MacDowell Rugby Academy founder Robin MacDowell has been awarded the 2024-25 Albin & Georgina Falt Memorial Coaches' Achievement Award.
MacDowell was presented the accolade by Don and Theresa Bodger in late May. Albin and Georgina Falt were Theresa's parents.
"Being able to honour the achievements of someone like Robin MacDowell is the reason why we created the Albin & Georgina Falt Memorial Coaches' Achievement Award," wrote the Bodgers in their Facebook announcement. "MacDowell epitomizes everything that is great about our stellar coaches in the Cowichan Valley for his development of rugby."
Growing up in the Cowichan Valley, MacDowell was a standout on the pitch as far back as middle school. He went on to hone his talents at the Cowichan Rugby Club, and internationally with Team Canada and professionally — both as a player and a coach — before returning home to start his rugby schools. To date, there are five academies in Western Canada: Winnipeg, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon and the one at Cowichan Secondary School.
"Going full circle in my old high school to be giving back has been so fulfilling," MacDowell said.
The Albin & Georgina Falt Memorial Coaches' Achievement Award — first granted to Brad and Alana Skene in 2013 — honours the significant contributions of coaches who have shaped the development of athletes in the Cowichan Valley.
MacDowell, 45, joins an impressive list of former honourees. Many of the region's top coaches have been recipients over the years, including the likes of Lorne Winship (lacrosse), Opie Williams (football), Glen Martin (soccer), Bob Linde (bowling), Leanne Sirup (swimming), and Caitlin Erickson (field hockey).
