Part-time coaches, trainers, behind (and on) the scene contributors are recognized as Friends of Distinction by McMaster Athletics and Recreation for their tireless dedication to sport, University athletics and the pursuit of excellence. Award recipients and nominees are the men and women having contributed in a significant way as the “doers” and “builders” to current and past athletic programs at McMaster.

Stacey Henderson

Henderson is currently a grad student at McMaster and has been dedicated to the recreation department for eight years. Over these eight years Stacey has been a camps coordinator, aquatics coordination, Mini-University coordinator and instructor, pulse desk staff, instructional coordinator, as well as a mentor and advisor overlooking all camp staff. She has played an instrumental role in enhancing the image of the department through excellent camp programming and great customer service in all of her full and part time roles.

Paul Hatala

Hatala has played an instrumental role in the development and creation of the McMaster Mini-University program. His leadership and vision ensured the creation of an outstanding program. He has also played a key leadership role in aquatics. Hatala's wonderful sense of humour, intelligence and joie de vive were a welcome addition to the recreation department.

Mark Brooks

Brooks has shown unwavering dedication as the team manager and therapist for the cross-county and middle distance track teams for several years. His diligence with the athletes has directly contributed to their health, fitness, and indirectly to their performance. Mark volunteers upwards of about 20 hours a week from August to April each year, ensuring the treatment and rehabilitation of athletes. Mark has also been recognized for his dedication to the McMaster rugby program as a player from 1996-2000 and team therapist and athletic council representative from 2001-2003.

Jason Riley

Riley has made significant contributions to student athletics at Mac as an assistant football coach since finishing his pro career with the Ticats. For 11 years he has dedicated his time while assisting several coaches as well as involving his family as his daughters and son have assisted during training camps and game days.

Kelly Kawamoto

Kawamoto has made significant contributions to the McMaster volleyball program as volleyball camp coordinator, scout, coach, official, and volunteer chair on the CIS volleyball subcommittee. She has been a friend of the program and has worked very hard behind the scenes to advance the McMaster volleyball program.

Janice Harvey

Harvey has contributed to McMaster Athletics since 1992 as a sports medicine physician. Providing field and clinical coverage for many varsity athletes at McMaster, working as a full-time physician at the Student Health Services Centre, as well as a sports medicine consultant for the McMaster Sports Injury Clinic, Harvey has had a great positive impact upon athletics at Mac.