The Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) Mohawks nine-man football team had an amazing season this year, accumulating in a provincial championship which was evident at their award banquet for 2010.
The annual HCI football banquet was held at the Bella Vista Inn on December 6.
Coach Shaun Gardiner was impressed with the accomplishments of the team this year.
"As you can see at the banquet tonight, football is alive and well in Humboldt," said Gardiner.
"You're probably one of the toughest teams I've coached."
The first award of the night was the Golden Helmet award, presented to a member or business in the community for sponsorship. This year's recipient was South 20 Dodge.
The Junior Defensive Player of the Year was Aaron Turchyn.
Blair Wourms, who presented the award, recalled his first exposure to Turchyn.
He was in the huddle and none of the players wanted to go up against Turchyn. After seeing another player take a hit from him, he saw why. Turchyn flew across the field and took out the other player down hard.
The Junior Offensive Player of the Year went to Reid Gardiner.
"I was so impressed with his work ethic," said coach Clayton Parobec.
Parobec also presented the Parobec Fitness award.
"Champions are built in the off season," said Parobec when handing the award to Braden Richards, whose secret ingredient, according to Parobec, was his work ethic.
The Special Teams Play award went to Josh Giddings, who was described as a very coachable player by Mike Suchan.
"No one can predict the future, but if (Giddings) stays healthy, he will be a force to be reckoned with," said Suchan.
The Senior Defensive Player of the Year went to Jordan Hilgers and the Offensive Player was Ryan Stumborg.
The Most Valuable Player of the team this year was quarterback Jordan Gerwing.
He called most of his own plays this year and was a great leader, said Suchan.
"He is a player to look up to," said Suchan.
The Linesmen of the Year went to Dillon Buckle on the offensive line and Darren Henry on the defensive.
"Linemen get little recognition," said Tom Schwinghamer. "They are in the trenches every play."
The Rookie of the Year went to Ty Herring.
Although most of the awards were presented to a single player, for a few, the coaches could not name just one player.
The Most Improved Player was one of these categories, with the award shared by Leroy Japtha and Braden Richards.
The top award of the evening was the Brad Bunko award for Spirit and Leadership.
Although there were a lot of good candidates, the coaches all agreed the award should go to Jonathan Fleishhacker.
"He has work ethic, spirit and leadership," said Gardiner.
The coaches were very happy with their team this year and feel they couldn't have asked for a better one.
"The coaches and I just thank you for being such awesome kids," said Gardiner.
The coaches were not the only ones happy with the team this year. The players said they were honoured to be coached by a top-notch group of coaches and presented them all with engraved watches.
After all the awards were presented, special guest Brain Towriss for the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Huskies spoke to the players.
"The Mohawks have one of the best football programs in the province," said Towriss.
He explained that there are always more opportunities arising for football players and the graduating members of the team should take advantage of those opportunities.
"It's an exciting time for football," said Towriss.
"Congratulations and we hope to see one of more of the Mohawks out to the U of S."
