Total Detachment

My name is Rod Murray.  I live in Edmonton, AB–the place I call “home”. Recently, I took a rather abrupt turn on my career path. I now work in sales for ESCOM Electrical Distributors in Nisku, AB. We proudly distribute the BOSS line of lighting and electrical distribution products manufactured right next door, along with other industry leading product lines.

Formerly, I was a PhD (Candidate, ABD) at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Physical Education & Recreation.  I did work in critical cultural studies, exploring issues of racial and national identity/identification.  I also did critical work around sport officials, with an eye towards issues related to women’s participation at elite levels.  I have taught a wide array of courses, predominantly in the sociocultural domain, such as: sport ethics, Canadian sport history, introductory level sociocultural studies in sport, sociology of sport, women in sport, and I’ve even dabbled on the science-side of things with anatomy and exercise physiology.

For almost 20 years I was a (basketball) referee.  In worked the college floor on a regular basis as a crew chief.  I’ve worked a National men’s final (2000) and several Provincial championship games over the course of my career on the hardwood.

My sporting passion though lies in the Canadian Football League. I am an avid fan, an Edmonton season-ticket holder (tough while living in Saskatchewan), and a regular on the Grey Cup scene each November. Some of my academic work has focused on the history of the CFL, particularly the period of racial (American) integration post 1946. An incredibly interesting and rich period of history for the Canadian game … a time when it rivaled the NFL for top players and salaries.

You should also meet my furry friend Flame (Abycinnamon Flame) … the most beautiful purebred abyssinian you’ve ever seen!

Anyway … of course there’s more to me than this … but that’s why you gotta read the blogs.

Dig it!