The CCAA Athletic Director of the Year award is bestowed upon administrators working in CCAA member institutions who are making significant contributions within their college or community environment.
"Wade's work with the CCAA and ACAC has shown that student-athletes are always his first priority," says Vince Amato, CCAA's vice-president of marketing. "His passion and professionalism are apparent in everything he does and it's a pleasure to have worked with him over the years."
Kolmel has demonstrated a commitment to the higher education of student athletes by initiating a ˜no progression no play" policy at Keyano College that has seen the GPA and passing rates of Keyano Huskies athletes exceed those of the average student population.
Kolmel also created the Student Athlete Enrolment Bursary program, which distributes over $100,000 annually to Huskies athletes that have met GPA requirements. Rewarding those who succeed has helped the Huskies attract the best individuals to their teams.
Kolmel demonstrated leadership and outreach for the betterment of youth in the local community by initiating the Keyano Huskies Sports Outreach program, which sees student athletes visit junior high schools, coaches host local sport clinics, and sports equipment donated to neighbouring communities. Kolmel also made improvements to Keyano College's athletic facilities and services, and led a joint effort to share Huskies resources with youth soccer, hockey, basketball and volleyball clubs. Furthermore, Huskies athletes are encouraged to volunteer as youth coaches and officials. The Keyano Huskies are also founding members of Kidsport Fort McMurray.
Kolmel has also demonstrated leadership by volunteering with local baseball, hockey and soccer youth programs, while serving as a board member of the Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. Kolmel has also served as an executive member of the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference), provincial representative for the CCAA, and chairperson of the Coldwell Banker 2009 CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championships.
Kolmel was presented with his award at the CCAA annual general meeting in Collingwood, Ont. on Wednesday, June 15.
