Our very own Larry Lyman has won the Western Ontario Athletic Association's O.M. "Mike" Weichel award.
Larry has been President for six years, and he's been with the association for 30 years. Larry has coached three quarters of our Association's current coaches.
He was instrumental in establishing a program which allows all first-year players to play for free.
The O. M. "Mike" Weichel Trophy is an award presented annually by the W.O.A.A. Donated in 1953 by Mr. Mike Weichel of Elmira who was a well known sports enthusiast throughout the Western Ontario region. In presenting the trophy to the W.O.A.A., it was his desire to ensure that the people in this area be recognized and rewarded for their outstanding efforts in minor sports. He devoted endless hours to sports serving in many capacities, providing actual contributions and assistance. An excerpt from his final presentation speech in 1964 is as follows: "In a youngsters' life their guidance of Christian training, education and recreational well being is of paramount importance. A leader who guides and shapes today's youth, paves the way for those who will be tomorrow's leaders and citizens." Each year the Board of Directors of the W.O.A.A., on behalf of Mr. Weichel, selects a person or persons whom they consider to be worthy of its possession. Accordingly, each community is requested to submit the name or names of whom they judge to be worthy recipients. The presentation of the trophy as directed by Mr. Weichel is announced at the W.O.A.A. Annual General Meeting, and presented by the Immediate Past President.