Brenning's university sport legacy goes well beyond wins and losses

“Sport is more than just winning or losing, but at the end of the day there will be winners and losers in competitions. We all like to win, but losing also provides valuable life lessons. The lifelong memories regardless of the outcome will always be the positive student experience.”

Burlington, Ont. (by David Grossman) - Reliving memories, and there have been many, will be something that will pop up time and time again on the daily calendar for Jennifer Brenning.

The most recent of those memories is Brenning’s recognition at the 2024 OUA Honour Awards Banquet, where she was named the recipient of the prestigious J.P. Loosemore Award. The honur recognizes an individual who exemplifies the best in university sport, in terms of ethics, integrity, and honesty, and is evaluated on their administrative contribution to university sport, a legacy Brenning has been building on for nearly four decades.

Now, after a stunning 38-year career in amateur sport, 36 of them affiliated with Canadian university sport and specifically in Ontario, Brenning has determined it’s time to move on.

Retirement was a tough choice, especially when her personal mandate has contributed daily to the enrichment of enhancing life skills, physical fitness, and education, to thousands of students. While Brenning contemplated making the move, from a career she has adored, she knew the time was right.

Brenning officially ends her tenure as Assistant Vice President of Athletics and Recreation at Carleton University in June of 2024, but people who know her say she won’t be a stranger – especially when her human instincts lead her to a tournament, league, or even recreational event.

If by chance, she does get preoccupied in her retirement days, there are many songs that will keep her mind on what has been an astounding career.

Not sure if the 60-year-old Brenning is a fan of pop rock band Maroon 5 - known for the song “Memories” about cherished moments from the past.  Maybe Barbra Streisand, who sings about “smiles we gave to one another for the way we were”. Country singer Dierks Bentley chips in with “Every Mile A Memory” – recalling times of being on the road with thoughts and feelings about being away from loved ones.

“I have so many amazing memories,” said Brenning. “To me, it was always so important to be present at events and games - to support and encourage people.”

Adjusting to retirement will take time.

Brenning has been there, done that and so much more during special times and highlights, like Carleton’s Canadian championships in basketball and soccer. It includes bringing back football after a 15-year hiatus as well as the prominence of hosting hoops playoffs with packed crowds that had once been a staple in Halifax.

Times weren’t always easy, as Brenning also had to confront challenges, be it in staffing, coaching, or contentious issues that affected the world of amateur sport.

For her, a priority was elevating sport in every capacity in her community. Having 10,000 children of all ages participate in a massive local and recreation program is one huge accomplishment.

Looking back, as a teenage student, she was a shy and somewhat introverted individual, having attended Ottawa’s Brookfield High School. People could always find her in the gym. A former Athlete of the Year, friends just had to look for her in running shoes – and there was Jennifer Russell, as she was known then, competing in cross country - or running the 400-metre on the track.

After achieving bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively, in Human Kinetics and Sports Administration, at the University of Ottawa, marriage would enter her life and she changed her surname.

In those early years, dreams didn’t become reality. Fond of the outdoors, nature, wildlife and camping, a career path seemed to be in forestry. But that was replaced quickly, after a third-year university placement at Athletics Canada which got her absorbed in working in sport.

“My dreams, back then, were not in sport,” recalled Brenning. “There was something about what I was learning and experiencing (at Athletics Canada) that was fascinating.”

Maybe, too, was being captivated after listening to a session with a four-time Olympian and prominent Canadian sports administrator and pioneer. You might remember the name: Abigail Golda Hoffman. Yes, once a hockey player, Hoffman gave it up for track. She would break down gender and amateur barriers in athletics by becoming a champion and sport advocate.

“She was so intelligent, inspirational and a visionary,” said Brenning. “I wanted to be like her. She had a huge impact across Canada, and I was hoping to do something similar in Canadian university sport.”

It may have started in 1988 when, as a 24-year-old, she accepted a full-time job with the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU). After several name changes, it’s now known as U SPORTS.

Curiosity, combined with confidence and competence, would lead to immense power within her.

She took charge of a new journey and every step brought success. In total, Brenning would work 11 years with university sport at the national level. Major responsibilities included Canada’s involvement at seven World University Games and even a short term as acting Chief Executive Officer.

Brenning returned to her alma mater for eight years, responsible for the University of Ottawa varsity programs, intramurals, and recreation. That changed in 2005, when she changed her Gee-Gees apparel to that of the Ravens – the moniker for sports teams at Carleton University. She became Director of Athletics and Recreation and held the senior administrative job for 19 years.

“When I left the CIAU, I remember the emotional feeling while in my car in the driveway – it was leaving after 11 years,” said Brenning, who was married in 1991 and later had two children.

“It was so impactful after leaving (the CIAU). I was also upset and felt badly leaving (the University of Ottawa) and, these last few months, it’s been nostalgic sending out gratitude to so many people who have been part of my career all these years.”

Ask Brenning her thoughts about the power of amateur sport – and whether she thinks it has changed over the years.

“As a whole, we should be celebrating better (in Canadian university sport) and it’s not always about winning trophies and championships all the time,” she said. “It’s about education and sport.

“Sport is more than just winning or losing, but at the end of the day there will be winners and losers in competitions. We all like to win, but losing also provides valuable life lessons. The lifelong memories regardless of the outcome will always be the positive student experience.”