Behind the bench: Noah Derganc

Photo of Noah Derganc running in a cross country race, wearing Falcons sports attire. CREDIT: FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Noah Derganc is a runner on Fanshawe’s men’s cross country team.

Fanshawe has had many successful performances from their athletes this year and some have even wracked up some gold medals. Most people often forget these stars walk among us on campus, so here is a look behind the bench, at the players who are bringing their A-game, and making Fanshawe proud.

Fanshawe’s men’s cross country team saw a successful season after dominating OCAAs and bringing home the gold title, then continuing on to nationals where they fell just short of the podium securing fourth place. Among these talented athletes is Fanshawe Falcon Noah Derganc.

“We’ve got a really good group of guys, and I love being a part of this team, we are all really close and I see the guys a good three or four times a week even in the off season,” Derganc said while reflecting on his teammates.

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Derganc is a St. Thomas native, who’s been an athlete throughout his whole life. Derganc has dabbled in many different sports including swimming, basketball, volleyball and hockey. Derganc still actively enjoys hockey, playing in his free time as a member of LUG Sports.

“I’ve been running on and off for nine years. I decided to give it a shot at the collegiate level while I had the opportunity. I thought, ‘I’m here for two years why not try,’” Derganc said.

After a great season with the birds, Derganc plans to return for another.

“I’m excited for next season, this season was great and I know the boys are also excited,” he said.

When Derganc isn’t training or on the track, you can find him in the classroom where he is studying to become a paramedic.

“I first became interested in it through lifeguarding in high school,” Derganc said, who worked as a lifeguard part-time through high school.

“It is actually a funny story. I had this one job that I really hated but I wouldn’t let myself quit unless I had something else, so I saw some lifeguarding courses and took them up.”

The first aid skills he developed led him to find a passion for the job, and ever since then Derganc has been set on his career. However, Derganc’s program and love for sports can sometimes be a challenge to balance.

“We have some long 13-hour days, and our program is very busy, so it can be hard to find time, but I always just push through,” Derganc said.

Finding balance can be difficult but Derganc remains optimistic through it all.

“Shout out to my mom – love you – shout out to the paramedic program, my coaches, and everyone that got me here,” Derganc added.