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2009 Award Winner - Curtis Donnel

Curtis Donnel


SYC Vice President Chris Spera with Award Winner Curtis Donnel

On May 21, 2009 Chris Spera, SYC Vice President of Activities, presented Curtis Donnel with this year’s Paul Westlein Award. Coach 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!