After a hard-fought season on the gridiron the Westlock Thunderbirds handed out some hardware last week to some of their most deserving players.
Thunderbirds coaching staff and supporters handed out awards and scholarships to several players after a banquet and annual general meeting Nov. 28 at the Memorial Hall.
“What we’re trying to communicate here with these individual awards is that we’re not here to highlight individuals apart from the team or above the team, we’re trying to honour individuals who have gone over and above and beyond in their contributions to the team,” said head coach Jon Kramer. “Football is a great sport because it’s about studying and preparing, skilling and drilling and sweating and sacrificing week in and week out to do something together and to take on something that’s bigger than all of us as individuals.
“It’s through this journey that we build memories that will stick with us for the rest of our lives and that’s what this is about.”
Kramer started the ceremony off by awarding the Most Valuable Player Award to Tristin Gross, who also won the Bonecrusher Award.
“More than anything, what your coaches and teammates appreciate about you is that your heart and passion were always growing and staying one step ahead of your ability. You walk the walk consistently. You were one of, if not the most, physically and emotionally exhausted players for us at the end of every single game,” said Kramer.
Avery Griffin was awarded the Best Defensive Player Award while Calum Holman took home the Best Offensive Player Award.
Evan Patriquin won the Heart and Soul Award and Most Improved Player went to Jared Hess while Blake Borris was named Rookie of the Year.
The Captain’s Choice Award went to Adam Christensen and Aidan Walker received the Leadership Award.
Several scholarships were also handed out with Damian Venedam and Austin Fortin receiving executive scholarships. Former Edmonton Eskimo, Grey Cup champion and hometown product Simeon Rottier also handed out the Simeon Rottier Scholarship to Kyle Roberts.
“This scholarship to me represents a lot. It goes to the lineman who has a work ethic and is a real team guy,” said Rottier. “This season, as a Grade 10, Kyle stepped up and was one of our most consistent and reliable linemen.
“By the end of September the coaches could barely believe he was the same player that started the season. Kyle somehow tapped into his aggressive side and brought the level of his teammates up as we hit a key part of our schedule.”
Coach Kramer commended
Westlock Elementary School principal Pierre Ouimet made a special presentation and offered words of praise for Kramer.
“His moral compass is set so firm that I can think of no other person that personifies coaching and working with kids than this man,” Ouimet said of Kramer, who has been on the coaching staff for over a decade. “He conducts himself on and off the field with class and dignity. He’s sometimes quiet, but when Jon speaks, I know people listen.”
Ouimet called him a positive role model and mentor.
“Most impressive is Jon’s investment into building character. I wish my own son had the opportunity to be mentored by him. We are a better community because of Jon,” he said.
Kramer as humble accepting the praise.
“I’m lucky, I’m blessed. Volunteering is the good stuff in life. I wouldn’t do it any different if I could. I appreciate the kind words and the recognition.”
