An undying love for the game
Local coaches earn Football Alberta Awards of Merit
A pair of Hat football coaches have been recognized for their efforts to keep the sport alive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crescent Heights High
School head coach Sean Davis and Medicine Hat High School head coach Quinn Skelton were both given a 2020 Award of Merit from Football Alberta.
Both coaches played a vital role in allowing for a season to be played last year. While the season was not standard, Davis says it was important to play one.
“We got to play some games, which is what mattered,” he said. “It was definitely different this year. We would play a game and then we’d wait a couple weeks before our next game.
“We didn’t get to have our usual playoffs, but I think everyone was just happy to play games and get to be a team.”
Davis, who has coached the Vikings since 2018, says the award is an honour for the entire coaching staff.
“It was quite surprising to win and it was a nice pat on the back,” he said. “This is a testament to what we’re doing here at Crescent Heights and the services that we offer.
“I don’t take this as an award for me, but one for our entire coaching staff. We have 11 coaches, a general manager and a booster club – this wouldn’t have happened without them.”
Skelton has been coach of the Hat High team for more than 30 years and echoed Davis’ thoughts.
“Obviously I was pleased to hear I was getting this,” he said. “What’s more important to highlight, for me, is the coaching staff, parents and kids, and all the work that was put in to pull this off.
“It was a heck of an effort and I know we were all quite exhausted when it was done, but we’re all happy we were able to do something.”
Skelton says playing games was important for everyone involved.
“When things came crashing down in February, with everything everyone went through, we wanted to try and provide a bit of normal for our kids,” he said. “For the kids it was great to see them together, practising and just being kids.
“Seeing the kids enjoying the game made all of the effort worthwhile.”