NAIT curling coach Jules Owchar is regarded as one of the best in the world at his craft and he has been recognized again for his amazing accomplishments.
Owchar has been named the winner of the prestigious Janet Arnott Exceptional Coach Award, which recognizes exceptional coaching contributions and accomplishments over a significant period of time.
"It's an honour. I'm humbled and touched that the committee considered me," Owchar said. "They're not going to give it out to anyone, so I'm pretty proud of it."
The recipient of the award must have coached at the national/high performance level and have been a difference-maker in curling as a result of his or her contribution to the development, well-being or sport-for-life aspirations of an athlete, athletes or team.
"This award means a lot because it gives you recognition that you've been doing the right thing as a coach," Owchar said, noting he still questions his own coaching methods from time-to-time despite his success.
Owchar received the honour last week during the final session of the Curling Canada Women in Leadership 2 virtual conference.
"Jules is, and always will be, a legend in the curling world and NAIT Athletics. The impact he has had on our student-athletes is immeasurable," NAIT Athletics manager Jordan Richey said. "NAIT Athletics would like to congratulate Jules on this prestigious award and are eternally grateful for having him as part of our program."
Owchar began at NAIT in 1969 as an instructor and the men's basketball coach. In 1976, he took over the Ooks curling team and has remained as coach for 45 years. The 76-year-old has led the NAIT curling program to 34 Alberta Collegiate Athletic Conference (ACAC) championships and two Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national championships.
Owchar credits a joy for teaching and a focus on the fundamentals of curling, no matter who he is coaching, as the keys to his longevity and success.
"I can take a beginner class and really enjoy it," he said. "If I took you and you've never been on the ice; that would be a challenge to me."
Owchar was inducted to the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 2019. He is best known for his longtime tenure as the coach of Kevin Martin, who captured four Briers, one world championship and an Olympic gold medal under Owchar's tutelage.
The pair first began working together in 1984 when Martin began attending NAIT and they continued their curler-coach relationship for 30 years until Martin retired following the 2013-14 season.
After the skip's retirement, Owchar began coaching 2006 Olympic champion Brad Gushue and his rink. The team has won three Tim Hortons Brier titles and a world championship under the coach's guidance.
The legendary coach remains humble despite all his accomplishments.
"They did all the work. You're behind the glass and you just hope something you said or did made a difference," Owchar said.
Even though he is 76-years-old and has reached the highest levels of the sport, retirement is not a consideration for Owchar.
"I haven't thought about it. I enjoy it too much. I love meeting the kids, coaching the kids. In curling you can just see the improvement week-to-week," he said.
Whenever Owchar does decide to call it a career, his place among the greatest coaches in curling history is assured.