I just wanted to share some fantastic news. One of our own fraternity, a very dedicated and principled rugby coach named Chris Turpin, from Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam, has been selected as the BC School Sports Male Coach of the Year for 2016-17.
This is, first of all, a very prestigious award to win. Not only are there a lot of great rugby coaches out there, but I can’t even begin to count how many THOUSANDS of teachers and community coaches give their time for free every year to help make a difference in the lives of student-athletes. When you add up all these coaches from all these sports, this award is truly impressive.
I first met Chris a number of years ago, when we were both being threatened not to coach during a time of limited job action. This guy stood up for our kids’ RIGHT to play sports when very few other people wanted to. His words at the Celebration of Life for Tony Whitham were truly moving, and I know Tony is up there, very proud.
In everything he does, this award is well-earned, and if you want to pass a note along, his email has been cc’ed above.
Congrats, Chris, and the Turpin tradition of excellence continues!!
Walter van Halst
Commissioner, BCSSRU