Kristina Colburn

Lockport Little Loop Football

Malik Harden

Cristina Colburn is an outstanding coach whose dedication and commitment have made a tremendous impact on our cheer program and the young athletes she coaches. When the program was struggling with low numbers, Cristina stepped in and helped breathe new life into it, growing it from a program with limited participation into one that is now overflowing with girls who are excited to be part of the team.

Her success is not simply measured by the number of athletes she has brought into the program but by the opportunities and experiences she has created for them. Cristina regularly hosts free cheer camps, giving young girls the opportunity to learn, build confidence, and experience cheerleading regardless of their circumstances. She has also taken our program to another level competitively, putting in the time and effort necessary to improve the girls' skills, routines, confidence, and ability to compete at cheer events.

Her commitment goes far beyond practices and competitions. She has created a positive environment where the girls can grow as athletes while developing teamwork, discipline, confidence, and friendships that extend beyond the sport.

The growth of the program is a direct reflection of her passion and willingness to put in the work. Cristina has shown what can happen when a coach truly believes in a program and the athletes within it. She has helped turn our cheer program into something the community can be proud of, and her impact will continue to be felt by the many young athletes she has inspired. Cristina Colburn is incredibly deserving of this award for her dedication, leadership, and the lasting positive influence she has had on our cheerleaders and our entire program.

Adam Piedmont

Kristina Colburn is an outstanding leader and mentor who has made a tremendous impact on the Lockport Little Loop Football and Cheerleading program. As the cheerleading coordinator, Kristina coaches and oversees the entire cheer program, coaching youth athletes from 5 to 13 years old. Her commitment goes beyond teaching cheerleading skills—she works to make sure every cheerleader feels supported, included, and valued. When Kristina took over as cheerleading coordinator, participation in the program had been declining. Through her hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication, she helped completely turn the program around. For the 2026 season, Lockport Little Loop now has more than 100 cheerleaders participating. Kristina has also built a strong group of coaches who share her commitment to providing a positive experience for every athlete.

Under Kristina's leadership, the program has grown beyond the traditional football season. Lockport Little Loop now offers winter cheer clinics that keep young athletes active, learning, and connected throughout the year. What was once simply a seasonal cheer program has developed into a true cheer community, where athletes and coaches build friendships, confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Kristina also serves on the Executive Board of Lockport Little Loop Football and Cheerleading, giving even more of her time to the success of the entire organization. She is a mentor to athletes and coaches alike, and her decisions are always guided by what is best for the kids. Her leadership, dedication, and passion for youth cheerleading have helped the program thrive, and she continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of the young athletes she serves.

Marc Daul

Niagara Police Athletic League

Julie Conti

Marc is a very dedicated and hands-on volunteer for Niagara PAL. He has served youth in the Niagara Falls community and surrounding areas for well over 30 years. He has recently taken on the co-ed Flag Football and all-Girls Basketball programs for Niagara PAL. He puts the growth of the youth and the development of skills as a top priority and is never concerned with the win/loss column. He has single handily grown both the Flag Football and Girls Basketball programs from scratch. Marc gives his time to coach and promote a safe, fun, skills-based experience for all the youth who participate. He epitomizes the description of an Honor Roll Coach. He teaches the on-the-field/court skills needed for the sport but more importantly the life skills to play the game and to be a great community member while playing and beyond. Parents volunteer to help him coach because they can see his commitment and intent for all the youth. For Marc, it is a labor of love as he volunteers to coach these programs and as a volunteer for Niagara PAL Board. He is certainly an Honor Roll Coach and does not do the work for recognition or accolades, but he is very deserving. Thank you for your consideration of Marc Daul for this year’s Honor Roll Coach Award and recognition.

Gina Misterkiewicz

My children have participated in PAL athletics and programs since they were 3 years old, and Marc Daul has been a constant coach of PAL programs. He is always doing the best for the development of the youth as people, athletes and in the community. He is a role model and leads with empathy, integrity, and best practices for skills and youth mental health. He is all about sportsmanship and team work. Marc has recently taken on an all-girls basketball development program, and it was a huge success. My youngest was part of the 6-week program, and she was thrilled to be part of a learning- and game-playing program that was competitive but focused on development and growth. The all-girls atmosphere really allowed each participant to improve and gain confidence. They will now be able to participate in the co-ed league with confidence, and Marc is looking to put together a team/league of all-girls basketball as well. He truly has the best interest of the youth in mind when he volunteers and coaches. My family and all the families who have participated in PAL programs under Marc Daul have been very fortunate, and he deserves to be recognized by Project Play’s Coaches Honor Roll!

