Message from Western Mustangs Athletic Alumni President, Dennis Hinschberger

By Dennis Hinschberger, BA’86

dennis

Last spring, WMAA Past President, Pat Kitchen, BA'74, BEd'75, MA'77, opened The Scoop with a thoughtful article describing her experience engaging with our young graduating Western athletes as they transitioned to “athletic alumni” at the annual Ring Ceremony. The Ring Ceremony is an event that acknowledges the dedication and commitment of our varsity athletes as they close their athletic careers at Western.

Today, I’d like to acknowledge the coaches and coaching staff (many of whom are volunteers) who dedicate so much of their time and effort to building our young athletes from the chrysalis to the butterfly, or rather, from the foal to the Mustang! Clay sculpted by fine hands into modern versions of Mars or Nike of Samothrace… READY for the pinnacle of competition...it doesn’t happen overnight!

Western, under the leadership of the Semotiuks, Quigleys, and Stapletons, has a trove of riches when it comes to coaching, marked by longevity and accomplishments. Whether in football, volleyball, hockey, wrestling, etc., we enjoy a competitive advantage that immediately attracts the very best young athletes, ready and eager to excel!

This year, we will honour Vicky Croley, BEd’87, as she retires from coaching after more than three decades leading our Track & Field Mustangs at Western, leaving the program with OUA and U SPORTS victories this past season, and with a host of future Hall of Fame inductees moulded under her guidance.

I invite you to attend the WMAA virtual AGM on Monday, June 16, 2025 to hear more about the activities and contributions of your athletic alumni as we continue to support engagement, connectivity, and recognition, thank outgoing board members, and welcome our new board members.

Our signature event, the Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame, is less than six months away. We have a host of exciting new inductees to celebrate, so please plan to join us at Homecoming 2025!

I wish all of you a safe and enjoyable summer filled with rest and relaxation, and I look forward to our fall engagements!