Bill Young

Bill began his teaching and coaching career at Senator Riley High School in High River, over 35 years ago. Senator Riley High would later become Highwood High. Bill coached Tier III and IV Football from 1981-2015, and was involved in various capacities on the coaching staff in the positions of Assistant Coach, Defensive Coordinator, Line Coach and Head Coach. He also coached wrestling from 1981-2005. Bill started the Rugby Program at Highwood High in 2007 and will continue to coach the girls team in his final year before retirement. Bill’s most significant contribution was in the sport of wrestling, which he started coaching in 1981 and continued until 2005. Between girls and boys teams, he won 11 Rural Provincial Championship Banners and 10 Provincial Championship Banners - an amazing feat. The ASAA’s 3A Girls Rural Provincial Championship Trophy has been named in his honour. He was also awarded the Alberta Amateur Wrestling Association’s Coach of the Year in 1991, as well as the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2005. ‘Bill’s thirty five year teaching/coaching career is a testament to his superior skill as an elite coach and his exemplary character as a role model.’ ~ Rob Bennington, colleague~ ‘Bill gave us small-town kids a sense of belonging, with a spot on the team for everyone. He was a builder of our character as well as our athleticism.’ ~ Ted Crawford, former student athlete ~ ‘Bill was more to me than simply a coach or a teacher, but rather the father figure that I did not have growing up. The lessons I learned are a direct reflection of the man that I today, instilling those same values to my own son…[Bill] is still giving back with his teaching and philosophies and he doesn’t even know it.’ ~ Ted Crawford, former student athlete ~ ‘Bill’s ability to develop relationships with student athletes not only inspired many to become champions but also to pursue coaching in wrestling, football and rugby. These coaches are an important part of the legacy that Bill has established across the province. To this day many athletes regard him as a father figure.’ ~Rob Bennington, colleague~ https://youtu.be/SsYSYkUBakM