Lauren Doerfler

Buffalo Bomb Squad Baseball and Softball

Mark Schneegold

Coach Lauren has helped our daughter in so many ways. Her skills have improved drastically. She has come out of her shell and become a part of the team even though she was so shy at the start of the season. Coach Lauren encouraged her to hang out with the team, inviting the team and families for a pool party and dinner at her house. Our daughter has some medical issues, and Coach Lauren adapted to anything and everything she needed. She was extremely understanding and supportive. She was an advocate and an incredible role model to our daughter. Her dedication to the team is unmatched. From setting up professional hair braiding, to dinners as a team, to after-game interviews with player of the game, one-on-one time with the players, and fantastic rapport with the parents. She was always present. This year our daughter grew as a player, a teammate and as a young girl in so many ways thanks to Coach Lauren.

Mandy Chamberlin

Lauren is a top-notch coach. She puts so much of her time and effort into these girls and don't even have a kid on the team. She does it for the love of the game! She is building these girls into incredible people on and off the field. Lauren is always teaching skills and life lessons. If her team is way ahead, she won't run the score up. She thinks about the girls on the opposite team as well as her own. She plans many get-togethers aside from softball to just get the girls together and bond. She jokes around with the girls and gets to know what makes each and every child perform at their best. As a young coach, I’m sure there are 1,000 things she could be doing on the weekends, but she's spending her time with our girls.

My daughter would get really down on herself when she didn't make a good play or struck out at bat, but Lauren worked with her on mental toughness and would just say “That's OK... next play!!! You got this!!” My daughter has grown so much the past 2 years as a 3rd baseman and catcher. We have Lauren to thank for all her encouragement and patience. I hope you will consider her as a contest winner!!

Madison Gauthier

River Rock Baseball League

Russell Gauthier

Madison is an amazing coach. She coaches with more than just a win-loss record in mind. She coaches these kids to learn the sport, to put the work in. She coaches these kids not just as a team, but as individuals. If kids are struggling more than others, she breaks the skill down, slows it down and builds them back up. I have coached alongside Madison now for two years in a row, on two different levels of baseball. I can certainly tell you that no matter the age division, Madison shows up, teaches these kids, treats them as her own, and puts them first above everything. I've never seen a coach with so much passion for not only the game but teaching kids; not only teaching the game but teaching them life lessons they will carry for the rest of their lives.

Vincent Pecoraro

Madison has been absolutely great with all of the boys. She is very uplifting and works very hard to make sure that all of our boys learn the fundamentals of the game. I truly believe she is an amazing coach and wouldn’t have my boys play for anyone else.

Summer Pecoraro

Some coaches teach a sport. Others change the lives of the kids they coach. Madison is one of those rare people who does both. For the past two years, Madison has been my boys’ baseball coach, and I can honestly say that the impact she has had on them extends far beyond the baseball field. From the very first practice, it was clear that she wasn’t just there to win games: she was there to build confident, respectful, hardworking young athletes while making sure every child felt seen, valued, and important. One of Madison’s greatest strengths is her patience. Every child learns differently, develops at a different pace, and comes to the field with different abilities. Madison understands that. She never gets frustrated when a player struggles. Instead, she slows down, explains things in a way they can understand, demonstrates the skill again, and encourages them to keep trying until they succeed. She celebrates progress, no matter how small, and because of that, the kids never lose confidence in themselves. They know their coach believes in them, even on the days they don’t believe in themselves. What has always stood out to me most is the genuine love and care she has for every child on her team. Madison doesn’t coach from the dugout simply because it’s her responsibility. She coaches because she truly cares. She treats every player as if they were her own child. She learns their personalities, understands their strengths, encourages them through their weaknesses, and makes each one feel like they are an important part of the team. In today’s world, that kind of coach is incredibly special. As a parent, there is no greater feeling than watching your children run onto the field excited to see their coach. My boys absolutely adore Madison. They talk about her after practices and games, repeat the lessons she teaches them at home, and genuinely look forward to every opportunity they have to play because of the positive environment she creates. She has made baseball something they love, not because they have to play, but because she has made it fun, welcoming, and rewarding. Madison also understands that youth sports are about so much more than the final score. She teaches the fundamentals of baseball with patience and consistency, making sure every child develops the skills they need to improve. At the same time, she teaches lessons that will stay with them long after they leave the field. She teaches respect: for teammates, opponents, officials, and themselves. She teaches accountability by encouraging players to own their mistakes and learn from them. She teaches perseverance by reminding them that failure is part of growth. Most importantly, she teaches kindness and teamwork, showing these young athletes that lifting each other up is just as important as individual success. She has an incredible ability to make every player feel included. Whether a child is naturally athletic or just beginning to learn the game, Madison invests the same amount of time, patience, and encouragement into every one of them. She recognizes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and works tirelessly to help them reach their potential. That type of leadership builds confidence that extends well beyond baseball.

