A night to honour graduates and champions was held in the St. Paul Regional gymnasium as St. Paul Football closed out 2017 with it’s annual Appreciation and Awards Night on Dec. 7.
It was the wrap up to a record year for the program with the Bengals bringing home St. Paul’s first ever Provincial Championship, and hopefully the start of a dynasty.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Roger Girard who is both known as ‘The Voice of St. Paul Football’ and the 12-year director of the program.
President Graham Getz made a short speech mentioning the growth of St Paul Football. Getz spoke about the Lions’ rebuilding season, saying, “The Lions did very well to finish third in the Wheatland, with a team made of over 50 per cent Grade 10’s.”
The ceremony continued with team leaders each introducing their own position coach in recognition of their contribution in volunteering their time to coach. Bengals head coach Todd Tanasichuk, defensive co-coordinator Derek Zapisocki, offensive line coach Randall Krys, defensive line coach Jeff Gratton, and receivers/linebackers Coach Maurice Brousseau, were all recognized.
Lions head coach Mark Tichkowsky, defensive co-coordinator Travis Rolheiser, offensive line coach Steve Johnson, defensive line coach Chuck Taylor, linebackers coach Kim Werenka and running backs/quarterbacks coach John Lumby, were also recognized for their dedication to the program.
Each of the coaches’ wives were also thanked for their contribution to making St. Paul Football such a great program.
Tichkowsky and Tanasichuk spoke, giving recaps to their seasons. Tanasichuk recognized the graduating Bengals and spoke of how his team came together and the hard work of both his coaches and players. Tichkowsky recognized his graduating Grade 12s and spoke about how his team had grown and matured during the season.
It was an evening surprisingly fraught with danger as Bengals coach Jeff Graton demonstrated the “sell out tackle” on the hardwood of Regional High's gymnasium, and slid into the wall. Thankfully, he was not injured, and bounced up onto his feet quickly.
The awards were then given out to recognize outstanding effort and production. Position coaches gave the awards.
Most Heart - Charlie Rogel
Most Improved - Frank Cardinal
Leadership - Logan Peters
Outstanding Defensive Lineman - Wade Ledoux
Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Odin Smith & Danny Cardinal
Most Valuable Offensive Player - Malcolm Steves
Most Valuable Defensive Player - Brett Halfe
Claude Vachon Most Contribution Least Recognition Award - Damon Buffalo
Rookie of the Year - Tyler Foote
Most Valuable Player - Ethan Boisclair
“Being MVP feels pretty good and I can't wait to come play for the Lions next year,” said Boisclair. “We (The Bengals) won a Provincial Championship you can’t have more of a successful season.”
Yaremko Most Heart Award - Braden Pazuik
Most Improved Player - Ben Fodchuk
Leadership Award - Noah Villard
Outstanding Defensive Lineman - David Campeau
Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Dawson Poliakiwski
Most Valuable Offensive Player - Parker Lumby
Most Valuable Defensive Player - Matthew Kotowich
Randall Krys Most Versatile Player - A.J. McDowell & Henri Laidley
Rookie of the Year - Kyler Tichkowsky
Most Valuable Player - Parker Lumby
“It feels awesome. It was a group effort not just because of me. The season was amazing. I had a great year the best I have played. We tried out best and played our best,” said MVP Parker Lumby.
A.J. McDowell, Shayne Hurtubise, Matt Kotowich, Henri Laidley, Parker Lumby & Noah Villard all received Wheatland Football League All-star awards.
Madison Brouseau recipient of the 2017 St. Paul Football scholarship gave a short speech, and Lori-Anne Peters’ PowerPoint presentation about the Bengals’ and Lions’ seasons closed out the evening.
