Robert Cullen

I would like to nominate my husband, Robert Cullen, for the Campbell’s Chunky MVC. In 1996, after graduating from Minot State University, we moved to Idaho. Robert took a position as a Special Needs Teacher and volunteered to help coach the high school football team and the middle years boys basketball and track teams. He coached from 1996 to 2001. We returned to Brandon in 2001 and Robert began teaching at Neelin High School. There was not a football program at Neelin, so he began coaching for his alma mater, the Crocus Plains High School football team. In 2002, Robert discovered a grassroots football program had been developed in Brandon and he immediately signed up to coach. He continues to coach in the Westman Youth Football Association and led his Pee Wee team to a championship this past season. Positive reinforcement is the foundation of his coaching philosophy. Players respect his knowledge for the game and his passion for coaching. He is also the Commissioner of the WYFA. Under his guidance and dedication, the WYFA has grown from 50 kids to 300+ registrations for the 2009 season. In 2003, Robert approached administrators at Neelin and suggested that they should bring a football team to Neelin. The administration disagreed, so he continued coaching at Crocus. In 2005, Neelin administrators changed their minds and decided to revive the Neelin football program. Robert was thrilled and began the process of developing a football program. Unfortunately, their record was a dismal 0-12. However, the character of the team was epitomized by a comment made by a grade 12 player after their final game. He said “Hey Coach! Congratulations on a perfect season!” Coach replied, “What are you talking about?” To which the player said, “Our perfect season of course, 0 for 12!” The players didn’t care that they had not won a single game. All they cared about was playing football. That’s a direct reflection of the kind of coaching they received. And while the team has improved significantly over the last 5 years, the character of the team remains. Coach Cullen teaches his players to lose with dignity and win with grace. Respect and sportsmanship are expected out of everyone and exemplified by Coach Cullen. Robert also coaches the under 17 provincial team. Tryouts and practices are held in Winnipeg. He makes the trip back and forth, several times a week during the spring. If any players from Brandon need a ride, Robert will take them. He never wants a player to miss an opportunity, so he’ll do whatever he can to help. Coach Cullen has received several awards for his dedication and commitment to football. He truly loves football and sees the positive impact that quality coaching can have on a player. Coach Cullen isn’t just developing football players, he’s helping guide these boys into becoming strong, confident and respectful men. And it is for that reason, I believe that Robert Cullen deserves to be Campbell’s Chunky MVC.

TÉMOIGNAGES