Talent can only take an individual so far. Great teachers, coaches and mentors are also instrumental to student-athletes' success. 

Eight Local teachers and coaches were recognized at the Horizon Central Athletic Association Spring Meeting on April 10, 2019, for their outstanding contributions to school athletics programs. 

Colin Olchowski (nominated by Humboldt Public School)

"Olchowski is the Athletics Rep at Humboldt Public School and has been deeply involved in coaching multiple extracurricular activities over the years. He has coached boys volleyball, badminton, and track & field, and had filled in coaching basketball a couple of years ago when the current coach was away on medical leave."

Karla Gardiner (nominated by Humboldt Collegiate)

"Karla Gardiner is a passionate teacher and phenomenal coach at Humboldt Collegiate. She has been heavily involved in coaching since 2001. She has coached curling for 13 years and has hosted numerous events including pre-districts, districts, and provincials. She coached track and field for 18 years, senior badminton for 19 years, and senior soccer, acting as an assistant coach from 2004-2006."

Donna Haeusler nominated by (Lake Lenore School)

"Donna Haeusler has been the secretary at Lake Lenore School for almost thirteen years. During that time, she has done an incredible amount of work in support of the athletics program. Donna has always done and continues to do all of the work behind the scenes that go unnoticed by many."

Darryl Dickson (nominated by Wakaw School)

"Darryl Dickson has played an integral role in athletics in Horizon School Division for the last 8 years. For the last 4 years, he has played a key role in developing a strong football program in Wakaw which resulted in a provincial silver medal last year. He has put in countless hours with the peewee, junior, and senior football teams and has provided opportunities for all of the student-athletes to achieve success. Darryl has also played a major role in helping start up a basketball program at Wakaw School as he has helped coach the senior boys, junior girls, and junior boys over the last three years."

Mike Suchan (nominated by Humboldt Collegiate)

"Since 1979, Michael Suchan’s first year of teaching at Muenster, he has been involved in coaching. Mike coached soccer, cross country, volleyball, softball, baseball, and track and field. In 1988, his soccer team won the SHSAA Provincial Championship. Mike then began teaching and coaching at St. Augustine Elementary School in Humboldt. While there, he coached flag football, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. He also began volunteering at Humboldt Collegiate as a football coach for the Mohawks, working with the quarterbacks and kickers during practices and games. Mike was an essential part of the teams that won provincial gold in 2008 and 2010, and silver in 2014 and 2018."

Bill Ruetz (nominated by Foam Lake Composite School)

"Since his arrival at Foam Lake Composite, Bill Ruetz has volunteered thousands of hours as a coach and mentor in multiple sports. As a coach, he has several provincial championships to his credit, including two in football and three in track and field. New programs such as girls flag football have blossomed under his leadership."

Christine Matus (nominated by Ituna School)

"Christine Matus has been working for Horizon School Division at Ituna School for 3 years and has shown remarkable leadership. Ms. Matus has always exuded dedication to students and provides exceptional leadership in the volleyball program. Ms. Matus has provided volleyball camps for the students during the summer months so that they can excel in the sport they love. Her senior girl's volleyball team not only advanced to the provincial
championship in the 2018/2019 season but also received the SHSAA Sportsmanship Award.

Dylan Trollope (nominated by Punnichy Elementary Community School)

"Before joining Punnichy Elementary, Dylan Trollope worked in Raymore School where he coached cross country, junior football, curling, and badminton. Since arriving at Punnichy Elementary two years ago, he has coached cross country, badminton, and track and field. He has also been able to step into the athletic director role at Punnichy Elementary and helped to create a boys and girls volleyball team. Trollope also sits on the local rec board to ensure the recreational programs in the community are well funded.

Congratulations to all the recognized teachers and coaches.