Congratulations to Mr. Jody Lehmann for receiving the following two awards this spring for outstanding contributions to High School athletics:

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SERVICE AWARD in recognition of outstanding service to the students, schools and athletic programs of the South Central District AND

SASKATCHEWAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MERIT AWARD in recognition of outstanding provincial leadership, district involvement, coaching involvement, officiating involvement and community leadership.

Thank you to Mr. Lehmann for his contributions to athletics at GHS throughout the past many years. He not only coaches various sports, but also spends endless hours behind the scenes – diligently organizing tournaments, organizing volleyball and basketball clinics our students, lining up officials and minor officials, taking care of trophies, plaques and medals, transportation, etc.

Since his first year teaching at GHS, he has been the Sports representative for GHS at the district level – often times taking an executive position. Throughout these years, he has also been an active member of the SHSAA and has been to each provincial AGM.

Throughout the years, he has coached golf, volleyball, basketball, badminton and track, taking athletes to compete in many different communities in our province. He has taken athletes to the provincial level on numerous occasions. GHS athletes continue to witness his drive, his determination and his enthusiasm for sport and for competition. Besides coaching at GHS, through the years he was also seen coaching the Gravelbourg men’s hockey team and coaching Assiniboia’s football team when some of our athletes joined the team.

He has played an active role in the officiating world. He has officiated numerous volleyball and basketball games in his teaching career, some of these being at Hoopla. At track meets, he is usually seen with a starting gun in his hand. Besides providing clinics to develop officials in the district, he has mentored many officials along the way. He is only a phone call or email away for most, always ready to share his knowledge or his expertise. Through the years, he has carefully trained many students to help with officiating as well.

He has mentored many new coaches throughout the years – offering advice, sharing and demonstrating drills, answering questions and helping plan tournaments and so many other things.

Throughout the years, he has been instrumental in hosting endless high school athletic competitions, including two provincial volleyball playoffs, as well as organizing numerous Gravelbourg Sports Celebrity Dinners to raise funds for GHS sports. He brought elite athletes and celebrity speakers to our community, with Hayley Wickenheiser and Catriona Lemay-Doan being two of the many.

Many thanks to Mr. Lehmann for his efforts, leadership, dedication and pride in GHS and its athletic program. We are very fortunate to have such a driving force at GHS. Congratulations Mr. Lehmann!