As parents, we entrust coaches with something incredibly valuable…our children. Madison has earned that trust in every possible way. She creates a safe, encouraging environment where kids are excited to learn, aren’t afraid to make mistakes, and know they will always be supported. She understands that her words matter, and she uses them to build confidence rather than tear it down. What makes Madison truly deserving of this recognition is that the influence she has on these kids cannot be measured by wins, losses, or championships. It is measured by the smiles on their faces when they see her. It is measured by the confidence they gain after overcoming something they once thought they couldn’t do. It is measured by the friendships she helps foster and the life lessons she teaches every single practice. My boys have grown tremendously over the past two years, not only as baseball players but as young people. They have learned the importance of hard work, determination, teamwork, and believing in themselves because of Madison’s example. She has helped shape their character during some of their most formative years, and that is something our family will never forget. The Coaches Honor Roll exists to recognize coaches who make a lasting difference in the lives of young athletes. Madison embodies everything that award represents. She leads with compassion, teaches with patience, inspires with her actions, and gives every child the confidence to believe in themselves. She is the kind of coach every parent hopes their child will have and the kind of role model every young athlete deserves. Simply put, Madison doesn’t just coach baseball. She helps build better kids. That is a gift that extends far beyond the field, and it is why I can think of no one more deserving of being recognized on the Coaches Honor Roll.

Elida Green

Little League Challenger Division

Erin Smith

I am honored to nominate Elida Green for the Coaches Honor Roll. Elida embodies everything that a great youth sports coach should be: a leader, a mentor, an advocate for inclusion, and someone who genuinely believes that every child deserves the opportunity to participate, belong, and succeed. Elida has dedicated countless hours to youth sports in the Olean community, coaching Olean TOP Soccer, Olean Challenger Yankees, Olean Rec Girls Softball, Olean Youth Cheer, and the Olean Inclusive Bowling League. Her impact goes far beyond the teams she coaches. She has consistently found ways to create opportunities for children of all abilities to experience the joy, teamwork, confidence, and sense of belonging that youth sports can provide. One of Elida’s greatest accomplishments has been her work with inclusive sports. In a small community, creating sustainable opportunities for athletes with disabilities can be challenging, but Elida saw a need and made it happen. She helped make inclusive participation a reality through TOP Soccer and the Challenger Yankees, and she started the Olean Inclusive Bowling League, giving athletes another place where they can compete, build friendships, and feel like an important part of their community. Elida also played a major role in revitalizing the Olean TOP Soccer program, helping provide a welcoming and supportive environment for athletes of different abilities. Her commitment demonstrates that inclusion isn’t simply something she talks about, it is something she actively builds. As a coach, Elida focuses on much more than winning. She teaches young athletes about sportsmanship, teamwork, perseverance, respect, and confidence. She creates environments where children feel encouraged rather than judged, and where every athlete’s contribution matters. Her leadership has helped countless young athletes develop not only as players, but as people.

What makes Elida especially deserving of this recognition is the breadth of her commitment. She continues to step up wherever there is a need, creating opportunities and strengthening youth sports throughout the Olean community. She has shown that with leadership, compassion, and determination, a small community can provide big opportunities for every child. Elida Green exemplifies the values of the Coaches Honor Roll and Project Play WNY. She has made youth sports more inclusive, supportive, accessible, and meaningful, and her impact will continue to be felt by the athletes and families she has served. For these reasons, I strongly recommend Elida Green for the Coaches Honor Roll.

Erica Oakes

Elida does so much more than teach baseball. She creates a place where these children can be part of a team, make friends, build confidence, have fun, and experience the joy of being on the field. The truth is, if we didn’t have Elida, we wouldn’t have anyone. There wouldn’t be a coach, a team, or these opportunities for our kids to play the game they love.

DJ Moore

This coach firmly believes in the opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in the same activities (including sports) that other children enjoy while accommodating their needs. She works very well with the players and their families. She encourages them to participate without pressure. She highlights the importance of just getting out there, getting involved, and socialization with peers much more than the importance of winning or losing. She really makes sports fun for the kids.

Kayla Johnson

Elida goes above and beyond not only for the kids but the parents as well. She let us be “normal” spectators for a change and watch our son run and play with his teammates without requiring us to caretake at the same time. She always made sure there were extra buddies and volunteers to manage the kids and any behavior that may arise so parents could simply be parents for a change. She does so many things in our rural area to make sure all kids are included and have opportunities to be kids and participate in childhood experiences. We wouldn’t have any of it without her.

Barbara Johnson

It takes someone with a great heart to coach, but I feel it takes someone with an even bigger heart to coach kids with special needs. Elida works so hard to make the kids in the community feel included, to be a part of a team. She helped organize teams, find players and helpers, get locations for games and practices, and not only coach but teach kids to hit, catch, bowl, run etc. by providing these skills it allows the kids to play and learn life skills while having fun and making friends. During this timeframe, the parents get to watch their kiddos play a team sport, something some of these parents never thought they would see. You don’t realize how important a sport is when you think your kid would never get a chance to participate. Inclusion is so important, and Elida is providing that!

