James Hitchen
- Team Name: Hitchen
- Sport: Football, Hokey, Powerlifting, Track and Field
- City: Waterloo , Ontario
- Nominated By: Stacey Jensen
- Added: November 1, 2009
Spread The Word
I would have to say that in my experience with all of the sports that I do and have done in the past James Hitchen is by far the most influential coach to me. I have had Hitch as a coach for both Hockey and Powerlifting and had fun during both. The most vivid memory I have of Hitch was last year when I was doing my first high school powerlifting meet. I was very nervous with it being my first meet and I ended up starting my lifts way too high and bombed out of the meet. My coach could tell that I was really upset after I left and I think he was just as upset as I was. So he made some phone calls and ended up getting me a spot in the Canadian National Powerlifting meet. I got a call later that night from him saying that I had another chance to show everyone what we had been training for and I reluctantly said yes as I had almost decided to quit powerlifting all together. I began training 4x a week at lunch time and my coach took time out of his busy day to make sure that I had someone helping me with my training. Hitchen never yells at his students but yet always gets them to improve and have fun. Since then I have gone on to win best over all female lifter in the Canadian Powerlifting Union provincials and also broke 4 world records. I can honestly say that none of that would have been possible if it wasn't for my coach's unbelievable determination to see his students succeed. He also can often be heard reciting one of his many inspirational speeches such as his patented pre-game quote: "As much as sport builds character it also reveals it." For every piece of constructive criticism he gives, he always finds something good to say, that you did really well and I think that Is the key to being an outstanding coach. I think that my coach would be a great candidate for this Campbell's MVC because he never stops until his athletes are successful.
Broberg
Hitch teaches my son phys-ed and was his football coach for this, his first year of highschool. He was instrumental in making the transition to high school a smooth one for my son. Hitch has taught him, coached him and has shown our son a greal deal of respect and trust. He expects nothing less than your best effort, but he makes his students and athletes want to perform with all they have to give. My son suffered a broken hand his first football game, and did not return to active play until the end of the season. Yet, he always felt that he was a significant part of the football team. Hitch always found a way for him to be able to participate at practice and he resumed his starter position when he was cleared to play. Thank you, Hitch, for all you have done, as both a coach and a teacher, for Jordan.
Broberg
Hitch was not only my football coach, but is my gym teacher as well. He helped make my first few months at highschool very enjoyable through football. He was very supportive and encouraged me to play better every day. His pep talks really got the team going. Go Hitch!!!
Palmer
As an athlete who has been touched by the kindness and great morale character of this man, I tell you that knowing of his existence on this earth feeds me with a determination that makes me want to train hard, do right in this world, and reach true fulfillment of my being. This man will make you a better person. Hitchens brings me up. The Honestly and Grace in his heart is uncontainable. It is overflowing and it permeates into the lives of others, most notably his athletes. He is a dear person to my life with great influence, without even having to speak a word sometimes because I can feel his good intentions, trying to help me do whatever it is I want to do. He wants the best in his athletes and the position life has put him into allows him to shine for others so those others can see the light, benefit and take that light to others even so. He want the best for people. I thank him in the highest for that, but I know that what I do with his advice and guidance is the real and most important factor. The ripple affect that this GOOD man produces in the waters of relationships among people, is what contributes to the dynamic waves of the ocean that represent the power of one in the entire globe. How far do the ripples that Mr. Hitchen creates go? I believe there is a universal network that connects all good forces in this world. Mr. Hitchens is one of these forces, and the breadth of it's power is infinite and will never deplete. The answer is to the above question is undefinable. So I suggest we do not try to try to confine the definition of Mr. Hitchens as a coach and as a wonderful person with such an influence on others, because in reality it overwhelms us. This fact makes this testimonial sound like the writer is some babbling clown lost in an aroma of hope and goodness. That is because it’s TRUE. However there is purpose to these reflections, these babbling reflections. It is not in the words or the literalness or the message, but the sense that appeals to an individual because of them. I sense why Hitchen's is here on earth and why he does what he does and says what he says for his athletes. He has a message, he has a story. Regardless of how huge or how slight the interaction he has with others, I am sure it's outcome will do wonders in the long run that reach beyond the realms of conceivable imagination. You have impacted my life and have/will many others. THANKS HITCH!
Kowba
I have had Hitch for a football and powerlifting coach as well as a phys. ed. teacher.I'd just like to say that he has always been there for me with encouragement, support and advice. Thanks Hitch you deserve to win!
Robertson
He's the best coach and teacher and he's always there for support and encouragement
Eby
Hitchen is the greates football coach I have ever had. seems a simple statement but he greatly influenced my life. Your the best Hitch! thanks for everything!
Taron
Even though Hitch has only been my Phys.Ed teacher. you can tell that he cares about everyone's performance. Whether it's the star qb or the bench warmer, you can tell he cares. Go Hitch!
Damme
Hitch has been my coach now for 3 years. He was introduced to me as my new throws coach for track and field, and from there turned into my powerlifting coach as well. For these last 3 years Hitch has sacrificed many hours to come and help me train. Causing me to reach potential I wouldn't have gotten without him. Because of Hitch i have 2 ofsaa golds and an ofsaa 4th adn 10th for Track, along with 3 records, and metals for powerlifting. He helped me through all of the nerves, and the injuries. When i was out with injuries he helped me to do excericises that wouldn't aggrevate whatever it was i had injured at that time. And now, as i'm getting back from a concussion, he's helped me gain back so much of my strength, both mentally and physically. He pushes you hard, without making you feel pressured, a trait that is hard to come by, and he's so encouraging. It makes you want to work just that much harder so that you can show him that he's not there for nothing. Hitch has spent every monday, wednesday and friday lunches with me since we met in grade 9 and i truly appreciate everything that he has done for me. I wouldn't be where i am today without you Hitch! Thanks so much! You are truly an inspiration, and an influencial coach, especially in my life. Those who have had the pleasure of your coaching know exactly what i'm talking about.
Steinman
YES HITCH! Your the best coach ever! I wish i could stay and play junior football. But lets win this Year and get the bluevale winning streak back! Hitch is a great coach, he likes to have fun with practices, and we have "Challenges" for prizes to bring out the best in everyone. It is very created and that leads to a very sucessful Football Team! Thanks hitch, for having me as a Coach/Gym teacher! I enjoyed it so much! - FS #20 (Bian Steinman)
Burry
Hitch. you deserve it!!!!!