Each day we have been featuring one of the eight teachers/coaches who has received a recognition award for excellence in athletics. Now on Good Friday, we feature another great mentor.

The eight coaches and teachers were recognized at Horizon Central Athletic Association's annual spring meeting on April 10th. 

Darryl Dickson, Principal of Wakaw School, and an integral role in athletics was one of the recipients.

"I don't think anyone that receives these athletic awards really worries about receiving an award, it's not why we do it. I've been doing this for a long time, almost 20 years, so it is nice to be recognized that way," said Dickson

For the last 4 years, Dickson has been a key contributor in developing a strong football program in Wakaw which resulted in a provincial silver medal last year.

"I think for us, we kinda feel there was something left unfinished. We all wanted to win that final. In terms of programming, every year we have improved over the last four years, so it leaves the bar set really high for this upcoming season. If we're talking success in terms of wins, the only way to be stronger is to win that final."

Great mentors, teachers, and coaches often talk about the benefit of adding athletics into a students education, and what that can set up down the road in life. The same is said by Dickson. 

"When I went to university in Manitoba, I remember student teaching. The moto in Manitoba with athletics was that its the second half of education. I've always looked at that all the way through my course of teaching. Not only is it good for building character, success, and confidence in students. It also has huge academic gains when you can tie kids into the school and community that way, so it's definitely a huge plus to have kids involved."

Dickson 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.

His passion for athletics and goal for the student's growth has surely gone recognized.