Charles Johnson

Lockport Little Loop Football and Cheer

Malik Harden

Charles Johnson is the kind of coach who represents everything youth and high school football should be about. His impact goes far beyond the football field. He brings tremendous energy, dedication, and leadership to every player he works with, while creating an environment where kids feel supported, challenged, and valued. Charles understands that coaching is about much more than teaching plays, techniques, and fundamentals; it is about teaching discipline, accountability, teamwork, respect, and how to handle both success and adversity. Whether he is working with young athletes at Lockport Little Loop or coaching at the high school level, he consistently gives his time and effort to help players reach their potential. What stands out most is the genuine investment he makes in the people he coaches. He takes pride in watching his players grow, improve, gain confidence, and become better individuals. His influence can be seen not only in the players he develops on the field, but in the young men they become away from it. Charles is a coach who leads by example, holds his players to high standards, and is willing to put in the work necessary to help them succeed. He is a tremendous representative of the coaching profession and someone who has earned the respect of his players, fellow coaches, and the football community. In my opinion, Charles Johnson is extremely deserving of this award because of the lasting difference he makes in the lives of the athletes he coaches.

Adam Piedmont

Coach Charles “Chuck” Johnson has dedicated the past nine years to Lockport Little Loop Football, coaching players from ages 8 to 13. Throughout that time, Chuck has always put the best interests of his players first. He teaches more than football fundamentals—he shows athletes how effort, discipline, teamwork, accountability, and perseverance on the field translate into important life skills. Chuck’s impact continues long after players leave the youth program. Many of the athletes he began coaching years ago are now part of the high school football program, where Chuck continues to volunteer his time and support their development. Chuck is always looking for an opportunity to encourage a player, help them improve, and make a positive difference in their life. Chuck is also a mentor to other coaches, freely sharing the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years. In addition, he serves as vice president of the Lockport Little Loop Football Board of Directors, helping guide and strengthen the organization.

Coach Chuck is more than a football coach. He is a mentor, leader, teacher, and role model who has made a lasting impact on young athletes and the Lockport football community. On behalf of Lockport Little Loop Football, I am proud to nominate Coach Charles “Chuck” Johnson for the Project Play Coaches Honor Roll. He is a valuable member of the LLLF family who makes a lasting impact on our youth athletes.

Tony Jones

Blessed Sacrament Athletic Club

Travis Koehler

Clarence Youth Football and Cheer Association

Fred Gratz

I’ve worked alongside Travis for several years coaching youth tackle football. He focuses on not just the fundamentals, form, strategy, and all the pillars that give them the platform to build on but doing so in a way that makes them better young men. Travis is always a family-first style coach, and he makes sure the boys know that he thinks of them as family. This instills confidence and inspires loyalty from the kids. The amount of trust on both sides has not only developed relationships but has resulted in championships. I’ve worked alongside dozens of coaches, and I haven’t seen one that connects with kids with the depth that Travis does. His knowledge and skill in the game brings a lot to the table, but the way he carries himself and makes each kid feel important and special is what makes Travis stand out. His character is what is getting noticed out there. To give you an example, our team has grown over the years. Not because of Clarence and where we are, but because parents of kids from clubs a few towns away have noticed. And they are bringing their kids to be coached under Travis on a daily basis because of these qualities.

Ricky Pereira

It is with great confidence that I recommend and nominate Coach Travis Koehler for the Coaches Honor Roll Award. I have worked closely with coach T for the past 5 years as part of our coaching staff at Clarence, and I have consistently been impressed by his professionalism, passion for the game, and commitment to the children. Coach T brings deep knowledge of the game and the ability to coach both fundamentals and advanced tactics with clarity and patience. Whether leading drills on the practice field or reviewing film in the classroom, he provides targeted, constructive feedback that helps athletes grow in confidence and performance. Beyond technical skill, what sets Coach T apart is his ability to connect with players. He is a trusted mentor and motivator—someone players respect for their consistency, encouragement, and high expectations. I’ve seen him help struggling athletes turn a corner with a single conversation, simply because he takes the time to listen and lead with integrity. Coach T works seamlessly with the rest of the coaching staff, contributing ideas and always willing to go the extra mile—whether that means staying late to review practice plans or stepping in to support logistics on game day. His collaborative spirit and reliability make Coach T a cornerstone of any coaching team.

In short, Travis Koehler is a coach who builds not only strong players but strong young people. I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding addition to the Project Play Coaches Honor Roll for 2026.

