By ROGER BIXENMAN

Special to The Hays Daily News

Pause for a minute. Think about your earliest memory of participation in any activity. It might have involved a youth sport; you might have a memory of a coach who affected your life. If it involved some other type of activity, you might have fond memories of an instructor who taught you a skill. Some people will keep these memories forever.

The Hays Recreation Commission provides a variety of programs that are enjoyed by literally thousands of people each year. To accomplish this, the HRC recruits approximately 300 volunteers a year to help coach youth teams, instruct classes, chaperone dances and much more. Without these volunteers, the HRC would not be able to offer the various programs throughout the year. One area that requires a majority of these volunteers is through coaching. With youth sports such as basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball, softball and volleyball, it takes a strong commitment from a variety of individuals.

The majority of the volunteer coaches have a vested interest in the program usually because it is their son or daughter participating. Not only are parents volunteering, but older siblings help out as well. The HRC also recruits college students from Fort Hays State University who are looking to gain some experience as one day they might be coaches. We are so fortunate to have FHSU as a resource to recruit these volunteers.

There are many volunteers who coach multiple sports throughout the season. They are the ones who receive the calls when leagues are short of coaches, and nine times out of 10, they will step forward and help coach a team that is in need of a coach. They are committed to making youth sports a positive experience for all kids.

In an effort to reward coaches who have a positive effect, the HRC has presented a Coach of the Year Award for all youth sports offered by the HRC. This award represents all that can be good about youth sports. We give this award to someone who has provided excellent leadership to our youth. Winners must display good sportsmanship and have the ability to make sure everyone participates and learns the fundamentals of the game. Moreover, they must do all of this in a fun and positive atmosphere.

These are the volunteers chosen as coaches of the year for this past year:

Youth soccer

Jeff Ackerman and Mark Dinkel were the recipients of this award. Ackerman and Dinkel coached their sons' 5- and 6-year-old fall soccer team this past season.

Youth flag football

The recipient for flag football was Keith Zimmerman. Zimmerman coached his son's 8-and-under flag football team this past fall.

Youth volleyball

The recipient of the 2007 volleyball coach of the year was Jennifer Vogts and K.T. Younger. Vogts and Younger coached Younger's daughter in volleyball this past season.

Youth biddy basketball

Jeff Briggs and Russ Ruder received the award for biddy basketball coaches of the year. They coached their daughters' sixth- and seventh-grade biddy basketball team.

These volunteers were chosen because of their commitment and dedication to improving youth sports in our community. All of these coaches have the qualities we look for when recruiting. They demonstrate patience and the willingness to work with all players on their team. They display great sportsmanship, ability to allow all players to have success and most importantly allow this to happen in a fun and positive atmosphere. These seven volunteers are outstanding role models for the youth of Hays. These coaches along with their families were honored at a reception April 7.

If you haven't, make sure to say thanks to all of the volunteers who help make the HRC what it is. From the HRC staff and the board of directors, thank you for your time, commitment and dedication.

Roger Bixenman is

superintendent of Hays

Recreation Commission