After giving back to the Bisons football program as a volunteer coach for 25 seasons, offensive coordinator Vaughan Mitchell has been recognized as the Gino Fracas Award winner as national Assistant Coach of the Yeaer. It was his third straight season being nominated for the award.
Mitchell becomes the second Bison to win the Gino Fracas Award, following Richard Urbanovich in 2005.
The Gino Fracas Award is presented by Football Canada annually to recognize an assistant coach that provides endless hours to improve the experience for the players while providing support to other coaches. This award recognizes the key role that assistant coaches play in football, as they are instrumental to the success of programs across the country.
Mitchell was a four-year starter along the offensive line for the Bisons between 1989-1993. Prior to that, he played bantam football for the Fort Garry Lions. He has worked in a variety of volunteer capacities for the team, first as the offensive line coach in 1997, before transitioning to offensive coordinator. In 2003, he worked with the running backs (2003-2007), adding the role of run game and protections coordinator to his responsibilities prior to the 2006 season. Mitchell was also part of the 2007 Vanier Cup championship coaching staff.
During his tenure as offensive coordinator, the team competed for the Vanier Cup in 2001 and in the national semi-final, the Uteck Bowl in 2014.
After taking a season off to focus on family, Vaughan returned to the Bisons in 2018 as an offensive consultant. In 2019, Vaughan began his third stint as offensive coordinator.
"As our offensive coordinator, Vaughan has been with me for almost the entirety of my 28 years at Manitoba. I can only thank him and express my utmost gratitude for his tireless, non-stop work and commitment to Bison football. The quality of his work and dedication to our players speaks for itself. He's been long-deserving of this award," said head coach Brian Dobie.
"But, in particular, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank Vaughan's wife Jennifer, and his sons Ben and AJ for their patience and understanding, and for 'lending' their husband and dad for the countless volunteer months, weeks and hours that he spends away from his family. Congratulations Vaughan."
