CHAMPIONS SPEAK - 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Ken Mastel - Athlete
by Kristi Paukstat
Good
evening!
On behalf of the Wetaskiwin Sports Hall of Fame, I would like to
extend a heartfelt thank you for this amazing turnout.
We are thrilled to celebrate the
accomplishments of tonight’s inductees.
It is with great pride and
admiration that I am here to introduce a remarkable individual whose
contributions have enriched our community.
Ken Mastel is a name
synonymous with unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, the legendary
Moondogs, and an enduring commitment to excellence. His impressive volleyball
career spans over six decades, which alone, is a testament to his passion for
the sport. His journey began in a small Saskatchewan town and
propelled him to the heights of intercollegiate and international competition
at the University of Calgary. Evidence of his
many accomplishments can be seen off to my right. I hate to say it, but the gold content in
those metals have weathered market fluctuations better than some of our current
investments!
His
passion for volleyball didn’t end with his graduation from university; it
transformed into a profound commitment to coaching. When Ken embarked on his
first teaching role at Pigeon Lake, he not only instilled a love for the jive
and two-step in his students, but those who took to the volleyball court were
guided to levels of success not seen
before.
Upon moving into
Wetaskiwin, Ken’s leadership on the sidelines led his teams to remarkable
achievements, including multiple provincial championships. His expertise in
volleyball is truly unmatched; he has a keen understanding of the game’s
tactical elements, allowing him to dissect skills and chart paths for
improvement in his athletes.
Off the court, as a teacher
and administrator, he demonstrated a fair and kind approach, always striving
for the best outcomes for his students. His legendary work ethic meant he
dedicated countless hours to ensure that every student received the support
they needed to thrive. Ken always put his students first.
Even in retirement, when
many would choose to relax, he continues to lend his knowledge, passion, and
expertise to our community. He ensures
that the next generation benefits from his experience in both athletics and the
arts.
In recognition of his
extensive contributions, we are deeply honoured to induct Ken Mastel into the Wetaskiwin and
County Sports Hall of Fame as an Athlete and Builder. Tonight we celebrate his legacy
of excellence, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our community. Ken and
Gail, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything you have done and
continue to do for the people of Wetaskiwin.
Thank you for choosing Wetaskiwin as your home.
Please join me in welcoming Ken Mastel to the stage.