Rick Rabin

Travis Koehler is the kind of youth coach who makes a lasting impact far beyond the scoreboard. He deserves to be nominated for a youth coaching award because of his unwavering dedication to his players, his ability to build a true team, and his commitment to creating an environment where young athletes can have fun, learn discipline, develop character, and understand what it means to do things the right way. What makes Travis stand out is that coaching is clearly about much more than football for him. He understands that youth sports are an opportunity to teach lessons that extend well beyond the field. He invests his time, energy, and attention into helping young athletes become better players, but just as importantly, better teammates, competitors, and people. His dedication is evident in the preparation he puts into practices, the time he spends working with players, and the consistent example he sets for the team.

Youth coaching requires an enormous commitment that often happens behind the scenes. There are practices to plan, players to teach, parents to communicate with, games to prepare for, and countless details that need to be handled throughout a season. Travis embraces those responsibilities rather than simply going through the motions. He approaches coaching with the mindset that every practice and every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. One of Travis’s greatest strengths is his ability to build a team. He understands that a group of individual players does not automatically become a team. Team chemistry, trust, accountability, and a sense of belonging have to be developed. Travis creates an environment where players understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. He encourages them to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and take responsibility for their role in the team’s success. That approach is particularly important in youth sports. At a young age, players can easily become focused on who gets the most playing time, who scores the touchdowns, or who receives the most attention. Travis works to shift that focus toward the team. He teaches players that every position matters, every contribution matters, and every teammate matters. In doing so, he creates a culture where players learn to value the success of the group rather than simply their own individual accomplishments.

Another quality that separates Travis from many coaches is his ability to balance fun and discipline. Youth athletes should enjoy playing sports, and Travis never loses sight of that. He creates an atmosphere where players can laugh, compete, enjoy being around their teammates, and genuinely look forward to coming to practice. At the same time, he understands that fun does not mean a lack of standards. Travis establishes expectations and holds players accountable to them. He teaches them that discipline is part of being a successful athlete and a good teammate. Players learn to listen, work hard, respect coaches and teammates, be prepared, and give their best effort. Importantly, those expectations are delivered in a way that motivates rather than discourages young athletes. Travis demonstrates that you can demand discipline and accountability while still making the experience enjoyable. Perhaps most importantly, Travis teaches his players to do things the right way. Winning is certainly part of competitive youth sports, but Travis understands that how you win—and how you respond when you don’t—is far more important than a record. He emphasizes effort, sportsmanship, respect, accountability, and character. He teaches players that cutting corners, making excuses, or putting themselves ahead of the team is not acceptable. That philosophy creates lessons that will stay with his players long after their youth football careers are over. A child may not remember every game score years from now, but they will remember the coach who taught them to work hard when things were difficult, to encourage a teammate who was struggling, to accept responsibility for their mistakes, and to keep competing when things did not go their way. Travis also understands the importance of setting an example. Young athletes pay attention to how their coaches behave. They notice how coaches respond to adversity, how they treat officials, how they communicate with parents, and how they handle both winning and losing. Travis leads by example and demonstrates the behavior he expects from his players. His commitment to doing things the right way gives his players a model they can follow. The impact of a youth coach should not be measured solely by wins and losses. It should be measured by the number of young people who become more confident, responsible, disciplined, and connected because of the experience. By that standard, Travis’s impact is significant. He creates a team culture where players want to work for one another. He makes practices something players can enjoy while still challenging them to improve. He holds young athletes accountable while recognizing that they are still learning and growing. He teaches competition without allowing competition to overshadow sportsmanship. Most importantly, he understands that the ultimate responsibility of a youth coach is not simply to develop athletes—it is to develop young people. For all of these reasons, Travis Koehler is an outstanding candidate for a youth coaching award. His dedication, leadership, team-building ability, and commitment to balancing fun with discipline represent the very best qualities of youth coaching. He gives his time and energy not simply to produce better football players, but to create a positive experience that can shape the lives of the young athletes he coaches.

A coach like Travis deserves recognition because the influence he has on his players extends far beyond the football field. He teaches them how to compete, how to work together, how to be accountable, how to overcome adversity, and how to carry themselves with pride and respect. He shows them that doing things the right way matters—even when it is not the easiest way.

Ronald Langhorne

First Tee — Western New York

Timothy Karches

It is my pleasure to nominate Ron Langhorne for the Project Play WNY Coaches Honor Roll. Ron represents what youth coaching should be about: using sports as a vehicle to build relationships, develop character, create a sense of belonging, and help young people recognize their potential. Ron understands that success as a youth coach cannot be measured simply by athletic performance. His focus is always on the young person first. Through his work with First Tee Western New York, Ron uses golf to teach lessons that extend far beyond the course: confidence, perseverance, responsibility, respect, and the ability to overcome challenges. One of Ron's greatest strengths is his ability to connect with young people. He takes the time to get to know participants, understand what motivates them, and make them feel valued. For many young people, particularly those being introduced to golf for the first time, entering a new sport can be intimidating. Ron has a unique ability to break down those barriers and create an environment where kids feel comfortable participating, learning, making mistakes, and growing. Ron consistently reinforces that how you conduct yourself is more important than the result of a shot, competition, or game. He teaches participants to respect their fellow players, coaches, volunteers, facilities, and the traditions of the game. More importantly, Ron models these behaviors himself. Young people see firsthand what it means to treat others with respect, encourage those around you, and handle both success and disappointment appropriately. His positive attitude is contagious and contributes to an environment where sportsmanship becomes part of the culture rather than simply something coaches talk about.

