ELMSDALE – He didn’t sink a basket, take a penalty kick or see a minute of playing time in any school sport, but Tanner MacCallum established himself as a key member of five school teams in his Grade 12 year.
MacCollum received a thunderous round of applause during the annual Westisle Sports Awards Dinner as he was declared the 2018 recipient of the Contribution to School Athletics Award.
“No one deserves this award more than Tanner MacCollum,” declared men’s basketball coach Walter Davison. “I don’t know if there’s anybody who wants to be involved in athletic sports (as much as Tanner).”
Basketball was one of the five teams in which MacCollun contributed as manager during the 2017-18 school year. He has been managing teams since Grade 10.
“He’s persistent in wanting to be a part of everything that’s going,” Davison continued. “He’s willing to do whatever needs to be done. He’s probably the most respected non-athlete across the province by all coaches and referees in almost every single male sport there is.”
The reason for his involvement is simple.
“I love sports,” shrugged MacCollum, who hopes to remain active in sports management after high school.
Courage and Determination Award
Brendon Harper, named most improved lifter on the Westisle’s powerlifting team, also took home one of Westisle’s most prestigious awards – Courage and Determination.
In the sport of powerlifting, said coach George Kinch, “success is measured not so much by the position they reach, more by the obstacles they overcome while they are trying to succeed.”
Kinch said Harper has remained undeterred and presses on, displaying commitment, desire and courage.
Sportsmanlike
Sterling MacKendrick and Gemma Shea were named recipients of the school’s Sportsmanship Awards.
“She exemplifies this award,” Shea’s basketball coach Dana Gard enthused. “She wears it like she wears her uniform.
“The thing is, she doesn’t take it off. She carries herself with pride and dignity, when we are down by 50 points, or we are ahead by 50 points.”
Gard said Shea focuses on what she can do to make the team better.
In her Grade 12 year, Shea also picked up awards for most improved powerlifter, MVP and best offensive player for senior AAA basketball and MVP for women’s golf.
MacKendrick was described by rugby coach Randy Harper as a gentleman.
“He is honest in his dealings with his opponents, because he treats them the way he wants to be treated. He is unselfish in his desire to see all of his teammates participate and enjoy the game,” said Harper.
“He is humble in his victories, and has a proper perspective on his losses.”
MacKendrick was named the most valuable back of the AAA rugby squad.
Chandler Gard and Joselyn Jelley were recipients of the Heart of the Wolverine Award.
