HWDSB Athletes and Coaches Honoured at Ticats Night of Champions Dinner
On October 25, 2022, Hamilton Tiger-Cats celebrated community contributors at its Night of Champions Dinner. The celebration is part of the team’s High School Mentorship Program, which involves Ticats players visiting participating high school football teams during two practices and one game. These players assist coaches with drills while providing leadership and character development to the student-athletes.
Thanks to a Stelco partnership, the High School Mentorship Program has now expanded to allow five $2,000 scholarships to be presented to five local students. Two HWDSB student-athletes, along with a pair of coaches, were praised for their efforts at the Night of Champions Dinner.
Kyle Mann of Dundas Valley Secondary School (DVSS) is one HWDSB student who took home a scholarship from Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Stelco. The Made in the Hammer Award recognizes student-athletes that embody commitment, leadership, community service, sportsmanship, and a heart of steel. Mike Samson of DVSS was also recognized with a Build-It-Better Coach of the Week Award, which is given to high school football coaches who have made a difference in the lives of their players.
Tonight we celebrate two #DVSS stars. Mr. Samson was honoured for being named a Community Coach of the Week. Grade 12 student Kyle Mann was awarded a Made in the Hammer bursary from the #TigerCats and Stelco – quite the distinction. Congratulations to both of you!! pic.twitter.com/adx0yNszas
— DVSS Athletics (@DVSSAthletics) October 26, 2022
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School (SWC) was also represented at the event, as Maleek Pryce took home a Chuck Ealey Black & Gold Award. This honour is presented to Black student-athletes that exemplify the undefeated spirit of its namesake through commitment, equity, community, respect, and sportsmanship. SWC’s Chris Kusmirski was also presented with a Build-It-Better Coach of the Week Award thanks to his leadership, hard work, and dedication that is on constant display.
Attended @Ticats Night of Champions this evening. @Churchill_HWDSB coach/teacher, Chris Kusmirski was honoured as a Coach of the Week. #BulldogProud pic.twitter.com/9gxqYpgZHe
— Christine Nicolaides (@CNicHWDSB) October 26, 2022
.@Churchill_HWDSB student athlete, Maleek Pryce was awarded the Chuck Ealey Black & Gold Award. Chuck Ealey presented the award. Such an honour but so well deserved. #BulldogProud @HWDSB pic.twitter.com/NoJ44SOEd5
— Christine Nicolaides (@CNicHWDSB) October 26, 2022
The Chuck Ealey Black & Gold Award is presented to black student-athletes that exemplify the undefeated spirit of its namesake through commitment, equity, community, respect and sportsmanship. Way to go, @Churchill_HWDSB’s Maleek Pryce! @HWDSB @ticats pic.twitter.com/4KHBPQ8HMB
— Christine Nicolaides (@CNicHWDSB) October 26, 2022
Judging by the social media posts from DVSS and SWC, both school communities are extremely proud of the award winners. HWDSB would also like to congratulate all those honoured at the Night of Champions Dinner! Thank you to Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Stelco for recognizing the inspiring efforts of these student-athletes and coaches.
Updated on Friday, October 28, 2022.