Bruce took up coaching duties in the 1999 WMBA season for the 8&9 Coed Waverley Heights Warriors, a team his daughter played on. Bruce's patience, experience and attention to practice drills helped the team learn the fundamentals of the game. His commitment to fair play made sure all the kids participated and had a positive experience playing in the WMBA. Although losing more games than winning that season, it was evident the kids had fun, and the coach, when he said, 'I love the feeling you get when you see the kids play'.

Bruce was diagnosed with cancer before the winter 2000 season registration began. Unbeknownst to the returning players from last year, they filled out their registration forms requesting to be on Bruce's team. Despite personal adversity, he undertook the challenge and responsibility to coach the team. Throughout the season he never wavered in that commitment. He encouraged his players to do their personal best. There were words of praise for their accomplishments and constructive advice when needed. Throughout that season Bruce always had a smile on his face and positive attitude, even after enduring a long day of chemotherapy treatments. His strength and determination to see his players enjoy a fun and successful season was evident at each practice and game.

Bruce's health deteriorated near the end of that season and he was hospitalized. The team played their first playoff game with Bruce absent from the bench. In an amazing strength of character and inspiration, Bruce left his hospital bed and sat quietly in the crowd to watch his team play in their first Black Division playoff game. The results of that game were incidental compared with the excited look on the kids' faces when they spotted him in the crowd. The kids' admiration for Bruce was never more apparent than that day. He gave all that he could for as long as he could and no one, especially his basketball team, will ever forget their coach Bruce Russell.

Past Recipients

2010 - Melaine Reyes, Garden City Community Centre

2009 - Michael Catalano, Gateway Community Centre

	2008 - Fred Mighty, East St. Paul Community Centre
	2007- Gord Friesen, River Heights Community Centre
	2006 - Bryan Gray, Fort Garry/South West District
	2005 - Dwight MacNeil, Clifton Community Centre
	2004 - Ron Hutsal, Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre
	2003 - Greg Braun, Lindenwoods Community Centre
	2002 - Joe Kutryk, Maples Community Centre

All nominations are due the last day in April at 4:30 pm

Eligibility

1. Each Club or District Convenor must authorize the nomination of each coach in order for the application to be received.
2. Coach must have their NCCP Level 1 Technical Certification.
3. Community Club / District and Nominee must be in good standing with WMBA.
4. Each nomination must be seconded by another person (non-relative to the nominator).
5. The nomination must come from a non-relative.
6. Selection committee may request additional information.
7. Nominators are requested to inform candidates that their names have been submitted.

Deadline is the last day of April at 4:30 pm.

The successful nominee will be chosen based on the following criteria

A Coach who…

• Demonstrates an outstanding commitment to Fair Play.
• Shows exemplary commitment to the team.
• Serves as a model for other coaches to emulate.
• Promotes the WMBA and basketball in general.
• Demonstrates respect for fellow coaches, parents, players and officials.
• Demonstrates concern for players outside of the game.

Selection Committee

Three members of the WMBA Board of Directors will form the Selection Committee.

Points will be awarded for each of the above criteria. A blind judging format will be followed (names of coach and club removed).

Recognition

A plaque recognizing the achievements of the successful nominee will be presented. A larger plaque will also be presented and kept at the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame at the University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre. Presentation to be made at the WMBA’s Annual General Meeting in June. Members of the Russell family will participate in the presentation.

If you wish to nominate a candidate for the Bruce Russell Memorial WMBA Coach of the Year Award, please complete the following Nomination Form and submit it to the WMBA office at the above address on or before the application deadline. A club or Rising Stars team is welcome to submit as many nominations as it sees fit and anyone (except a nominee’s relative) may nominate a coach. All nominations must be seconded by another person (except a nominee’s relative) in order to be accepted.

Deadline for applications Thursday, April 30th at 4:30 pm.