ROYALS COACH NOMINATED BY BARRIE SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Joe Denes called a multi-sport mentor and nominated for induction into Barrie Sports Hall of Fame

The former decathlete and national team bobsledder has had a fantastic run lately, coaching young athletes in track and field, hockey and basketball.  His work has earned him a nomination for the Barrie coach/official of the year award, courtesy of the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with the nomination," said Denes, who initially thought he was out of the running after not hearing word on his selection since June.

Denes runs a full-year program for around 10 high-level athletes, which now also includes Junior Solomon, the national champion in the octathlon, the decathlon event for the younger age group.  Whether with Innisdale, South Simcoe Dufferin Track and Field Club, Oro minor hockey or the Barrie Royals, Denes enjoys what he does.

"It's just great to coach," he said. "I've been blessed to have wonderful kids to work with, and they're almost like an extension of my family.  In team sports, Denes coached the Innisdale senior girls basketball team to the Georgian Bay Secondary School Association final, as well as his daughter's Barrie Royals squad to 10th in the province. He also captured the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship as coach for his son's 'BB' squad.

He's also found much support from the organizations he's been working with to improve his own skills. "Coaching for the Royals and Oro minor hockey is phenomenal, because they provide me with the means and support to be a better coach," Denes said. "They give me clinic hours any time I want to further develop my skills, especially with the Royals."

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