Football Alberta is proud to announce the winners of the following Coach/Official/Volunteer Awards for the 2025 season. Each person recognized has been informed and will be receiving a commemorative plaque from the Football Alberta office. Please note that the Norm Kimball Coach of the Year Award goes to the overall coach of the year in all disciplines in Alberta.
ROB AND GRACE ZITTLAU MEDIA AWARD
Mark Faure, Capital District Minor Football Association
Mark is a highly regarded digital strategist and content creator. He deals with multiple agencies in Northern Alberta, including the Capital District Minor Football Association and the high school football teams at Sturgeon, Strathcona and Bellerose. The quality of his photography and videos is next level and give an aura of professionalism to all the groups he serves. Mark is a valuable member of a growing group of specialists who give us the ability to promote the game of football to the widest audience possible and for that we are proud to present him with the Rob and Grace Zittlau Media Award for 2025.
FOOTBALL OFFICIAL’S AWARD
Guy Demers, Head Football Official - Bonnyville Area
Guy has officiated in the Bonnyville area for 42 years. He has been responsible for organizing crews for high school, U16, and U13 games. Guy has been the head official for league games, provincial playoff games, and provincial finals. More recently, Guy has also been the head official for the Cold Lake Fighter Jets men's league games. Guy has also worked with our younger officials who have shown interest in learning more about the officiating side of the game. A true lifer whose contributions have secured quality officiating in the Bonnyville area for decades, we are proud to present Guy with the Football Officials Award for 2025.
NOVICE FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Mike Klukas, Offensive Coordinator - Ernest Manning High School (Calgary)
Mike Klukas is entering his third year as a full-time coach and offensive play-caller for the Ernest Manning Griffins, and in that time he has helped establish EMHS as one of the most dynamic and exciting offenses in the province. Mike has a remarkable ability to teach highly complex offensive concepts in a way that is clear, accessible, and developmentally appropriate for his student-athletes. His approach has been instrumental in the development of two of the top quarterbacks in the country—Cohen Wright and Harrison Hyndman—as well as a deep group of talented wide receivers. Many of these athletes have transitioned, and continue to transition, to U Sports programs as a direct result of the technical and conceptual foundation Mike has provided. His experience at the post-secondary and professional levels as a player have benefited both his coaching and his ability to create great players and moments for Ernest Manning and we are proud to award him the Novice Coach of the Year for 2025.
ATOM/PEEWEE FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Chris Stevens, Head Coach, Medicine Hat Pee-Wee Raiders
In 2025, Chris coached the Raiders to a perfect 8-0 season. Champions of the Rangeland league, the Raiders then went on to win the Southern Alberta Championship. The Raiders outscored the opposition 283-13 and the best part was their touchdowns were scored by 9 different players and average tackles per game for ALL of their defensive players was 18. With a 17-player roster - these stats show his ability to elevate all players to be key contributors without relying on one or two standout players. In addition to his incredible coaching on field, he also instituted weekly game film nights. This was an incredible tool to help the players grow as individuals AND as a team. Games were on Wednesday nights, Chris would have film fully edited and ready to go for video review on Thursday evenings! Tremendous commitment and tremendous results, we are proud to award the Atom/Pee-Wee Coach of the Year Award for 2025 to Chris Stevens.
BANTAM FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Steve Kemp, Head Coach - Airdrie Raiders
Steve Kemp has been the backbone of the Airdrie Raiders program for over a decade, consistently developing young athletes, building character, and elevating the standard of bantam football in the Airdrie community. In 2025, Steve led the Raiders to a perfect 13-0 season, capturing the Tier I Provincial Championship as the CBFA representative — one of the most dominant bantam seasons in Alberta in recent years. His leadership style blends discipline, positivity, and player development, creating an environment where athletes thrive on and off the field. Steve’s long-term commitment, ability to grow young talent, and sustained success make him an exceptional choice and we are proud to present him with the 2025 Bantam Coach of the Year.
WOMAN IN FOOTBALL AWARD
Tracy Kociuba, President of the CDMFA (Edmonton and area)
Tracy has been the President of the CDMFA for several years. Under her leadership, the association has had amazing growth. Her personal dedication to making sure “football is for everyone” is unmatched. She spends countless hours reviewing the bylaws and policies to keep them in line and updated each season. She has fostered many relationships among various partners that have helped the CDMFA in expanding their many divisions, including Flag Football as well as the Female Program. She is the backbone of the CDMFA executive, encouraging all 21 of their clubs to work together to grow the sport. Although her sons have long graduated the program, Tracy continues her passion for the association and strives for the motto “Football for Life”. A perfect choice for the inaugural presentation of the Women in Football Award for 2025.
COACH OF THE YEAR IN FEMALE FOOTBALL AWARD (CO-WINNERS)
Tamara Delong, U16 Female Wildcats Head Coach (Calgary)
Tamara coached for three teams in 2025. U16 Female Team Alberta, as well as for the U19 Wildcats from Calgary and for Sir William Aberhart High School. Her understanding of women/girls in tackle comes from personal experience and years of coaching. Tamara models and demands good sportsmanship. Her players work as a team and they support each other. Her practices are well run and each player is given exceptional and clear direction. Tamara knows and understands her players. She works them hard, but they don't seem to mind. The respect they have for her is evident. The girls know that Tamara cares and respectfully take her decisions and advice to heart. On field she was part of the U16 Females first ever win vs. British Columbia and took the Wildcats to the Provincial Final in June. A great year for a great coach and the inaugural co-winner of the Coach of the Year in Female Football.
