High school coaches put a lot of energy into developing the game of football in Canada. To recognize these efforts, Hitachi has teamed its "Inspire the Next" campaign to work with the NFL's grassroots football efforts in Canada.
The Hitachi NFL/CFL High School Coach of the Year award is designed to recognize coaches across Canada who make significant contributions to the game of football, and to the development of players both on and off the field. It is also designed to give players a chance to say "thanks" to their high school coaches.
"We define the High School Coach of the Year as someone who gives selflessly of his time and positively impacts his players," said Gord Smeaton, Vice President, NFL International. "This program is special because the praise for the coaches comes from the most important source -- the players themselves."
Each fall the NFL and CFL announce a short list of finalists for the award, run in conjunction with the Vanier Cup (Canadian University Football Championship).
The winning coach is selected from the shortlist by a panel of NFL, CFL and CIS officials, and journalists from across Canada. The results are announced during the week preceding the Vanier Cup. A total of $5,000 WORTH OF NEW WILSON AND RIDDELL FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT is donated to the winning coach's high school program. Two runners-up will each receive $2,000 in equipment. The winning coach is also flown to Toronto, honoured at the CIS coaches' luncheon, and is a guest of the National Football League at the Vanier Cup celebrations held each year at SkyDome in Toronto. The winner also receives coaching tools from Hitachi and an all-expenses opportunity to help coach a team of young Canadians in Europe this summer.
ONLY CURRENT CIS AND CEGEP PLAYERS CAN NOMINATE A COACH FOR THIS AWARD. These players are asked to submit a short essay recognizing the positive impact their former high school coach has on students, both on and off the field.
Past winner's include: 1999: Mike Tanner, Queen Elizabeth High School, Halifax, Nova Scotia; 2000: Mitch Chuvalo, Western Technical Commercial High School, Toronto, Ontario; 2001: Paul Normandeau, Kelvin High School, Winnipeg, Manitoba; 2002: Gordon Judges, St. Mary Catholic High School, Pickering, Ontario; 2003: Paul Kerber, Western Canada High School, Calgary, AB; 2004: Kevin Campbell, Hammarskjold High School, Thunder Bay, ON.
Players are asked to consider how their coach teaches respect, safety, motivation, leadership and appreciation for the game of football when drafting nominations. Winning submissions earn a total of $3,000 for the CIS football programs currently attended by successful nominating players.
