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Richard Mommersteeg has spent his professional career educating high schoolers at St. Joseph’s Secondary School in St. Thomas, teaching math and physical education. But he has also spent three decades coaching and mentoring athletes in the gym, on the ice, on the soccer fields, and on the golf course. For his years of hard work and guidance in this capacity, Mommersteeg was presented with the Spirit of Sports, Secondary Schools Coach of the Year Award in November at the London Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.
And in December, it was announced during an alumni night that the basketball court at St. Joe’s would be renamed Mommersteeg Court. It was a humbling honour for the long-time coach, who spent countless hours in the gym over 31 years, including coaching the basketball throughout that time.
“It was very special that night because there was about 70 different alumni players that evening,” Mommersteeg told the St. Thomas Times-Journal of the dedication. “I’ve done a lot with students over the years at this school with basketball. Having the opportunity to have it identified as my court, the name of the court, is really, really nice.”
“Richard’s spent most of his school life here on the court. A lot of after hours,” said St Joe’s principal Jackie Campigotto. “We thought this was a really fitting tribute to him.”
Mommersteeg, who is retiring at the end of this school year, has served as the Athletic Director and Physical Education Department Head at St. Joseph’s for the past 20 years. He has coached basketball, soccer, volleyball, hockey and golf, and his teams have competed in 18 different OFSAA championships over the years, winning three gold, three silver and four bronze medals in boys’ basketball and girls’ soccer.
By SportsXpress Team
