Profile:
Manjak coached Kyle Shewfelt to the Olympic gold medal on floor this past summer in Athens as well as a fourth place finish on the vault. Manjak and Shewfelt worked together for 16 years, starting when Shewfelt's mother enrolled her son in the sport at age six in order to channel his energies.
"It's an honour to recognize Kelly's accomplishments and leadership this past year," said CPCA President, Dave Johnson (who will be joined by Mary Jane Donohue to present the award this Friday in Winnipeg at the Sport Leadership Awards Dinner. "There are few better examples of the athlete-coach partnership in Canada - from day one in the gym to the crowning achievement of an Olympic Gold Medal."
"Working with athletes from such a young age is the nature of my job," said Manjak, who also celebrated the birth of his first child soon after the Games. "We just took one step at a time and we always had a good group at the club that was focused on one day making the national team."
Manjak said Shewfelt was a seasoned veteran when he stepped onto the mat in Athens. "In the last five years, Kyle has accumulated so much international experience that he had learned to deal with the pressure," said Manjak. "That day (he won Olympic gold) he stuck to his normal plan. We didn't focus in on results. He just did his job." The Olympic triumph was a marvellous conclusion to their sporting relationship.
Manjak left Altadore Gym Club in September 2004 after 14 years as the men's head coach. He joined Mississauga Gymnastics this fall where he is coaching in the girls program. "I've had 16 fantastic years in Calgary but I feel it's time to pursue new goals," Manjak said.
The Jack Donohue "Coach of the Year" Award is named after celebrated basketball coach Jack Donohue. A Canadian sports legend, he coached the Canadian men's national basketball team from 1972-1989. He passed away last year. The award is presented to Manjak by the Canadian Professional Coaches Association for his dedication to the profession of coaching and for the outstanding performances of his athletes during the past season.
|
