The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association is based on the tremendous volunteers of teacher coahces, corporate sector, media, and other persons intersted in the promotion of school athletics. The MHSAA annually recognizes the contribution of such individuals and presents certificates of recognition.

2004 - 2005 MHSAA Certificate of Recognition

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association is based on the tremendous volunteers of teacher coaches, corporate sector, media, and other persons interested in the promotion of school athletics. The MHSAA annually recognizes the contribution of such individuals and presents certificates of recognition.

This year's recipients include: Bruce Rutherford, Gary MacKay, Tom Stewart, Brad Purpur, Brian Marshall, Mike Totte and Rhonda Young.

Brad Purpur, from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate has been coaching high school Sport for 24 years and is involved in the sports of soccer, badminton, team handball, volleyball, water polo, hockey, basketball football and track & field. Highlights from his coaching career include: 2 football championships, coaching 2 varsity basketball teams in the same year and reaching the final four with the boys teams and the elite 8 with the girls team.

High school sport provides the opportunity for teachers and coaches to develop the physical and moral character of our student athletes while building unique and wonderful relationships.

Most memorable moments include: adopting and coaching my daughter Jamie, friendships developed with athletes and coaches and the realization that coaches can impact athletes for a lifetime.

Rhonda Young has been coaching high school athletics for the last 20 years and is involved in volleyball, basketball, badminton, track & field and fastball. Career highlights include 2 Provincial "AA" Volleyball championships, winning the zone 9 championship in volleyball for the first time in 18 years and coaching grade 7 & 8 volleyball and watching a girl get her first serve over the net after 3 months of practice.

High School sport is a chance to watch kids grow, persevere, achieve and succeed. As a teacher, it is an awesome way to get to know the kids on a different level
Most Memorable moments include winning our first provincial championship in volleyball, receiving a letter from a former student telling me that 20 ago, I changed her life by including her on the basketball team.

Mike Totte from Major Pratt School in Russell has been coaching high school sports for 26 years. He has been involved in volleyball, fastball, golf, baseball and hockey

Highlights include a Provincial "A" Boys Volleyball title, "AA" Girls volleyball finalists, winning the provincial hockey and fastball championships.

High School sports gives our kids an avenue to develop their leadership skills, form friendships with competitors and teammates. As a coach, it gives me the opportunity to spend quality time with kids who have a passion for sports and for competition.

Most memorable moments include hosting Provincial volleyball, having 2 former players make the National team, and having 2 students selected as MHSAA Athletes of the year.

Bruce Rutherford of Stonewall Collegiate has been coaching high school sport for 31 years and is involved with Basketball at both the JV and Varsity levels, hockey, fastball, baseball and Track & Field. Highlights include Coaching the "AAA" Player of the Year, hosting Basketball Provincials and attending provincials in basketball, fastball and baseball.

High school sport truly is the other half of education. I believe it gives many the opportunity to excel and develop their self esteem to a level that benefits their academic achievement.

My most memorable moments include coaching my son in hockey and my daughter in basketball. Above all, the most memorable moments are when former players return to the school to coach - "because they want to give something back". That makes coaching worth it!

Tom Stewart from Kelvin High School has been coaching high school sports for 30 years. Tom coaches football, hockey, track, cross country and soccer. High school sports affords coaches the opportunity to work with students and see their progression from raw talent to mature athletes with a keen sense of accomplishment within their own abilities.

Most memorable moments are when students thank you for working with them and they still remember their experiences long after they have graduated.

Brian Marshall of the Brandon Sun, spent 38 years covering high school athletics for the Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Tribune and Winnipeg Sun. Brian Coached high school track for 20 years and has been involved with 2 Briers, 2 Scott Tournaments of Hearts, one Olympic Curling Championship and one World Mixed Curling Championship. He has also been involved in two World Junior Baseball Championships, one World Junior Hockey Championship and one Canada Summer Games.

Career highlights include being inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, receiving the Premier's Volunteer Service Award, 42 years of service with the Legion Athletic Camp, receiving the YMCA Peace Medal and the Golden Jubilee Medal from Her Majesty the Queen.

Some of his proudest achievements include founding the Sun Fund for Kids and the Sun Christmas Cheer Fund, coaching Lawrie Lewis to a gold Medal at the Canada Games and coaching Andrea Senchuk to a 2:14, 800 meters, when she was ranked 15th.

Gary MacKay of Vincent Massey High School.