Name: Kevin Mortenson
Coach since: 2004
Sports coached: Football and soccer
Kevin Mortenson has been coaching young athletes in the Estevan area for nearly 20 years, and spending many hours with outdoor sports.
Mortenson starting volunteering as a coach with the Estevan Youth Soccer Association back in 2004, and continued coaching until 2013. He was also on the association’s executive, and helped with the development of the soccer pitches at Mel Murray Cactus Park.
He remained with the soccer association after his kids were finished playing.
While he was part of soccer, he became involved with Penta Completions Estevan Minor Football in 2008 – the organization’s inaugural year. He has been coaching ever since, is in his second term as president and volunteers in other capacities.
“I have been with the Miners/Cudas since 2008, with the exception of two years,” said Mortenson.
He’s also a coach with the Estevan Kinette Club U18 Viragos female team.
He said he enjoys getting kids out on the field.
“It’s just a joy knowing there are people who want to be involved with minor football, especially the kids, getting them onto the field. You get to see a lot of the emotions,” said Mortenson.
He also paints the lines on the fields, has been an official, and has taught safe contact clinics for local coaches – helping them learn tackling and blocking techniques so that players don’t suffer head injuries.
Organizations in town are looking for coaches and volunteers, he said, and Mortenson would like to see more people step forward to help out. Officials are also needed.
He recalls that when he still owned a business, he was told by the late Nick Morsky that Mortenson needed to help the community that supports him. Mortenson believed some form of minor sport would be ideal, because he could watch his kids grow up.
“That’s one of those conversations you don’t forget. Somebody who is one of your mentors, giving you good information like that, it’s priceless,” said Mortenson.
Mortenson appreciates the support of his family and others who have allowed him to spend so much time with football.
