Jake Thomas (95) of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the game at New Mosaic Stadium in Regina, SK, Saturday, July 1st, 2017. (Photo: Johany Jutras)
WINNIPEG, MB., November 30, 2017 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are proud to name defensive tackle Jake Thomas as the 2017 recipient of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award. This award acknowledges a player who has excellent football ability, is a leader in the locker room, and shows outstanding effort in the community.
Since signing with the Bombers in 2012, Thomas has participated in numerous community initiatives. As an ambassador for the Break the Silence on Violence Against Women program since 2015, he has appeared in PSAs and visited schools to talk about the importance of the program. Thomas is also a fixture at the annual Dream Big Sleepover with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Winnipeg, and helps coach youth football programs.
“It is an absolute honour to receive this award, and I am humbled to be mentioned alongside the previous winners,” says Thomas. “Giving back to the community is so important, and I am grateful that the Winnipeg Football Club provides me with the opportunity to do so.”
Ed Kotowich was a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for seven seasons from 1955-1961. He played in three Grey Cups during that time (1958, 1959, and 1961) and earned individual recognition as a Western All-Star and was a recipient of the Tommy Lumsden Award as the Bombers’ Most Outstanding Canadian Player.
After retiring as a player, Kotowich worked with the Winnipeg Rods as an offensive line coach and later with minor football programs at Winakwa and Windsor Park Community clubs. He also served as an alderman for the City of St. Boniface (1968-1977) and worked on a number of community boards including the St. Boniface Parks Board, the St. Boniface Museum, and the Knights of Columbus.
