Before the public began arriving for the opening dinner and final fundraiser at Spectra Place, a small ceremony acknowledging Estevan's athlete of the year was held in the arena's lobby.
Michael Bittman was recognized as the top male athlete at Friday's event, primarily for his play on both the offensive and defensive sides of the Estevan Comprehensive School's football team.
Attending the ceremony were the dignitaries who would speak at the dinner later in the evening, Brian Burke, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager; Dave Nonis, Leafs assistant GM; Joe Bowen, Leafs broadcaster; Darian Durant, Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback; and Gene Makowsky, Roughriders lineman.
Bittman is a senior at ECS and one of the students who spearheaded the drive to establish a football team at the school three years ago.
"After our first year of bantam we kind of all got dumped, and there was nothing for us," Bittman said. "So some of us got together and we went up to the principal and said 'What would it take to get a high school football program going?'"
The group of students were given some options, and though Bittman said at the time it felt like it was "impossible" to get a football team, thanks to support from parents and the community, the team is here.
"It wasn't just a dream anymore. I played high school football for two years and I'm taking it on hopefully next year in Regina."
Bittman has earned a tryout with the University of Regina Rams football team.
His coach, Marco Ricci, previously played with coached the Rams and has been an important figure in Bittman's development.
"He's one of those guys that knows what he's doing," said Bittman. "He really applies (that knowledge), and that's why I think we had a really strong defensive team this year. From having that experience that he has had through the Rams, and having that knowledge of football, and that love and passion for the sport (the team had a successful year)."
Ricci was the coach of the year recipient at the same ceremony.
"It's obviously an honour," said Ricci. "But it's not something we strive for to be recognized. You get involved in coaching to teach young athletes to become better citizens and contributors to our community."
Ricci has coached football for about 15 years, including his time with the Rams. He said he coaches football because of what he got from the sport while playing and feels the need to give back.
"If it helps make athletes or guys that can continue to play football, or go to school that's great. The biggest (reason I coach) is the opportunities that are given to young athletes. We're as proud of the guys who maybe have the opportunity to play pro as we are the ones who decide they want to become a plumber or an electrician. We're as proud of those guys as well."
Bittman attests to the important role football has played in his life.
"Before I played football, university was never really something I looked upon. Football has opened up a lot of doors and opportunities for me. Not only has it opened up doors, but it also made me a better person, through character and through leadership on the team. It's something that's changed me over a couple of years, and I'm glad where it has put me today."
Ricci's philosophy for coaching is to instill a deep set of morals into players, whether coaching at high school or university levels.
"When I coached university, you're still trying to make them better people as well," he said. "I think the scoreboard takes care of itself. They'll end up doing very well, as long as they learn the main ingredients. That is integrity, leadership and perseverance. For me personally, I think that's what it's all about. There are probably 50 athletes (on a team), and you can mould them and help them, and they're huge contributors to any society."
With 10 assistant coaches, Ricci said he is probably receiving the coach of the year award because it looks like the coach is doing a good job.
"It looks like the coach, but honestly it's all the supporting cast. They'll make you look good."
Makowsky, who attended the athlete of the year awards and toured the Spectra Place facility, spoke about the importance of developing minor sports.
"I'm a huge supporter of athletics. I know what it's done for me," he said. "I've got young kids growing up and they're involved in sports. What you've done here in Estevan with this arena, it's going to give a lot of opportunity for kids to play."
He also commended the inclusion of football into the city's minor sports repertoire.
"It's an incredible story," he said of football being organized in the last few years. "You're an example to the rest of the province in terms of football programs starting up. It's just great to see those folks and those awards. They're great examples to the younger kids in Estevan."
Durant said hearing about the success football has had in Estevan since being introduced in the last three years gives him confidence in the future of the Canadian Football League.
"I think the CFL is definitely up and coming," he said. "The fan support that we've been receiving throughout the league is growing. The NFL Network is now putting our games on down south."
He said the CFL is doing everything it can do gain exposure and establish itself as one of the premier sports leagues in North America.
"Guys such as myself, and Weston Dressler, and a couple of other guys on the team are promoting the CFL and doing different things like that to help this brand."
