The first recipient of the CJFL Rick Smoke Volunteer Recognition Award is Darrel Swartz of the Langley Rams.
He has been involved on and off with the Rams since playing with the club during the 1981 and 1982 seasons. Then following his playing career Swartz was back on the sidelines volunteering as a coach with the Rams from 1990-1994.
After stepping away following the 1994 season Swartz found himself back in a volunteer role in 2011 as the Equipment Manager for the Rams, a position he’s held ever since.
In 2014 he was awarded the Rams Exceptional Service Award for the countless hours he puts in with his club as well as other organizations. Swartz is also a minor football coach with Langley Minor, North Surrey Minor and North Delta Minor. In the winter he’s a hockey coach for North Surrey Minor Hockey.
When Swartz is asked why he’s involved in football and what the CJFL means to him, he simply says, “It’s all about family.”
He’s more than just a member of the CJFL family, he’s a mentor and a role model who tirelessly gives back and is well deserving of the Rick Smoke Volunteer Recognition award.
The entire CJFL family wishes to thank Darrel for continuously making a difference with the Rams and the other organizations the benefit from his passion for his football family. It is truly appreciated.
Know someone in the CJFL worthy of this recognition, email CJFL Executive Director Paul Shortt HERE.
About the Rick Smoke Memorial Volunteer Recognition Award:
Junior football is successful because of the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The CJFL would like to recognize these individuals.
The Rick Smoke Memorial Volunteer Recognition Award is named for former CJFL Treasurer Rick Smoke, who passed away suddenly in 2013.
Rick dedicated many years to junior football at the team and conference level, and over 25 years on the CJFL Executive as Treasurer.
This award, to honour Rick’s memory, is a tribute to celebrate and recognize the volunteers, past and present, who have dedicated a minimum of 10 years to the CJFL and junior football, whether at the team, conference or CJFL levels.
The celebrated volunteers will also be presented with a Rick Smoke Memorial Volunteers pin.
Darrel Swartz of the Langley Rams