Shawn Walter, Head Coach U18 Women’s Tackle Football
Shawn has been the head coach of U18 Female Team Alberta since 2022 and over that time has taken the team to the Championship Game all four times the National Tournament was held, and won the gold medal three times in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Shawn has also been one to the leaders in the development of the female tackle game helping take it from ground zero to two strong leagues in the province over the past decade. Being the head coach of an inaugural team is no easy task. Lots of ideas, concerns and challenges come with the gig, but Shawn has handled it masterfully over the past four seasons. He has not only weathered the storm of whatever challenges have come their way but created excellence as well. For that we are proud to name him as co-winner of the Coach of the Year of Female Football for 2025.
6 OR 9-A-SIDE FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Cory Colwell, Head Coach - Breton High School
The godfather of adapted high school football programming in Alberta, Cory has been involved with both the team at Breton and the development of 6-a-side football in Alberta High Schools for many years but it is for his efforts in 2025 that he is truly deserving of this award. Not only was this the year the Breton Cougars finally achieved glory at the Alberta Bowl but he also spent time with both the U18 and U16 Female Team Alberta programs helping them to Championships at both levels. The Cougars’ victory is most sweet though as they are the smallest population school with a football program in Alberta and have been competitive every year but have not taken that final step until this year. On November 28 in freezing conditions, Breton defeated J.C. Charyk from Hanna, 36 to 16 capping Cory’s amazing year and for that we are proud to name him the 6 or 9-a-side Coach of the Year for 2025.
3A HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD (CO-WINNERS)
Ian Hundeby, Defensive Line Coach - Holy Rosary High School (Lloydminster)
Ian’s leadership, commitment, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping one of the most formidable defensive units in the province. Ian’s ability to develop players’ skills and foster a culture of teamwork has been a cornerstone of their success. His innovative coaching methods and support for his athletes have not only elevated individual performance but also strengthened the entire team dynamic. The results speak for themselves: Ian’s leadership has contributed directly to four consecutive provincial championships, where the defensive line has played a key role in all victories. Beyond the wins, Ian exemplifies the values of sportsmanship, mentorship, and community engagement. He invests time in building character and confidence in his players, ensuring they succeed both on and off the field.
Kyle Rowland, Offensive Line Coach - Holy Rosary High School (Lloydminster)
Under Kyle’s coaching, HRHS has consistently fielded one of the most dominant offensive lines in high school football. This unit has been an integral part of 12 consecutive Alberta Bowl appearances and an incredible run of four consecutive provincial championships. Kyle’s coaching philosophy goes beyond technique and strategy—he has a unique ability to connect with his athletes, instilling confidence, discipline, and a relentless work ethic. His approach ensures that every player reaches their full potential, both on and off the field. As a result, many of his athletes have successfully transitioned to the next level, continuing their football careers in USport and CJFL programs. Kyle’s commitment to excellence, player development, and team success have made him an invaluable asset to HRHS and we are proud to name him co-winner of the 3A Coach of the Year.
4A HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Devon Hogan, Head Coach - Austin O’Brien High School (Edmonton)
Devon Hogan is the Head Coach of AOB and brings 10 years of high school coaching experience, including 7 years as Head Coach of the program. Under his leadership, AOB has achieved sustained excellence at the provincial level up to and including being the 2025 4A Provincial Champions. The path Devon and his staff choose for his team each year is a tough one. The smallest school in Metro Edmonton Division 1, they routinely weather the storm against much larger opponents all season then turn it on in 4A Provincials. This year was no exception as they entered Provincials with a 2-4 record and proceeded to win three straight including an upset 15 to 14 win in the 4A final over the #1 ranked Holy Trinity Academy Knights. A great leader and sportsman, Devon Hogan is the 2025 4A Coach of the Year.
5A HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD &
NORM KIMBALL OVERALL ALBERTA COACH OF THE YEAR
Garth Melrose, Head Coach - Ernest Manning High School (Calgary)
Garth led the Griffins to their second Provincial Championship and their third Calgary Division 1 City Championship in three years. His second consecutive provincial title makes him the winningest coach in CBE history—no other CBE school has captured the 5A championship twice. Throughout the season, Garth demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding an incredibly talented coaching staff. He provided a clear vision for decision-making, empowered both athletes and coaches, and fostered a culture where people felt trusted to act with confidence. Early-season challenges—most notably significant injuries to key players—would have derailed many teams. Instead, under Garth’s steady and unwavering leadership, the staff refined their strategy, adapted effectively, and positioned players to succeed. His influence was evident in every aspect of the team’s performance. Garth Melrose is a true champion on and off the field and we are proud to name him both the 5A Coach of the Year and the overall Norm Kimball Coach of the Year for Alberta in 2025.
GARY HOBSON MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Darcy Park, Assistant Coach - Team Alberta U18
Darcy Park is the face of everything good about football in Alberta. As a coach, administrator, volunteer, whatever, Darcy gives more than he gets every time he is involved. Best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Edmonton Wildcats of the CJFL for many years, he has also volunteered many spring weekends and summer weeks to Football Alberta Provincial teams. In 2017 he took over as head coach for the newly created Team Alberta U16 and lead one version to victory at the International Bowl in Dallas, Texas in January then took the summer version to gold at the Football Canada Western Challenge in Lethbridge. He followed that up with gold again at the FCWC in Edmonton in 2018. Since then, he has spent his summer working with Team Alberta U18 providing them guidance and support as both Head Coach from 2019 - 2023 and special teams coach from 2024 to present. Seeing Coach Park get his gold medal at the end of the 2025 Football Canada Cup, where special teams played a huge part in securing the victory, was a wonderful thing. A tremendous person, leader, and friend to all lucky enough to have that designation, Darcy Park is our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.