Concordia PhD student Tristan Castonguay helps the Montreal Alouettes bring home an astounding Grey Cup win

Meet Tristan Castonguay, a trailblazing 28-year-old PhD student in Health and Exercise Science at Concordia. Not only is he the youngest head athletic therapist in the Canadian Football League (CFL) — he’s also revolutionizing injury imaging methods.

In addition to his work with recent Grey Cup winners the Montreal Alouettes, Castonguay is investigating infrared thermography for musculoskeletal injuries. The method is a potential game-changer for athletic therapists and healthcare professionals.

Castonguay is eager to discuss the Alouettes’ unexpected win and share how he integrates his groundbreaking research into his daily practice.

‘The mix of cultures is distinctive’

What does the recent Grey Cup victory mean to you and the Alouettes?

Tristan Castonguay: Considering the challenges faced by the CFL amid COVID-19 — including a cancelled season and uncertainties about the league’s future — the Alouettes’ success is intertwined with the financial and economic aspects of the sports industry.

The team’s survival is supported by a highly involved owner and an increasing number of Quebecers on the roster. It’s an accomplishment, despite skepticism from analysts due to player recruitment and the team’s sale. Our collective spirit, motivation and hard work propelled us to an exceptionally strong finish this season. We overcame early season perceptions.

This outcome serves as a source of great motivation for me and for everyone else who is working toward a common goal.
 

How does your experience at Concordia relate to the Alouettes? Being a PhD student and working at the same time must be challenging.

TC: This year, Concordia’s collaboration with the Alouettes took an exciting turn: we recently introduced a graduate assistant program.

The initiative is sponsored by the CFL. It provides a recent grad with the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree while gaining valuable experience in athletic therapy.

The program emphasizes inclusivity in performance, research and professional sports. This year, we welcomed a talented francophone woman, Julie Lamoureux, BSc 22. She has performed admirably during the six-month season.

The collaboration now aims to build on this success for years to come.

Which classes left a lasting impression on you during your academic journey?

TC: The course that stands out the most is the one where we learned about taping techniques and evaluations. It’s a class that sparks enthusiasm in everyone. Now I can teach it myself, covering the theoretical aspects and showcasing injury demonstrations.

Can you share a pivotal learning experience from your studies in athletic therapy?

TC: The most challenging experience was the first-year anatomy course. It was dense, covering numerous muscles and nerves. We used various resources, like models, cadavers and flagged posters.

We had to do a test that was divided into different stations. Each station demanded instant identification of specific anatomical parts, pushing students to excel in anatomy. It’s a skill that sure stays with you throughout your academic career. I still hear the beeping sound in my head sometimes when I practice!

Any favourite spots or facilities that stand out from your time at Concordia?

TC: The learning lab in the athletic therapy program! It’s a gathering place equipped with anatomical models and study materials. It’s a valuable space for collaborative learning and hands-on practice.

Who’s your favourite professor and why?

TC: Geoff Dover (associate professor of health, kinesiology and applied physiology) introduced me to research. He supervised my master’s and is now supervising my doctoral work.

Professor Dover provides the motivation I need while giving me just the right amount of freedom in my academic pursuits.

What do you think makes life in Montreal unique?

TC: The mix of cultures is distinctive. I was born in Montreal to francophone parents. The language I speak at home is French. I often tell our players that, when in Montreal, learning French to be able to appreciate Quebec culture is key.

The Alouettes are Montreal’s team. Coaching staff and players know that learning French is part of the equation when playing in this great city. For example, when practicing, the players are often asked to switch between English and French or to practice their French together. Coaches and players of equal talent are selected based on their ability to communicate in French. The head coach also arranged French tutoring for himself during the off-season.

Everyone can see that there is something special happening in Montreal, and everyone wants to be a part of it.



Read more about Tristan Castonguay’s journey and research.
Discover Concordia’s Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology.