2013 - Program of Excellence

In 1994 Michael Staffen was one of the founding fathers of the Joe MacDonald Youth Football League. During the past 20 years he has been a dedicated administrator, and served as president of the minor football League for 18 of those years. His work ethic was demonstrated by the fact that, although he was very busy with a young family and a new clinical practice, he dedicated countless hours to this not-
for-profit organization so that young boys and girls ages 8 to 14, could enjoy the benefits of participating in a community football program. This League does not just provide youths with learning the skills of the game and physical activity, but also instils values of citizenship, teamwork, and dedication. His commitment to community sports programs is evidenced by the fact that the League's members have come full circle. Former players have now returned to volunteer as executive members and coaches, or with children of their own who want to play. Clearly, this demonstrates evidence that the League is rooted in the community. Mike continues to be an advocate for football in the Greater City of Sudbury working collaboratively with high school and varsity football associations so that once players are finished playing in the League, they can continue to advance, play, and learn the game of football elsewhere in the city.

 

Silvia has been a part of the London Jr Mustangs family since the start of the organization in spring 2011. Silvia is responsible for everything from player registration, accounts receivable, equipment distribution, recruiting volunteers, game day organization (including set up and tear down), bussing arrangements, ordering and sales of Mustang spirit wear, concessions at home games, Social Media, cleaning and mending of uniforms, annual banquet, family bbq’s and much more. She always does it with a smile and is positive during any situation. On top of all of this, she continues to be an amazing mother to a couple of football players of her own, wife and friend.
 

Offical of the Year - Rick Rumney

Rick has worked every major local game that is available to him, high school city finals, OVFL playoff games, OFC playoffs and even gives his time to the local minor program. Rick is a level 4 official and has over 40 years of experience. Rick has not worked OUA or CFL but has accomplished so much locally and with the OFOA. He has been part of our local executive for the past decade and be instrumental in helping shape and trains our new officials. He has offered up his own house to host clinics and travels across Ontario to help train other associations. He volunteered to be referee and chief when the Canada cup was in London. He was recently selected by the OFOA to help be part of rolling out the new training program which will help set the standards for football Canada. He works behind the scenes and does everything possible to better our association and asks nothing in return.

 

Minor Coach of the Year - Brad Spencer

Brad has coached in Brantford for 10 years. His coaching style reinforces the discipline and sportsmanship qualities that are needed for a team to be successful and ensuring that his players understand that win or lose a game, as long as the players did their best, no coach could ask for anything else. Brad is a great role model, who leads by example. Brad works towards developing his players and assistant coaches to be better at the end of the season than they were at the beginning.
 

Major Coach of the Year - Jean-Paul Cirelli

JP devotes a lot of time to many different sports and programs in the London area. JP has been a coach of the Catholic Central Crusaders for 3 years now. He has been assigned to return for his 2nd Head Coach for the JV Mustang team and on top of that he coaches 8vs8 football and a badminton team with the High School program. This is of course on top of his full time job of being a teacher in the High School system. JP has had a significant impact on many players with his time as a player, assistant coach and head coach. He has a great attitude and can relate to players in all aspects of life. His mandate is to teach about growing as young people of our society with respect for themselves and others. When he’s not coaching he spends his days filling them up with clinics, film review, session planning, etc. He is married with a 2 year old son, who is the apple of his eye.
 

OUA Coach of the Year - Greg Marshall

After being a coach/offensive coordinator for Western from 1984-1996, where he won 7 Yates Cups and 2 Vanier Cups under legendary head coach Larry Haylor, Marshall got his first opportunity as a head coach with the McMaster Marauders in 1997. As Head Coach of the Marauders, he won five Yates Cups and personally won OUA Coach of the Year award in 1999, 2000 and 2013, as well as winning the CIS Coach of the Year award in 2000. After a brief time in the CFL as head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats between 2004-2006 where he recorded a 15-25-1 record, Marshall returned to Western in 2006 as offensive coordinator and ultimately succeeded Larry Haylor as head coach in 2007. Since becoming head coach at Western, Marshall has accumulated a record of 36-12 and has captured 3 Yates Cups and 1 Mitchell Bowl.
 

Student/Athlete(s) of the Year
  Raishaun Provo

 

Congratulations to the winners and all the participants of the 2013 OFA Program of Excellence Awards!