Ron demonstrates leadership through relationships. He leads with empathy, patience, humor, compassion, and a genuine desire to see young people succeed. His leadership also extends beyond individual classes. Ron's commitment to community engagement helps First Tee Western New York build relationships with families, community organizations, and partners and introduce the game to young people who may never have otherwise viewed golf as an opportunity available to them. Ron understands that creating access is only the beginning. Young people also need to feel welcome and know that someone believes they belong. Ron provides that connection. Ron consistently demonstrates the values we want our young people to develop. He treats participants, families, fellow coaches, volunteers, and community partners with dignity and respect.

He understands the responsibility that comes with being a role model and recognizes that young people learn as much from watching their coaches as they do from listening to them. Ron models honesty, accountability, respect, and compassion in his interactions with others. Ron Langhorne embodies the principles of the Project Play WNY Coaches Honor Roll. His impact cannot simply be measured by the number of children he has coached or introduced to golf. His true impact can be seen in the confidence he builds, the relationships he develops, and the young people who leave his programs believing a little more strongly in themselves. For these reasons, I enthusiastically nominate Ron Langhorne for the Project Play WNY Coaches Honor Roll.

Seth Wilson

Ron consistently creates a lasting impression on all of the kids he has the pleasure of coaching. Ron's energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and both participants and other coaches often say that he is their favorite coach to work with. Even when Ron has gone through personal struggles, he has shown up for our participants and given them an experience that leaves them wanting more. Ron coached our after-school clinics this past year at Buffalo Public Schools. Each time we reached the end of a session, the kids were disappointed and immediately asked when he would be coming back again. All of the school staff adored Ron and could not say enough about his enthusiasm and willingness to make it work for the kids, even when the circumstances (running clinics in a hallway) were against him. Ron truly believes that every kid should have the opportunity to try and excel in golf. In our on-course First Tee classes, Ron is often requested as a coach by participants and helps to bring them back year after year. Ron was instrumental in our first year of the inner city youth league. Ron coached every clinic, practice and match from March through August even though he works 6 days a week. Even when he was tired or burned out, he showed up for our kids and gave them an experience they will never forget. The relationships he built over those 6 months will lead those participants to try golf again in the future and hopefully become consistent participants of First Tee.

Jonathan Malczewski

Buffalo Regals Hockey Club

Stefanni Malczewski

Coach Jonathan is a leader and mentor to the young boys and girls that he coaches, not only on the ice but off as well. He believes in every child he comes in contact with. He is headed into his 3rd season as a head coach, 4th season coaching all together. He has taken these kids under his wing and has taught them self-worth, discipline, respect, how to be a team player and overall to be fantastic human beings. There is not a more deserving coach than Coach Jonathan.

Chelsea Jackson

We have been playing with Jonathan since the first year he started coaching. We as a mother and son duo have watched him grow as a coach immensely. This man dedicates himself to teaching these kids the true meaning of being a part of a team. From winning together, losing together and building bonds as a team together, Coach guides these kids every step of the way. My son has never met his biological father; the way he looks up to Coach is something you can’t teach. And the way Coach took him under his wing is just genuine love. Coach Jonathan has gone out of his way to support my son on and off the ice. There is even times we call Coach Jonathan for guidance even in the off season. I could not ask for a better man to be the one guiding my child through a sport but also through life. He reminds these kids that hockey doesn’t come first; he reminds them how important family is. And that is exactly what it feels like when you are a part of his team; we become family. From year one till year four, he makes sure to dedicate himself to these kids, and every year he tells us at the end of the season how he’s going to work on being a better coach in the off season. And truth be told he is the best coach a kid could ask for!

Jaye Pratt

Just Blaze Track Club

Sarah McGuire

Coach Pratt goes above and beyond for his athletes. He teaches them not only the tools they need to become better athletes, but also how to carry those lessons into the real world. Most importantly, he shows up for his athletes, and that kind of dedication makes a lasting impact. My daughter has been lucky enough to be coached by Coach Pratt through Just Blaze for the past two track seasons, and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The impact he has had on her growth in track & field has helped her continue to reach every goal she sets for herself each season. He pushes his athletes to work hard, believe in themselves, and continue striving to be better. Coach Pratt also deserves recognition for the impact he makes beyond his own club. He gives his time to teach and introduce children throughout the community through the Project Play organization the sport of track & field, giving kids opportunities to learn, grow, and discover what they’re capable of. His dedication goes far beyond coaching a sport; he’s helping shape young athletes into confident, hardworking kids both on and off the track.

