In 1958, Paul C. Westlein organized the first youth football team in the Springfield area.  In subsequent years additional teams were formed and other sports programs were developed.  In August of 1962, Paul founded the Springfield Boys Club and it became a chartered member of the Boys Club of America.  As the years went on, the Springfield Boys Club became the Springfield Youth Club and now the Springfield/South County Youth Club.  Paul passed away in July 1999 but it is clear that the Springfield/South County Youth Club provides beneficial programs to nearly 10,000 children today because of the exceptional foresight and volunteer efforts made by Paul Westlein that started over 50 years ago. 

 The Paul Westlein Award for Volunteerism is now given annually to a volunteer who has made significant contributions of his time and efforts over the years in support of SYC programs and youth sports in this area.  The recipient of the 2009 Award, Coach Curtis Donnel, has demonstrated the true meaning of volunteerism as exemplified by the Westlein award.  Spring 2009 marks Coach Donnel’s 19th season as an SYC Boys Lacrosse Coach, and his 15th year on the SYC Lacrosse Committee.  Coach Donnel coached SYC Boys and Girls Basketball in the late 1980’s to mid 1990’s, and was an SYC Football Announcer in the early to mid 1990’s at Bryon Avenue Park.  Coach Donnel has been a member of National Youth Sports Coaches Association – the precursor to the Positive Coaching Alliance - since the early 1990’s.   

Not only has Curt served as an SYC volunteer for nearly 20 years, the quality of his service has been exceptional.  As an SYC coach, Curt has emphasized character-education and life lessons through sports, and has prepared countless youth athletes for success in life on and off the playing fields and courts.  Curt is a class act who teaches his players the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity.  Today, Curt coaches lacrosse with his grown son, Mathew, who played SYC sports when he was a child.  As an administrator, Curt generously gives his time and effort so the players have the resources they need to have the best sports experiences possible.  When we consider all the kids he has taught, and will hopefully continue to teach for another 20 years, we cannot help but admire the positive mark that Curt has left on the world.

Thank you, Coach Donnel, for your valued service to SYC sports programs!