Gorski gets coaching award
Justin Seward
Times Reporter
Strathmore Spartans football coach Travis Gorski was rewarded for his commitment to the program by getting nominated for Football Alberta’s Novice Coach of the Year.
The award is handed out to a coach within their first two years who exemplifies dedication to making a program stronger and two other teams in their league nominated Gorski for his commitment to turning around the high school program to making the team competitive in all their games.
He said he relied on the knowledge he gained from his coaches as a player at the University of Saskatchewan as to what message should be sent to the players and what should be left up to them on the field.
It came as a surprise to Gorski to get the award because he had no idea he was getting it until a high school friend of his reached out to him on Facebook in March, and said at the time he found out, he was more focused on helping coach the junior varsity basketball program.
“I view this as more a team award,” said Gorski. “The high school here was being recognized by Football Alberta and not necessarily me. It feels good because it’s a reflection of some of the steps and goals accomplished here as a school and a football program.”
He gave credit to his team for dedicating themselves to countless hours they put into the program, including practices, and their commitment in travelling two or more hours to games.
Gorski heard nothing but good things throughout this past season about the program from Football Alberta, and now the award will help put the program back on the map.
Spartan quarterback Kobe Holloway said it was good to hear his coach get acknowledged for his efforts in turning the program around.
“He’d really encourage the players,” said Holloway. “Before every practice, we’d always have a team meeting to instill family values. He really wanted us to bond as a team. I guess that contributed to our success.”
He will officially receive the award at the Senior Bowl in Edmonton at the end of May.