The Manitoba Aboriginal Sports & Recreation Council has named Zach Whitecloud the Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year for 2014.
The MASRC press release states, “Each year, one Aboriginal Male and one Aboriginal female athlete are selected to receive the Manitoba Aboriginal Athete Awards. They are selected from nominations detailing: their positive role in sports and the community; their personal commitment to athletic development; achievements in sports; and their concern for holistic development.”
Zach Whitecloud – Brandon, MB (Sioux Valley Dakota Nation)
Aboriginal Athlete Award – Male: Zach Whitecloud, Brandon, MB (Sioux Valley Dakota Nation)
Zach played hockey for the Brandon Midget AAA Wheat Kings and the MJHL Virden Oil Capitals in 2014. He Captained Team Manitoba at the 2014 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships and was named the MJHL Manitoba Pork Peak Performer in September (for his community involvement). Zach was selected as a motivational speaker for the Dakota Ojibway CFS Annual Christmas event. He is an avid golfer winning the B side of the Tamarack and shares his positive attitude and commitment to being the best, while volunteering many hours in the community.”
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Zach has become an asset to the Virden Oil Capitals organization, all while working towards completing his Grade 12 academic schedule at Virden Collegiate Institute along with being actively involved in the community.
“We’ve been very impressed with Zach’s maturity and character right from when we first started recruiting him,” stated the Oil Caps Head Coach and General Manager, Troy Leslie. “The hard work that he put in this past summer has eased his transition into being a solid everyday player in our league.” Leslie continues, “Zach takes his role as being a leader for Aboriginal youth very seriously. We are proud of everything that he has accomplished in his first season with the club.”
For the first time ever, the Male Aboriginal Athlete Award had co-recipients. Justin Krantz of Roblin, MB was also named to the award along with Whitecloud. Details of his accomplishments as well as the Female Aboriginal Athlete of the Year, Robyn Boulanger, can be found in the link below.
Click here for the Media Release for 2014 Athlete of the Year recipients.
Congratulations Zach!