QUEBEC CITY – Michael MacDonald, an offensive line coach for the University of Guelph Gryphons, has been named the 2021 winner of the Gino Fracas Award, given to the Volunteer Coach of the Year in U SPORTS football. Football Canada made the announcement tonight at the annual U SPORTS All-Canadian awards banquet in Quebec City.

The Gino Fracas Award, named for the long-time coach of the Alberta Golden Bears and Windsor Lancers who passed away in 2009, is presented by Football Canada annually to recognize the assistant coaches that provide endless hours to improve the experience for the players while providing support to other coaches. This award recognizes the key role that assistant coaches play in football, as they are instrumental to the success of programs across the country.

MacDonald, who has just completed his 11th season with the Gryphons, is recognized as a strong motivator and teacher who draws the maximum effort out of the players in his group. During his time in Guelph, no fewer than nine of his charges have reached the CFL level, and a total of 15 have been named OUA all-stars. 

“Coach MacDonald has had such a great impact on so many student-athletes at the University of Guelph, as well as the community and high school levels of football. His passion for the game is second to none, and he has always tried to improve his craft to make himself the best coach he could for his players,” said Ryan Sheahan, the Gryphons head coach.

“Our players and our staff are very proud of him for achieving this award. It is well deserved and fitting for such a great coach and an even better man.”

MacDonald, who is retired from the RCMP after 27 years of service across Canada, has also made an impact in football in his hometown of Burlington, Ontario. He spent six years as the offensive line coach at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School and was involved in the Burlington Stampeders minor football program for 17 years, both as a head coach and an offensive line coach. 

He received the Senior Coach of the Year award from the Ontario Football Alliance in 2007 and has won nine provincial titles as a minor football coach.

MacDonald holds a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, where he played football and was eventually captain of the Warriors. He joins Brian Cluff (2011) as just the second Gryphon coach to take home this award. 

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For More Information:John EdwardsCommunications, Football CanadaE: jedwards@footballcanada.com T: 819-578-7380