The 2011 St. Paul Lions and Bengals football teams gathered for one last time at the annual awards night on Thursday. The night honours the athletes’ accomplishments throughout the season, along with volunteers, coaches, and raises some extra funds for the club.
As the night ended, MVP awards were handed out to Lions players Mark Proskiw and Dale Krankowsky, and Bengals player Reuben Johnson. Rookie of the Year awards, along with a list of outstanding player awards were also distributed.
One family in particular was recognized for its involvement in St. Paul football for nearly a decade. The Proskiw family has had four boys move through the football program, and with their youngest son now in Grade 12, this year marked the “end of an era” according to emcee Roger Girard.
A special award was given to Lynn and Brian Proskiw along with a jersey with the family name on the back.
“On behalf of St. Paul football, thank you,” said Lions coach Todd Tanasichuk, adding, “We’re going to miss you and your boys.”
Special recognition was also given to physiotherapist Joy Tremblay, who helped the athletes when they were injured throughout the season.
President of the club, Claude Dion, offered some words about the past season. He thanked all the players for “proudly representing St. Paul,” and noted that although the Bengals team had a winless season, the team never gave up.
“Next year, the clock resets,” he said.
As for the Lions, “each and every game was a hard fought battle,” and Dion is excited to see what happens next year.
Captains from both squads also took time to recognize their coaches.
Lions captain Krankowsky described the coaches as “the heart and soul” of the team, and acknowledged their hard work is sometimes overlooked. But, the players know they wouldn’t be near as successful without the coaches.
“We now know what is expected of us in the future,” said Krankowsky.
A moment was also taken to recognize the coaches’ wives.
Before awards were handed out, a live auction was held to raise money for the football club. A number of items, such as an autographed Kyle Brodziak Minnesota Wild Jersey, autographed Calgary Stampeders jersey, an autographed Edmonton Eskimos football, and Edmonton Oilers hockey tickets were sold, raising a total of $2,800 for the club.
Tanasichuk also delivered a coaches’ message, stating he believes if the Lions work hard, the team will have a very good chance at winning the Wheatland Football League title in 2012.
Head coach of the Bengals, Seth Henderson, acknowledged the Bengals had a “very trying year,” but added he is “very excited to see what (the team) does next year.”
John Lumby, a Lions coach, took the microphone to acknowledge Tanasichuk’s hard work with the club.
“He is the engine of this program,” said Lumby.
This year, the Bengals had a couple players who travelled from Vegreville to play football in St. Paul. Coach Steve Cheremshynski, also from Vegreville, explained that when he was in high school when the Lions’ program started.
At that time, he wanted to play football in St. Paul, but his mom wouldn’t let him. So, when his own son expressed an interest in playing, Cheremshynski’s heart was already with the Lions and Bengals.
“You have a wonderful program,” he said.
Awards handed out for the 2011 season are:
Most Outstanding Receiver – Mark Proskiw
Most Outstanding Defensive Back – Cody White
Most Outstanding Defensive Lineman – Zac Mohyluk
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Dallas Anderson
Most Outstanding Linebacker – Dominic Dion
Most Outstanding Offensive Back – Jason Jubinville
Rookie of the Year – Brenden McKay and Brady Coutts
Ironman Award – Justin Anderson
Most Improved Player – Miguel Corbiere
Most Heart Award – Dale Krankowsky
Leadership Award – Dallas Anderson
MVP – Mark Proskiw and Dale Krankowksy
Most Contribution Least Recognition Award – Zac Smith and Josh Pelham
Wheatland Football All-stars – Mark Proskiw, Dale Krankowsky, Dallas Anderson, Dominic Dion, and Jason Jubinville
Rookie of the Year – Travis Lee and Patrick Dion
Most Improved – Ruben Johnson and Jacob Loganhalf
Best Defensive Backs – Max Lumby
Best Offensive Lineman – Jacob Loganhalf
Best Linebacker – Brian Boucher
Most Skilled Player – Walker Sinclair
Leadership Award – Corey Wozniak
Player’s Choice Ward – Patrick Dion
Most Outstanding for Grade 6 and 7 – Ramsey Mudryk
Most Outstanding for Grade 8 – Collin MacMillen and Eric Robinson
MVP – Reuben Johnson
