Roughnecks staff honoured
Published on May 2, 2005 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
Calgary, AB (May 1, 2005) - Two members of the Calgary Roughnecks organization have been honoured by the National Lacrosse League.
Al Tate, who has been with the Riggers since its debut, was named Equipment Manager of the Year, while Bob Poole, the club's vice president, was named Public Relations Executive of the Year.
Tate, an unpaid volunteer, has never missed a Roughnecks home game or practice in four years. He is responsible for acquiring much of the team's uniforms, and has taken it upon himself to oversee the important job of laying the carpet prior to home games.
He acted as equipment manager for both the East and West teams at the recent All-Star game in Calgary and still found time to operate the âdoor' for the visitors.
"It's a true labour of love," said Tate Monday. "I love the sport, I love the Roughnecks and I love the guys in the dressing room."
The Equipment Manager of the Year Award was voted on by executives from the NLL's 10 member clubs.
Poole has been with the Roughnecks for two years. He was Director of Media Relations last season, and then moved into the Vice-President's chair prior to the 2005 campaign.
"I am absolutely flabbergasted but extremely honoured by my award," said Poole. "I am so lucky to be surrounded by people such as Director of Sales Lyn Maisonneuve, Director of Lacrosse Operations Mitch Redshaw and Director of Ticketing Billie Rae Busby, all of whom work with me in ensuring we keep in constant touch with the local media.
"I'd also like to thank the media in Calgary, both print and electronic. Their support over the years has been phenomenal. The beat guys at the two major newspapers, Ty Pilson and John Down, are fantastic, as are the many television and radio people who cover our club."
The Public Relations award was voted on by team executives, as well as members of the league media.
The legendary Gary Gait, who retired at the end of the past season, was given the NLL's Sportsmanship Award. Gait was his team's top scorer with 81 points (33 goals, 48 assists), yet served only four penalty minutes.
Gait retires as the league's all time scoring leader with 1,091 points and all time leading goal scorer with 596.
Among his other accomplishments:
1991 Rookie of the Year
League MVP six times
Won scoring title seven times
First Team All Pro 14 times
National Lacrosse League Stories from May 2, 2005
- Roughnecks staff honoured - Calgary Roughnecks
- Minnesota Swarm's John Maher Named NLL Marketing Executive of the Year - Minnesota Swarm
- League begins presentation of awards for the 2005 season - NLL
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