The Cochrane Cobras continue to prove they are one of the top high school football programs in the province, as coaches Rob McNabb and Bruce O’Neill are set to receive the Norm Kimball Football Coach of the Year award.
“It doesn’t get any bigger than this,” McNabb said. “You have awards for all four tiers, and some other memorial awards, but the Norm Kimball is the highest Football Alberta honour there is. It encompasses all levels from pee wee to university.”
The award – which has been given out annually since 1967 – is named in honour of the former general manager of the Edmonton Eskimos.
Nominees are judged on whether they have made a significant contribution to amateur football at any level for four or more years, and coaching achievements in the year nominated.
This is the third time McNabb has been honoured – previously winning in 2002 and 2008 – and the second time he and O’Neill have been co-winners – 2002 being the first – all as Cobras coaches.
Both coaches have a wealth of experience coaching at the high school level and have won numerous provincial championships: McNabb during all three decades starting in the 1990s and O’Neill in all four decades starting in the 1980s.
In their time at Cochrane High, the team has competed in 13 provincial championships, winning 11.
Cobras went 13-0 this past season, retaining their Alberta Schools Athletics Association (ASAA) Tier 3 Provincial title with a 55-0 victory over Holy Rosary Raiders on Nov. 28 in Edmonton, making them the only football team to repeat as provincial champions.
The team currently holds the longest winning streak out of any high school team in Alberta, having won 16 straight games.
Despite having as much success the season before last, the duo didn’t receive any awards for coaching excellence.
Why does McNabb think that was the case?
“I’m not sure if we were even nominated last year,” he admitted. “I know we were nominated for Tier 3, so I really couldn’t say what the difference was.”
Is being a three-time winner of the most prestigious football coaching award in Alberta one of the highlights of his illustrious career?
“I wouldn’t say it’s a highlight,” he admitted. “Provincial championships are the highlights. Seeing all of the kids’ faces and how happy they are with the work they’ve put in and sacrifices they’ve made is what it’s about. There’s a big voting process for these awards, and someone has to nominate you, whether it be parents, administrators, or what have you.
“It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers.”
The awards will be presented May 22, at the Football Alberta Annual Senior Bowl High School All-Star banquet in Edmonton.
