DINSMORE - Those who know him say the award is well earned, and those who really know him aren't surprised by his modesty in collecting such an honour.
Lance Morrison, a longtime teacher and athletics coach who works at Dinsmore Composite School, was recently awarded the SHSAA Merit Award, which recognizes decades of service to student athletics as a coach, official, mentor, and leader.
It's recognized as one of Saskatchewan's highest honours in high school athletics.
The Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association published a video on social media highlighting Morrison's career and his accomplishments, which include his career taking him to a number of schools around the region such as Outlook, Loreburn, Lucky Lake and Beechy, and he was also praised by a number of his colleagues, who know of Morrison's character and his commitment to seeing students succeed both on and off the athletics field.
Mitch Wintonyk, President of the West Central District, commended Lance for being someone who helped lift the profile of each school where he worked and dedicated himself.
“Every school you've been at has been better with you in it,” said Mitch. “Winning seemed to follow you, and that’s no coincidence. You know how to get the most out of your athletes while expecting them to represent their schools with class.”
Sun West School Division Director of Education Vicki Moore shared her own thoughts on Morrison and his accomplishment.
“You’ve been a true champion for student athletes across the province,” she said. “Whether it was organizing events, mentoring students or young coaches, or serving on provincial committees, your leadership and passion have made a lasting impact.”
Accepting the award, Morrison said that he was honoured to be named among those he considers the province’s top leaders in school sport.
“I have been fortunate to teach in a number of schools alongside so many great people,” he said in the video. “Together, we’ve worked to give students the opportunity to participate in athletics because we understand how important school sport is in our communities.”
Morrison's family, including his wife Shauna and his children Ally and Zach, received their own kudos from the man himself, as Lance credited them for their support of him and for allowing him to dedicate a seemingly neverending number of hours to building the athletic programs at schools that offer students more than just competition.
“I believe good programs begin with good people,” said Lance. “Sometimes all a student needs is a chance to try. These experiences create lasting memories — not just for the athletes, but for us as coaches and teachers, too.”
Morrison was nominated for the Merit Award by his colleague, Becky Divorski of the West Central District. Such an award is presented yearly to those who have shown outstanding dedication to high school sports in the province.