India Golden

Coach Jaye is above all honest and dedicated! He is a team leader that listens first to help the parents and athletes better understand where my/our child(ren) stand and where his/her potential can go. He knows how build confidence and push them to achieve more! He will focus on their strong points but work on the weakness to show progress. Coach Jaye not only holds the students accountable but us parents as well, because it starts with us at home! His teaching always has a story, with a lesson behind it that goes well beyond sports but into life. There is always so much perspective behind what is being taught and learned. He is direct, he is a great communicator, he is investing in all of us, he handles everyone with care even when it hurts! His high standards make students want to be active more; as a parent I love to participate, volunteer, and support in any way possible. He shows up every time and all the time. He always has a shirt on with a quote that relates to sports and life! "No one who ever tried their hardest, ever regretted it" He is funny, can be a wise guy sometimes but he stays calm, speaks with wisdom, commands respect, shaping young people into leaders, stays focused on the process and committed to getting the job done! Coach Jaye is an exceptional coach! The kind of coach that is amazing, at times hard to find, difficult to part with but IMPOSSIBLE to forget. It takes a village, and he is always willing and able to step up when needed. Coach Jaye deserves this award because he is selfless!

Carly Brady

Jaye takes pride in teaching the younger kids fundamentals and techniques in order for them to learn properly. He will always encourage them to learn and try new things in track and field and always is very supportive of their concerns, especially when they are trying something new. He will push them to never give up and always remind them what they are trying to become: “to be just like the big kids.” He includes them in all the events that he takes his older athletes to and always celebrates them whether they win or lose. He has the same expectations whether they are 8 or 18 in practice, and this helps the younger athletes keep their focus to really learn and grow. Jaye is always positive with every athlete, but when they begin to give excuses, he chats with them as to why they are feeling that way and turns it into a teachable moment. This helps the younger athletes really understand their own WHY of being on the track, not just because mom or dad is making them😊. His older athletes who have run through Just Blaze and continue to run in college always come back to train and help coach with the younger athletes, which to me as a parent speaks volumes to the type of coach Jaye really is. Coach Jaye always looks forward to hosting the Project Play events every summer with the club team and usually has the Just Blaze family there either participating or for the older athletes encouraging them to volunteer their time with the younger kids. Even though his own children are in college and have graduated college, he still continues every summer to keep Just Blaze as a club track team and keep the younger athletes loving track and the older athletes training to enhance their craft and potentially compete at the next level. I have been Coach Jaye’s admin for the club for the last 3 years. By taking care of the responsibilities of keeping the club organized and schedules, parent questions and all the things that go with it, Jaye can strictly focus on setting up workout plans, working on specific goals of an athlete and which athlete is going to do which event(s) at the meets he has on the schedule for the season. My son is a collegiate runner who trained with Jaye for 4 years, and my daughter who has been with the club since 8th grade and is now going to be a senior is being recruited for D1 schools. With Jaye’s guidance and his training, encouragement, and being one of their biggest cheerleaders (besides mom of course), they have learned and excelled with their crafts where they want to continue the craziness of “running in a circle.” All of his hard work and dedication to the younger athletes for track and field doesn’t go unnoticed, as he is well respected in the community by athletes that he has coached or not coached and many, many parents that would go the distance for him if and when he ever needed it. I cannot say enough about Coach Jaye Pratt and the impact he has on the community’s youth athletes in the craziness of what is Track and Field.

Susanne Ruminski

What makes Coach Pratt exceptional goes far beyond teaching the skills of track & field. He understands that coaching young people is also about building confidence, developing character, teaching discipline, and helping children recognize their own potential. While winning and athletic development are important, Coach Pratt never loses sight of the fact that these are young people first and athletes second.

Scott Zgoda

Clarence Soccer Club

Ryan Zgoda

Scott’s focus on youth development and methods of teaching make him the most exceptional youth sports coach that I’ve ever worked with. He is always patient with the kids, not overly criticizing mistakes but calmly helping them take the necessary steps to correct them. He shows appreciation for what his players do well and is effective with helping them target weak areas. He teaches his players to play with respect for their teammates, opponents, and anyone else in the game. I remember when I first played under Coach Scott, he emphasized a point about no showboating, taunting, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct. We were always taught to just play our game, focus on our own development and what we can do better, and to shake hands and congratulate our opponents after matches, no matter the outcome. When players struggle with a certain aspect, he is always quick to recognize this and help them improve and shows appreciation for their improvement. I recall a member of our team who struggled greatly with throw-ins. Instead of giving up on the player and never letting him take another throw, Scott gave him extra practice and allowed him to attempt throw-ins during games until he got the hang of it and recognized his improvement at the end of the season during team awards. He always finds a way to be positive, even in a situation that seems as if there is no positivity to be found. After a heavy loss, he will point out the mistakes that the team made and how they can improve, but he will also point out everything that every player did right. I have heard multiple instances where one of his teams would lose a match, and his response after would be to congratulate them for the effort and holding their own against often stronger, bigger teams. I have never heard of Scott being aggressive with players, opposing coaches, referees, or fans. He has always taught all his players to treat everyone with respect and to never start or get involved in arguments or confrontations, no matter how the other team, referee, or fans behave. He is quick to respond appropriately if confrontations ever arise and is very good at keeping his players out of those situations. Overall, I think that Scott Zgoda is the perfect candidate for this award.

