THUNDER BAY — Roger Slomke will not only have fond memories of receiving an award for his coaching skills, but also of the occasion on which he received the honour.
The Thunder Bay teacher is a 2024 recipient of the Ontario Coaching Excellence Award, presented by the Coaches Association of Ontario, Hydro One, and the Ministry of Sport.
He was one of 15 coaches to be recognized Saturday at a special celebration during a Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre.
"It was a great honour. It was an awesome experience, and very humbling," Slomke said in an interview Monday.
Now in his 30th year of coaching, he mentors athletes in a broad range of sports at St. Patrick High School, and also coaches minor hockey.
Slomke has worked at St. Pat's since 2004.
"My philosophy is I'm not a yeller or a screamer type," Slomke said. "I try to guide and lead the athletes where they want to go, and help them get there, but I see it as them having to be very self-motivated.
"I'm not necessarily a 'rah-rah' cheerleader type of coach, but I'm enthusiastic and try to encourage them to find that inner voice, I guess."
While acknowledging that it's nice to be recognized, he said, "Coaches don't really do it for that sort of recognition."
Slomke is modest, but the Coaches Association of Ontario described him as "a cornerstone of athletics" at St. Patrick High School and minor hockey in Thunder Bay.
"His extensive volunteer work has led to significant successes, including nine NWOSSA titles in 13 years and spearheading the launch of girls' high school hockey in Thunder Bay in 2020," the Coaches Association of Ontario added.
The recipients of the award are chosen from a broad pool of nominations across more than 30 sports and 50 communities in Ontario.
COA said winners receive funding for new equipment to help keep their athletes safe, and their respective sports affordable and accessible.
