Story & Photos: Western Mustangs
London, ON – The Western Mustangs are excited to announce the winners of the Jack Fairs Coaching Award of Merit recognizing a Mustangs Head Coach and the Fran Eberhard Assistant Coaching Award for 2020-21.
The recipient of the Jack Fairs Coaching Award is Clarke Singer, Head Coach of the Men’s Hockey team and recipient of the Fran Eberhard Assistant Coaching Award is Chris Bogart, Assistant Coach of Women’s Basketball. Both were recognized during a reception on Monday night.
“Very bitter sweet for me today, as for 15 or 16 years I had my office beside Jack’s (Fairs) in Thames Hall and got to talk every day” said Singer of receiving the award just a day after the legendary Mustangs coach passed away. “What an unbelievable human being, great man, great coach and this award means a lot to me given the recent news of his passing and the relationship we had.”
Singer was selected by a committee where voting was done virtually this year, and he wasn’t made aware that he was the recipient until just recently.
“Above all Clarke has developed a respected program in the very challenging landscape of OUA men’s hockey.” said Stephanie White, Director, Sport at Western “In my first 18 months (at Western) I have learned that Clarke is not just a solid and thoughtful coach, but he is a downright good person. Always willing to lend a hand, and support in any way he can. Clarke is an example of the quality of coach and the quality of person we have working and coaching here at Western.”
Singer is looking forward to getting his team back on the ice this year, starting Nov. 5 against Laurier.
The Fran Eberhard Award is presented to a Western assistant coach who’s behaviour exemplifies integrity and fairness that can be identified through team achievements and honours.
This year’s recipient Chris Bogart has been with the Mustangs Women’s Basketball team for 6 years.
“Nate (McKibbon) called me and wanted to check that my calendar was clear for this evening, which I found slightly odd but then he let me know that I was selected (for the award) and honestly I was floored,” said Bogart “I was incredibly moved to hear the words that Nate put forward for my nomination, and the comments from Maddy (Horst, Mustangs Alumna) were very special; to have that recognition when you are just coming in and wanting to do your part coaching, you don’t think about things like this.”
Bogart is a middle school teacher who coaches Juel Prep with the London Ramblers, assists with Southwest Prep School and spends time over the summer working with the Southwest AAU program.
“Personally, he made my transition to Western much easier as he put his trust in our new direction right away,” said McKibbon about Bogart “Never once did he say “this is what we have always done” and he filled any role needed. I can say without hesitation that we would not have done as well as we did the last competition season we had, without him.”
“I have never met anyone as dedicated to developing their athletes. During my time as a varsity athlete, Chris was not only dedicated to Western but also was actively involved with the local London Ramblers team while juggling both family and work.” said Horst “I t was never a surprise to see Chris rushing in to Alumni Hall after finishing a long day teaching or coming from a practice with Ramblers. Regardless of how busy his schedule was, he never failed to make time for everyone.”
Bogart, McKibbon and the Women’s Basketball start their season Nov 5th with back-to-back games against Algoma.
The committee selecting the winners included Bonnie Cooper (Mustangs Athlete Services Coordinator), Clarke Singer (Men’s Hockey) Note: was NOT part of the selection for the Jack Fairs Award, Vickie Croley (Track & Field), Dan Bechard (Rowing), Jeff Pacheco (Field Hockey).
