Editor's note: Ingrid Mackin, 19, is Coach of the Year for 2001,( Wednesday. Feb. 6 issue.) We thought you would enjoy reading about some of the nominees:
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Hello, my name is Sarah McMahon and my father is Alan McMahon. I'm writing to you because I just saw the article in the paper titled Who's your 2001 coach of the year.
As soon as I saw it the first thing that came to mind was my dad. He's been coaching hockey and soccer for several years. Apart from that he's a letter carrier and puts a lot of time in for his union. It's unbelievable! Just last year my mother told him to take a breather, because she knows how hard he works, and then puts a lot of time in for a hockey team.
But no, he didn't want to stop, he still wanted to keep at it. When I asked him why he keeps volunteering for coach he said that sometimes not a lot of people volunteer for it and some teams may not have the chance to play as much as others or not at all.
And that's why he's my coach of the year, and surely others as well.
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The girls volleyball team at Alexander Public School believe their coach, Lee West, deserves to be the 2001 coach of the year because she has earned recognition for her excellent coaching and support.
In her six years of coaching our team, she has led us to six city championships and she continues to keep her players motivated on the court and in the class.
She encourages her players to socialize with other players which in return teaches the girls good sportsmanship and a positive attitude.
She is always smiling and never gives up even in the worst situations. The Alexander Gators are lucky to have a coach as knowledgeable as Lee West.
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My name is Molly McDowell. I nominate Roger Duhaime for coach of the year. Roger is the coach of our competitive soccer team (Sudbury Canadians). I, as captain of the team, nominate him and think he deserves it because he is always very encouraging, friendly, funny, makes us happy and knows how to have a good time.
He also knows what it takes to win. Through the years that I have been with him, I have learned a lot about this fun sport. He showed me what it takes to win and showed me how to have fun. This year we did very well and couldn't have made it as far as we did without him!
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I'm Justin Specht, a goalie for the Nickel Centre Flyers Major Atoms, and I think my coach Gord McGillis should be coach of the year.
He's the best coach I ever had. He helped me rebuild my confidence by encouraging me, believing in me, and letting me play when it's my turn. He never yells or gets angry at the team even though we don't always win.
He always says, "just go out there and have fun." That's all that matters.
I've never had a coach like him. He's awesome!!!!
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My son and I, Mae and Steve Rachkowski, would like to nominate Dave Freeland for coach of the year. This young man has coached the Sudbury Panhellenic U13 boys soccer team this past summer, obtained his college degree and maintained his job - all with enthusiasm and a smile.
Dave has been coaching soccer and this group of boys for three years now and we thought the nomination might help us show our appreciation for all his work and dedication.
He is a warm thoughtful individual who has set a standard of high quality coaching that leads through example as well as actions. He has installed nothing but fond memories and eagerness to learn in my son. He is a mentor who stands out above the rest.
Please consider Dave as coach of the year.
It is so important for our youth today that people like Dave be encouraged to continue the work they do, and more importantly, to know we appreciate every moment they spend coaching our children.
It was not always easy, but literally Dave was there through rain, sleet and snow, but never without a smile.
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My name is Steven Robski and I am eight years old. I have been living in Sudbury for only one year and I really like living here. I play hockey for team Zellers in the Sports North novice division. My position this year is goalie, which I love very much. My coach's name is Guy Guillot. I think he deserves to win an award for best coach because he is very nice to all our team.
He gets help from other great people which I have to mention. Assistant coach Len Conlon, trainer Darin Lavallie and Rick Malette. Plus I get a lot of pointers from Dan Goudreault.
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My name is Katelyn Roberts and I would like to nominate my soccer coach for coach of the year. Judy Asunmaa has been my outdoor soccer coach for the past few years and I think she does a great job. Judy always gives us tips to help us play the game and has only good things to say when we come off the field.
Judy always tells us that we should always come to the field with our equipment, and a smile.
No matter how we finish the game, she has only praise for each of her players.
Not only does Judy coach our team but she is involved with the Sudburnia Soccer Club as a convener.
