Coming off a stellar athletic season across multiple sports, Chael Rozdeba of Hamiota Collegiate Institute was named Manitoba High School Athletic Association 'A' Athlete of the Year.
"It was super exciting," Rozdeba says of getting the news. "When I got the call, it was pretty surreal. I told my parents right away and the rest of my family. They were excited and super proud, it meant a lot."
Being a multi-sport athlete, Rozdeba says he can do it all. "I play hockey and baseball, I play volleyball as well as badminton."
A major challenge that comes with being so athletic in different sports is balancing it all, says Rozdeba. "It can be very, very busy," he says with a laugh. "You just have to make time for people. You need to have good people around you if you want to succeed."
Out of all the sports he plays, Rozdeba says he's got a favourite. "I'd say hockey is my best sport," he says with a smile. "We had a good year as a team this year. We lost out in the semi finals of the playoffs. Next season, I'm planning to play at Lake Region State, in Devils Lake, North Dakota."
Making the commitment to Lake Region State was a big deal for Rozdeba and his family. "It was all new to start. We went down there, went for a skate and got the offer. I signed and then it all got announced. My family is very glad that I didn't go any farther away. My sister went there last year, so they have a pretty good idea about what it's all about."
Not only is Rozdeba a terrific athlete, but he's also a good student, something he says he puts a lot of effort into. "School work comes first before all the athletics. Got to make sure it's all done before going to play sports."
At Hamiota’s athletic banquet, Rozdeba was recognized with three major honors: Outstanding Leadership in Varsity Volleyball, Top Forward in Hockey, and the Coach’s Choice Award in Baseball, all of which mean the world to the young star. "It's an honour to play the sports I like and be recognized for allt he hard work. I'm maybe more proud of the Outstanding Leadership, because it goes beyond sport."
That community involvement has been at the core of Rozdeba's success and he's very grateful for everything the community has given him. "Hamiota has given everything to me, so it means a lot to give anything I can back."
As we move into July, the summer plans for Rozdeba are simple. "I'm going to play baseball but I'll mainly be working on the farm. That farm work never stops. I'll be doing some training, too."