CFC#43 Knights remember former coach Heney with championship

Last week when the St. Peter’s Knights defeated the St. Francis Xavier Coyotes in the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association (NCSSAA) ‘AAA’ Championship, they were playing in memory of their former coach Mike Heney.

Heney had been a teacher at St. Peter’s since it was established in 1992 before he passed away in September, He also helped start the football program.

Josh Earle is a grade 12 student at St. Peter’s who had been coached by Heney for the previous four years.

“To win the city championship in memory of Mr Heney just felt more powerful. In a sense the other team was playing for a trophy and a ring but to us it was way more than that. We as a team were finishing what Mr Heney started with us at the beginning of the season,” said Earle.

In a touching moment last weekend the Knights players yelled, “For Heney” when they received the championship trophy.

One of the things that the Knights missed most about Coach Heney this season was his upbeat attitude during practices. His support helped players get through the most difficult moments of practice and he wanted to help players improve any way he could.

“When someone got knocked down he was the first person to help you up and say ‘you’ll get him next time’. A very simple gesture but went a long way for most people,” said Earle.

When the Knights play the WOSSAA champion in a few weeks in the Western Bowl, you can bet that coach Heney will be in their thoughts.

“Of course he’ll be on our minds. He is as much a part of this team as I am myself,” said Earle.

In his capacity as a senior level math teacher Heney was there for his students the same way he was there for his players. Earle said his door was always open to anyone who needed help.

While Earle had Heney as a coach for all of his years at St. Peter’s, there is one memory from early this season that he will always cherish.

“My favourite memory of Mr. Heney as a coach was at the beginning of this season when we were sorting players at positions. We would do small circuits and every time it was my turn Mr Heney would always compliment me on my athleticism and how i played. It truly meant a lot to me,” said Earle.

The Knights will be hoping they can win just more game for Mr. Heney on December 1st in the Western Bowl.

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