Posted: Jan 14, 2021
Next up in our "Where Are They Now" series, is men's water polo and swimming & diving alumnus, Kelby Tursick. With water polo just beginning at Cal Lutheran, Tursick joined the program in just it's second year. In the program first year, CLU eighth, but by the time Tursick graduated, the Purple and Gold had tied for third (2006). In his career, Tursick totaled 76 goals, 38 assists, 70 steals and 53 drawn ejections. In 2004, he put up 45 goals and 46 steals. For swimming, he was All-SCIAC in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays. Now, Tursick works for the Los Angeles County Fire Department as an Ocean Lifeguard.
What year's where you at Cal Lutheran?
2004-07: Water Polo Team; 2008: Swim Team
While at Cal Lutheran, what was your experience like?
My experience was a positive one. It pushed me to work hard in order to be successful.
How was your experience with the team and other athletes?
My experience with my team was a good one. I came into a second-year program and much of our team was made up of either first or second year student athletes. Those first couple years were the hardest. Not going to lie, we got smoked a lot of the time by bigger schools with older, more experienced players. It was the following years that we really started to learn to work together and started winning. but we definitely paid our dues that first year. My experience with other athletes was also a positive one. My first year, I had a roommate that became the starting quarterback. The next three years, two of my roommates and also a couple of my best friends, both played baseball for Cal Lu. Between my waterpolo team, friends I made on the baseball and football team, all had a positive impact on my experience at Cal Lu and shaped who I was as a student, athlete and person as I moved forward in life.
What is your current job, and how did Cal Lutheran prepare you for that?
I work for the Los Angeles County Fire Department as a full time Ocean Lifeguard. Cal Lu prepared me by giving me a strong foundation, not only in work ethics, but also teamwork and communication. Playing water polo prepared me for the physical aspects of my job and Coach Rond was very encouraging towards myself and other players during and after my time at Cal Lu. Without his support I don't know if I would have had the same opportunities that led me to this position.
What is your favorite part about the job?
My favorite part about my job is that I get paid to go to the beach and help people each day.
What is a typical day at your job?
A typical day would be show up to work, check in and check my equipment. Lifeguard truck first, aid/medical equipment and RWC (jet ski). Then, patrol my area and inform, educate and advise current conditions and take preventative measures to ensure the public's safety. Make rescues when swimmers are in distress. We are EMT first responders on the beach and in the water.
Did you know you always wanted to do this, or when did you know what you wanted to do?
I always knew I wanted to work outside, but I was not aware of the opportunities about becoming a full time ocean lifeguard and the benefits that came with it until Coach Rond told me.
What does it mean to you to be a Kingsmen?
Roman's 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. This verse highlights what being a Kingsman instilled in me; the importance of always doing the right thing even when no one is around, standing up for what is right, continuing to learn and of always having faith in God.
