MACKLIN, UNITY — Battle West Athletics announced on their Facebook page that the 2021-22 Officials Award recipient was Pat Orobko while the Male Coach Award recipient was George Tough of Macklin.
Orobko’s award statement reads, “Pat has been an active official for many years in Battle West, especially in basketball. This current year, with the shortages in football officials, Pat attended the Battle West clinic and began officiating in the south. By season end, Pat was taking on the job of head official for games. In addition, Pat then started officiating volleyball this year. He was part of the provincial crew that worked the 3A boys’ volleyball provincials in Unity. Pat also officiated basketball, officiating both junior districts and working regionals for our district.”
Orobko is a former teacher at Unity Composite High School where he was head coach of the football team since its inception. He also coached basketball and other sports during his time at UCHS, in addition to being one of the top basketball officials for both junior and senior divisions.
Tough has been coaching volleyball in Macklin for 20 years. He also coached football for three years when he first arrived in Macklin. He has hosted volleyball provincials and been part of several provincial volleyball medal finishes including the first ever-gold medal in Macklin’s history in 2020 4A girls’ as well as silver medalists in 2013 in 4A and bronze medalists in 2012.
Battle West noted that Tough also coached many teams to regional titles and currently serves as Macklin’s athletic director.
