Athlete, teacher stand tall with OFSAA awards
The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) — the second largest athletic association in North America — annually honours exceptional student-athletes and coaches.
Count recent Cardinal Newman graduate Ben Zwolak among the remarkable kids who maintain high academic standards, serve their community, and who understand that it is a privilege to suit up in their designated school kit.
A first year student at McGill, Zwolak encourages kids to participate in the plethora of opportunities offered external of the classroom setting. The Newman grad believes that “positive extracurricular activities enhance school experience and help with academic engagement.
“Whether it is athletics, arts, robotics, a school club, school governance – just get involved,” said the 19-year-old who graduated with an average that bordered 90 per cent.
Zwolak’s ‘engagement’ in school life earned the aspiring teacher the OFSAA Alumni Scholarship.
The McGill education major was a five-sport athlete at Newman participating in football, basketball, baseball, badminton and touch football as well as serving as a major contributor to community and global endeavours: Special Olympics (coach/ manager), Newman Youth Basketball, Newman Camp Counsellor, referee for feeder school tournaments, OFSAA soccer, and D.R.E.A.M.S. (Dominican Republic Educational and Medical Supplies).
Anthony Macaluso, the former vice-principal (now at Bishop Tonnos CSS), couldn’t be prouder of the Cardinals’ graduate.
“It’s always a proud moment when one of your student-athletes gets recognized for the great work they do,” said the 2016 John Wismer Coach of the Year recipient.
“Ben’s dedication to helping build our (Cardinals) community was evident in his work with our special needs students through the Best Buddies Program and Special Olympics.”
Zwolak was awarded the OFSAA Character Athlete Award, too, which is given annually to an exceptional student-athlete who best exemplifies the characteristics that OFSAA was founded on.
The Character Award recognizes OFSAA’s values of leadership, equity, respect and sportsmanship. And Ben Zwolak clearly models the criteria.
OFSAA also recognizes teacher-coaches who volunteer endless hours to student-athletes.
At the recent OFSAA Cross Country Championships (Christie Lake Conservation Area) Dundas Valley Secondary School’s (formerly Highland SS), Michael Smith was honoured with the OFSAA Leadership in Sport Award.
Smith co-convened the province’s largest cross country championship featuring 1,700 athletes, with former Highland grad Steve Moran (now a teachercoach at Burlington Central).
“I’m really proud of Mr. Smith,” said Carise Thompson, a 2010 Highland grad.
“His athletes are usually the ones winning the awards so it’s nice to see him getting recognized,”
Winner of multiple OUA and CIS cross country and track titles at the University of Guelph, Thompson said, “In high school I was so awkward and shy. Mr. Smith helped me become a more confident person. I am so thankful for everything he has done for me.”
And 2018 DVSS grad, Alec Purnell, added. “From coaching us to pushing us to thrive academically Mr. Smith has done so much for me and my friends,” said the University of Guelph first-year student.
The award presentation was special for Smith.
His daughter, Meaghan, a student at St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish, N.S.) flew in for the championship meet. Her dad was totally unaware she would be among the spectators.
When asked about his daughter’s presence?
“I believe the British term for my reaction is ‘gobsmacked,’” said the meritorious teacher-coach-dad.
Cecelia Carter Smith is a former four-time Canadian champion and Canadian and world indoor record holder in track and a member of the McMaster Sports Hall of Fame and Hamilton Gallery of Distinction.