Fanshawe athletic director makes mayor's honour list

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Sitting in Mike Lindsay's office, decorated with team photos, awards and even a gag Wheaties box with his face on it, it quickly becomes clear this is a man who built his career on a love of sports.

Lindsay, Fanshawe's manager of athletics, has been in his current position since December 2000, but his involvement in Fanshawe Athletics goes all the way back to 1972. It's no wonder he was named to the 2011 Mayor's New Year's Honour List in recognition for his many years of contribution to London's sports community.

"It's overwhelming to have gotten this in the waning years of my career," laughed Lindsay. "It's nice to get that recognition for all the work and advocacy I've done for students."

Fanshawe graduate, former Student Administrative Council member and basketball player Bill Smith nominated Lindsay for the mayor's list. Smith is currently the director of sales at CSTT Sports Management Intl.

Lindsay has also been involved in sports at the provincial level, holding various leadership positions with the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association where he also served as president from 2003 to 2005. Last year, he was honoured at the national level when he was awarded Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year.

Lindsay attributes some of his success to the tools — and funding — the department has been given that have allowed him to take it in the direction to "become one of the best in the country," he said. He appreciates the help from the Fanshawe community, particularly the Fanshawe Student Union and senior leadership at Fanshawe, he said.

He also acknowledged the London community partnerships he has formed throughout his career. When London hosted the Canada Summer Games in 2001, it was a particularly memorable year for Lindsay, who was on the games' committee. "It was a turning point in my career," he said, explaining that the relationships he built during that event have turned into partnership agreements and more. "The (athletics) office has benefitted from those games," he said.

Another favourite memory is a recent one — Fanshawe's athletic successes in 2009 to 2010. "It was our best year competitively since 1967," said Lindsay. Beyond the awards, he was also pleased with the commitment of students to their athletics and education, as evidenced by the 41 scholar-athletes involved in Fanshawe's athletics.

Focusing on the importance of education has always been a part of Lindsay's mandate and part of why he is so deserving of making the Honour List, said colleague and athletic program officer, Eric Collins.

"When you talk about the type of athletes he creates ... he sees athletics as supplementation to (students') overall academic experience," said Collins.

Lindsay has been involved in London athletics from the London Beefeater Football Club Board, the London Indoor Soccer Task Force, the St. Thomas Jr. B Stars Hockey Club and the Ontario Modern Pentathlon Championship Committee. He has also coached numerous teams in hockey, soccer and basketball.

While the various teams and partnerships that have been a part of his life over the years will no doubt be a part of his thank you speech when he receives his award later this month, Lindsay is looking forward to thanking his most important team.

"My family, I can't say enough about them," he said. "Being in a position like myself, being away from family — seven days a week, weekends, nights to support teams. I want to thank them for their support. It's nice to have a family behind you."

Lindsay will be receiving his award alongside other Honour List members on Monday, January 24 at the London City Council meeting.