The recognition was meted out across B.C., but the hallowed grounds that is New Westminster lacrosse received a big slice of it at the B.C. Lacrosse Association’s Annual General Meeting in Whistler two weeks ago.
Earning kudos were Royal City natives Jason Bishop, Darren Flintoff, Dirk Rachfall and Aaron Wildgrove. In nearly each case, the award was a surprise and humbly received.
“It was awesome,” remarked Bishop, who collected the Bill McBain Minor Box coaching merit award. “I didn’t expect it and to win it with all the other people who were nominated, who I look up to, was very humbling.”
Coaching both box and field, Bishop has established a strong reputation over the years for breaking things down to palatable lessons for various age groups.
He first picked up the coaching bug in 2001, and the past four seasons has skippered Team B.C. This year he’s added girls field lacrosse to his resume.
“It’s the friendships you develop, being part of a community of people. I’ve met a lot of great people and it’s so rewarding. Lacrosse has given a lot to me and I love giving back.”
Wildgrove was honoured in the minor referee category, taking home the Jimmy Gunn box referee merit award. As New Westminster Minor Lacrosse’s head referee in charge of training officials, Wildgrove finds preparing young refs for the gauntlet of challenges is a reward in itself.
“I was blessed with being born in New West and knowing what Bellies lacrosse means from a young age. I had great mentors growing up so for me (refereeing) is like paying it forward.”
He has been doing the whistleblowing off and on since the age of 15, and the 39-year-old believes that today’s pressures have made recruiting and retaining officials a difficult task.
“The biggest challenge that I see is helping kids build that confidence to stand up and make that call,” noted Wildgrove. “We take a lot of pride in the fact that New West officials are seen as doing a very good job.”
Flintoff, the president of New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association, picked up the Art Daoust Merit award.
“I certainly don’t do it for the awards but it’s flattering to be honoured and recognized by your peers,” said Flintoff.
He takes pride in seeing Bishop and Wildgrove earn their kudos, and says NWMLA is well represented by their efforts.
“I can’t stress enough how (Bishop) has contributed. … There are so many times I’m told by parents how impressed they are in how he teaches the game. He’s an inspiring guy.
“Aaron is always around, volunteering his time to watch the referees. He’s there to make them better referees and better people.”
Also earning BCLA Presidents Awards were Lynda Callard, with New West field, and Bridget Malcom, of New West minor.
Rachfall, who was unavailable for comment, was presented with the Tom Gordon ‘Mr. Lacrosse’ Plaque for his work as BCLA’s field directorate, overseeing men’s, women’s and youth associations.
