Ray Salverda, running backs coach with the Alberta Golden Bears, is Canada West's nominee for the Gino Fracas Award, which honours the nation's top volunteer assistant coach in U SPORTS football.

A dedicated volunteer coach for more than 12 years, Salverda has made a lasting impact on three Canada West programs, contributing to the success of Calgary, UBC and Alberta. During that time, he has been part of four Hardy Cup championship teams (2013, 2016, 2017 and 2023), while helping develop several running backs who went on to professional careers, including Mercer Timmis, Jeshrun Antwi, Jonathan Rosery and Isaiah Knight. His impact continues today through his work with Alberta running back Seth Poelzer, who enjoyed a breakout season with the Bears in 2026.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Salverda is recognized for his positive approach, attention to detail and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field. A trusted mentor to players and fellow coaches alike, he has embraced different coaching environments and staffs while consistently putting the needs of his players and programs first. Despite serving in a volunteer capacity, Salverda has travelled thousands of kilometres and dedicated countless hours to the game, making a difference that extends well beyond the football field.
 

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Quote from Alberta Golden Bears Head Coach Stevenson Bone

"When you evaluate an assistant coach, you look at how he prepares, how he teaches and whether he makes the people around him better. Ray does all three. He brings a positivity every day that players respond to, but he also understands that caring about someone means holding them to a high standard. He pays attention to the little things, takes the time to teach them properly and helps young men build the habits that allow them to succeed far beyond the game.

What I appreciate just as much is his ability to work with different people. Across three programs, four head coaches and different coaching staffs, he has embraced the responsibility in front of him and found ways to help. He has also been an important mentor to young coaches. He shares what he knows, listens to others and understands that a staff gets better when everyone keeps contributing towards a shared goal.

Ray does all of this as a volunteer. He has travelled thousands of kilometres over the past 12 years and sacrificed time at home because being there for his players matters to him. And that commitment continues after they leave his position group. He wants to see them build careers, contribute to their communities and become members of society others can depend on. When a coach gives that much of himself over that many seasons, his influence carries well beyond the field. That is what Ray has done, and that is why this recognition is so well deserved."