Payworks Coach of the Month

Craig Ferrar

Award
Payworks Coach of the Month
Sport
Badminton, Volleyball
Award Date
May 29, 2019
School
Helen Betty Osborne Ininiw Education Resource Centre
award_photo

Craig is a dedicated teacher-coach who spends countless hours with students outside of school, supporting them in their athletics and academics. He starts the school year off coaching the JV boys volleyball team, where the majority of his free time is spent committed to team practices and travelling the north to compete.

Even though his focus is on volleyball at this point in the year, Craig is also thinking about upcoming seasons and makes time to help students develop their badminton skills. He holds open gym time for badminton on Sundays all year long and encourages students and community members of all skill levels to come out and participate. When Craig started working at HBOIERC seven years ago the badminton program consisted of a handful of students. He had developed the program immensely, hosting 30 plus students at each practice.

Craig’s dedication to developing his student athletes into competitive badminton players was quite evident at this years Zone 11 Championship, as 18 of his 21 players advanced to playoffs, capturing two bronze and two gold medals. Two of his athletes continued on to the Provincial Championships where one finished 5th in her pool and the other secured first place, ending the competition ranked 8th in the province.

Craig’s efforts and dedication do not go unnoticed amongst his athletes. It is clear they are thankful for the time he commits to them with year end speeches, countless thank yous, and displays of gratitude. Even though badminton season is over, his commitment is not. We will still find him on the court every Sunday, getting his athletes ready for next year.

Besides coaching, Craig is a high school math teacher and is very involved in the mathematics department. He is also a teacher coordinator for our student council.