Alexander Yuryevich Stepanov
When someone has truly found their calling…
Twenty-seven years ago, I was a first-year student at MSU’s Faculty of Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics. Alongside the various mathematics and programming courses on our timetable, we also had physical education. To attend PE classes, we had to choose one of the many sports clubs. Naturally, I chose the sport I had played at a fairly serious level at school—I was a Candidate for Master of Sport, after all—handball. At my very first session with the faculty club, I was sent to the main university club, where I would train and play for the MSU team.
That was where I met the lecturer in charge of handball at MSU, Alexander Yuryevich Stepanov.
Alexander Yuryevich has worked at MSU since February 1971, initially as a lecturer and, since 1974, as a senior lecturer.
Under A. Y. Stepanov, the MSU men’s handball team won multiple championship titles and podium finishes in competitions run by the Burevestnik Moscow City Council. Now competing in the Moscow Student Sports Games, it has been a regular silver and bronze medallist for many years. In 2010, at the students’ request, A. Y. Stepanov founded a women’s team and has coached it ever since. Like the men’s team, it has won medals at the Games many times.
MSU students, postgraduate students, staff, guest players and alumni also compete in Moscow’s men’s amateur championship, which they have won several times.
In recognition of his many years of work, immense dedication and substantial contribution to the development of university handball at MSU and across Moscow, Alexander Yuryevich has received letters of appreciation and certificates of honour from the Handball Federation of Russia, the Moscow Handball Federation, the Moscow regional branch of the Russian Student Sports Union and the Rector of MSU.
- Alexander Yuryevich has received the honorary title of Honoured Lecturer of Moscow University.
- The Handball Federation of Russia awarded him its Gold Badge.
- He has received the Badge of Excellence in Physical Culture and Sport.
- He holds the honorary title of Veteran of Labour.
- By decree of the President of the Russian Federation, he was awarded the honorary title of Honoured Worker of Physical Culture of the Russian Federation.
I had no classes at RANEPA this Wednesday, so I finally managed to attend an MSU team training session. As I have written before, there is a tradition of alumni coming to training sessions to pass on their experience to current students.
What a pleasure it was to walk into the sports hall again after 27 years and see Alexander Yuryevich.
Wishing you good health and many happy years ahead, Alexander Yuryevich!
In the photos: Alexander Yuryevich and me before Wednesday’s training session, and an archival photograph.