Doug Curella

Scott is one of the most patient, kind-hearted, and dedicated coaches in all of Western New York. Throughout his years with the Clarence Soccer Club, he has coached both highly skilled teams and deeply developmental groups, always creating a positive and encouraging environment for every player. In addition to his coaching roles at both the recreational and travel levels, Scott has served as the club’s Travel Director for nearly five years — a responsibility that requires thoughtful evaluation of players’ abilities and placing them in the best setting to help them succeed. Despite being a father of five and running his own business, Scott consistently finds time to volunteer for the Clarence Soccer Club, often putting other families’ needs ahead of his own. He leads by example, always acting with integrity, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Scott is also one of the first to volunteer his team to support beginner programs and CSC’s TOPSoccer program, showing his commitment to building character both on and off the field. His impact is felt not only in the development of soccer skills but in the growth of confident, kind, and respectful young athletes. Scott’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering positivity make him a truly exceptional member of the Clarence Soccer Club and a deserving nominee.

Margaret Bellomo

Scott currently holds the position of Travel Director of the Clarence Soccer Club. We have a very large town soccer club, and he has to oversee the placement of more than 800 kids on over 40 teams each year. Scott takes this position along with coaching two teams within the club very seriously. Scott leads all positions within our soccer club with passion, integrity and a willingness to help in all ways to ensure that our club and teams have an exceptional experience playing soccer. Scott is approachable and willing to listen when other coaches come to him with challenges during the season. With the current age change matrix in US Soccer, Scott has had to take on the astronomical task of communicating to our club members about how this change would impact our club and its players. He spent countless hours with coaches and other members of our soccer club board building rosters so that players and families were placed on teams where they can be successful and grow and develop. As a coach, Scott makes his players feel seen and heard and welcome on his team. He meets them where they are at level wise and elevates their development so they can grow as players within the season. Scott understands how to build teams to be successful while maintaining the core values within our club. We truly would not be as successful as a town club without his commitment and leadership. I am thrilled to nominate Scott Zgoda to the 2026 Coaches Honor Roll.

Zach Zurat

Salamanca Youth Football & Cheer

Kameron Scott

Zach Zurat stands out because he isn’t just coaching one sport—he’s investing his time and energy in helping kids grow across football, soccer, basketball, and T-ball. He gives kids opportunities. Coaching multiple sports means he is willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to young athletes and their development. He teaches more than the game. Youth sports are an opportunity to teach teamwork, discipline, responsibility, communication, confidence, and how to handle both success and disappointment. He helps kids develop a love for sports. At a young age, having a coach who makes practices enjoyable and encouraging can have a lasting impact. He works with different personalities and abilities. Youth teams include beginners, naturally gifted athletes, shy kids, energetic kids, and everything in between. A great coach finds a way to make each child feel included. He promotes being a good teammate. That lesson can be more valuable than any trophy. He leads by example. By repeatedly showing up, teaching, encouraging, and supporting the kids, he demonstrates commitment and reliability. He contributes to the community. Volunteer coaching takes time away from work, family, and personal activities. Choosing to give that time to children is a meaningful contribution.

Alicia Sanford

Coach Zach is an exemplary nominee for the Project Play Western New York Coaches Honor Roll. Over the past four years, he has devoted his time and expertise across three sports— football, soccer, and basketball. During this time, he has successfully coached my son in both football and basketball, playing a pivotal role in enhancing not only his skills but also his attitude toward these sports. Coach Zach's unwavering dedication and equitable treatment of all players demonstrate his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive athletic environment.

Thank You, Coach!

Coaches Honor Roll & Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award

Scroll below to learn more about the 2026 honorees!

2026 Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award Honoree

Award Eligibility & Criteria

Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award

Eligibility & Criteria for Dick Gallagher Lifetime Service Award Nominations:

Larry Bordonaro

Mr. Bordonaro's Nominations

Keith Burtis

David Mamat

Sheila Bordonaro

2026 Coaches Honor Roll Honorees

Award Eligibility & Criteria

Coaches Honor Roll

Eligibility for Coaches Honor Roll Nominations:

Criteria for Coaches Honor Roll:

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