Swan River coach Duane Whyte was honoured last Thursday (August 19, 2004) by the Royal Canadian Legion Sports Foundation at the International Peace Garden with Coach-of-the-Year accolades.
Whyte, 59, head coach of basketball program (Week 6) at the 44rd Legion Athletic Camp, was humbled by the presentation, which was made by camp founding father and head coach George Phillips.
"“It is quite an honour obviously,” stated Whyte, who for the last 34 years has built a reputation as one of the top amateur coaches in Manitoba while teaching at Swan Valley Regional School. “There are so many deserving coaches at the Legion Athletic Camp (112 coaches attended this summer) that are competent and qualified and excited about their chosen sports. This is an award that I accept on behalf of the coaching staff as a whole.”
It was more than 30 years ago that Whyte answered to the calling of basketball.
"I was attending Brandon University and Gary Howard (athletic director) asked if I wanted to coach a team," recalls Whyte, who has been head coach at the Legion Athletic Camp for 13 summers. "My first team was in a church league. I remember going to this little church and coaching these little guys. I was hooked."
Following graduation from the University of Manitoba, Whyte was off to teach at Swan Valley Regional School.
Whyte has coached five provincial basketball championship teams and for 30 years his teams have been in the Top 10.
His honours include four-time Coach of the Year (Basketball Manitoba Coaches Association) and two-time Certificate of Volunteer Recognition (Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association).
In 2002 he was recognized with a BMCA special recognition award. A prestigious memento he attributes, in jest, was given "Probably because I am the oldest living coach."
The affable Whyte says his proudest moment on the hardwood was winning his first provincial title due to the fact that his boy’s varsity team was seeded 8th out of eight teams.
He played his high school basketball in Dauphin, Manitoba.
Of his Legion Athletic Camp experience he says: "It means meeting wonderful coaches from all sports. I learn coaching philosophy from all of them. For the kids, and us, it means learning about life through athletics. The environment it is a fun place to be. You have to work hard obviously and you make friends for life."
Whyte added that he is proud to have had various former Swan Valley student-athletes now assisting him in the role of coaches with this summer featuring Mark Gilchrist, Troy McRae and Ryan Sullivan.
“It is very satisfying and a pleasure to work with these young people who bring enthusiasm to the sport we love.”
The Legion Athletic Camp, which ran from July 10 – Aug 20, offered 12 different sports over six weekly sessions. The sports offered were advanced track, basketball, equestrian, gymnastics, judo, sailing, soccer, tae kwon do, track, volleyball and wilderness.
More than 1,100 school aged athlete attended.
Coach of the year honour in 2004 went to Killarney’s Glen Perrin for his dedication to the Elementary Program camp.
For more information on the 2006 program visit www.legionathelticcamp.com
George Phillips (left) presents Duane Whyte (right) with 2005 Coach of the Yeay honours at 44th Legion Athletic Camp
