A Prince Rupert coach, who is renowned province-wide, received some well-earned commendation in Langley last week.
Mel Bishop, coach of the senior boys basketball team at Charles Hays Secondary School (CHSS), was awarded the Ken Wright Memorial Award at the B.C. High School Boys Provincial Championships for his many years of coaching excellence.
“This award is given to a coach who runs a successful program and has had a significant positive impact in the community and displays a high level of professionalism and sportsmanship,” the awards announcer said.
Bishop has been coaching boys basketball in Prince Rupert, both at Prince Rupert Secondary School and CHSS for 38 years. His AA championships in 1998 and 2001 were highlighted, as well as the Rainmakers’ second-place finish at the AAA championships in 2014.
“You don’t always get that recognition up in the north, whether it comes from players or coaches. It was nice for him to get that recognition for sure,” his son and assistant coach, Ryan Bishop said.
The announcer also mentioned Bishop’s teams have qualified for the B.C. championships more than any other team in B.C. Boys High School Basketball Association history.
Along with the award, CHSS will be given a $500 bursary to go towards the continued development of basketball at the school.