Scott Bacik, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK

Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.

This week, we feature Blenheim’s Scott Bacik.

Bacik played University hockey for five season with the Windsor Lancers, where he won a Queen’s Cup, and qualified for two National championships.

Now he’s baCK living and working in Chatham-Kent.

Here are Scott’s answers to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Porky’s Corner just West of Blenheim and east of Cedar Springs.

2. What is your favourite Chatham Kent pastime?

That’s the best part of CK, there are so many activities you can enjoy especially fishing, golfing, hiking, biking or just hanging out at the beach.  There is so much to do to stay active in our community.    

3. What did you do after high school?

After playing Junior B hockey in Chatham I went on to play with the University of Windsor Lancers for 5 seasons. 

I was fortunate to be an Assistant Captain on the first ever Lancer Hockey Team to win the Queen’s Cup and qualify for 2 National Championships.  I was able to play with some great Chatham-Kent players in my 5 years including Ryan Coristine, Brandon Boyko, Ritchie Schaafsma, Jamie Carr, Shane O’Donohue, and Ryan Reid. 

4. What are you doing now? 

I am currently the Principal at a Chatham-Kent public school. I have also been Principal and a teacher at a few different schools in Chatham Kent.  

5. What has made you happiest or been the best surprise about moving back to Chatham-Kent?

Being able to start a family in my hometown has made me the happiest.  With my wife Erin, son Blain and daughters Brook and Bria, we are able to enjoy all that CK has to offer including sports, shopping, and recreation.  Many of our friends remained in Chatham-Kent as well, so it’s great to have those local connections and positive supports.  

6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?

I would say there is no better place to live and it’s a great place to raise a family.  It’s a small community where our neighbours are our friends and our children have opportunities for the things they are interested in.  

7. Why did you choose to move back to Chatham-Kent?

My wife Erin and I feel that Blenheim is the best place to raise our family.  We tired of the congestion and traffic of the larger cities and prefer the slower, more peaceful pace of Chatham Kent.  This community offers the same resources and services as the major centers, but with a small town feel!  We wanted to raise our children with a connection to our own families and traditions.  

8. Describe your current sports involvement?

I am very proud to be able to give back and contribute to local sports organizations.  I am currently a Coach with the U15 Girls Chatham-Kent Crush Hockey Team.  I have volunteered over the past years as a coach with numerous organizations including the Blenheim Blades Jr C Hockey Team, CK Cyclones AAA, Chatham-Kent Fillies, South Kent Minor Hockey.  I was also an executive member with the Cyclones for numerous years.  

Our family enjoys staying active and being healthy through numerous programs offered throughout Chatham-Kent.  Each of our children have tried and enjoyed many sports and fitness opportunities where their growth has excelled due to the commitment and care from their coaches, trainers and volunteers.