ESTEVAN — The newest inductee into the Brandt Peterbilt Estevan Minor Football (EMF) Wall of Fame found numerous ways to be involved with the organization since its inception in 2008.
Kevin Mortenson was inducted during the EMF’s annual awards night on Nov. 20.
“Today, we have the privilege of recognizing someone whose impact on youth sports and our community is truly extraordinary,” stated a bio for Mortenson that was read by Mark Tribiger and Matthew McGillivray. “Someone who has given countless hours, endless energy and a whole lot of heart.”
McGillivray and Tribiger noted Mortenson has been a pillar in Estevan football from the very beginning. Back in 2008, when bringing football to Estevan was just an ambitious idea, Mortenson was one of the key people who turned that idea into reality.
“And since that first season, he has been involved in absolutely every part of Estevan Minor Football: board member, coach, referee, grass cutter, line painter and safe contact instructor. If football needed it, Kevin did it. And he always did it with a smile,” they said.
“His dedication left such an impression that Estevan Minor Football created an award in his honour: the Kevin Mortenson Dedication Award, given to the most dedicated Virago player each season,” they added, referring to the Estevan Kinette Club Viragos female football team. “That award stands as a reminder of the effort, leadership, and heart he put into the program – qualities that continue to inspire today’s players.”
Mortenson’s impact goes far beyond jobs and titles, the bio stated. He helped launch the Viragos program and was a driving force behind creating the Prairie Girls Football League; he is currently the league’s commissioner. Because of Mortenson, McGillivray and Tribiger said, countless girls have had the chance to step onto a field, put on the pads, and discover confidence, strength, and belonging from football.
And the players he has coached – on every team, in every season – are better because of him, the biography said.
“Better athletes, better teammates, and better people. His influence doesn’t fade when the season ends; it stays with them,” the bio said.
Mortenson’s commitment doesn’t stop at football. He is just as involved in soccer, the Estevan Lions Club and any other place where he can help the community grow. His Canuckcade business reflects that same spirit through its sponsorship of the U10 Cudas football program, helping ensure young kids have access to sports and positive experiences.
“Kevin, you are the kind of person every community hopes to have, and every coach hopes to work beside. Your dedication has built programs, strengthened leagues and touched the lives of players, parents and coaches across the region,” the bio states.
“And today, it is our honour to recognize everything you’ve done by welcoming you onto the Estevan Minor Football Wall of Fame. It is a well-earned and deeply deserved place for someone who helped build the very foundation of football in this community.
“Kevin, thank you – for your time, your leadership, your passion and your heart. We are better because of you.”
In a post on his Facebook page, Mortenson thanked McGillivray and Tribiger for enshrining him into the Wall of Fame. He also thanked every child he has coached.
“This was always about you,” he wrote. “I’ve enjoyed watching you all grow in the sport and becoming better people from it.”
Mortenson went on to thank all of the coaches he has worked with since 2008 for always being that “pillar” on the sidelines; the EMF board members, including current president Pat Ford, for allowing him to remain involved with the sport locally; and his family for supporting him and allowing him to help build the local football family.
