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http://www.abc.net.au/perth/stories/s1978262.htm
Last Update: Friday, July 13, 2007. 3:02pm AWST
Judging by the number of nominations we received for Perth's best coach - there must be a lot of good coaches here. Our only stipulation was the coach had to be non-professional.
Someone nominated Brett Openshaw who coaches Willeton's under 13 girls hockey team. Trigg Island Surf Club's Lindsay Bistrup was nominated for coaching four teams to medals in the state march-past competitions and someone thought Dave Eaton also deserved to be nominated for his efforts with the East Victoria Park Masters Football team.
But our judging panel chose Steve Hickey as "Perth's Best Coach" for his work with the West Subiaco junior under 8's rugby union team. Steve was nominated by Tony Watts who says he is totally dedicated to teaching the team the importance of teamwork, cooperation and good sportsmanship.
"There is no win at any costs rubbish from Steve. He celebrates his players achievements and encourages the little guys who need that extra support to keep trying. Steve's half-time talks are legendary," he told 720's Richard Hudson.
Steve was flattered by the praise but he says he has a simple philosophy for the kids to have pride and respect for themselves and other people. "The ref , the opponents and hopefully their parents as well."
Steve believes humour also plays a roll in coaching kids. "I think it's a bit like ... a Shrek movie. A bit for the adults, a bit for the children so everyone can get a bit of a laugh and everyone's engaged and enthusiastic to get back on once the oranges have been consumed."