for that,” Koshman said. His mentor has the experience. Dunlop was a physiotherapist for Team Canada at both the Summer and Winter Olympics. As well Dunlop was with Canada at the Commonwealth Games. He has also been to the Paralympic Games and the Pan Am Games. Koshman is glad to be home — he had requested a placement close to Okotoks for his practicum. A sports physiotherapist in Saskatoon recommended Summit to Koshman for his practicum. The circle is near complete. He has worked on a present 2018 Falcon defensive back. “I gave him a quick run through and he will be coming back to us shortly,” Koshman said. He is envious of the recent Falcons who are suffering from an injury of slightly larger fingers due to the weight of wearing three consecutive provincial high school rings. “The three-peat — how could I not be?” Koshman said with a chuckle about being envious. “It’s been great to see how good that program is doing. I’m a proud alumnus.” And a proud Okotokian. “This is always what I wanted to do because I had such a good experience growing up in Okotoks,” Koshman said. “I played all the sports, hockey, baseball with the Dawgs and Outlaws growing up, swam with the Stingrays and obviously with the Comp. “I always wanted to come back in a sports physio role and help out the young athletes here.”
