GERMAIN SANCHEZ RETIRES AFTER 22 YEARS AT HUMBER

ETOBICOKE, Ont. - After hoisting his third national outdoor title, Germain Sanchez decided that the time was right to say goodbye to the program that he built from the ground up, 22 years ago. This retirement will mark the end of Humber's longest and most successful coaching tenure. Germain will retire with a career record of 282-60-30 and a .820 winning percentage that is unmatched in OCAA soccer history.

Sanchez has collected three national titles (outdoor) and has claimed 20 provincial gold medals (eight outdoor, 12 indoor). On the outdoor pitch, he holds an astounding record of 191-38-19 (.830). On the indoor turf, he commands an equally impressive record of 91-22-11 (.810).

While his teams won rings and banners, Sanchez also grabbed some hardware of his own, as he was named CCAA national Coach of the Year on two separate occasions (1995-96, 2001-02). He was also recognized as the OCAA provincial coach of the year four times (1995-96, 2001-02, 2006-07 and 2009-10).

Germain's success earned him a spot in the Humber Varsity Hall of Fame in 2007. "We believe that once a coach achieves a certain level of success and has amassed a large enough body of work, that they should be inducted into the Hall of Fame," says Humber Athletic Director, Doug Fox. "Germain has gone above and beyond for the soccer program and for that he will forever be remembered."

"My induction to Humber's Hall of Fame was a huge surprise and an honour that I probably didn't deserve at the time," cites Sanchez humbly.

This past year, an award was named after Germain to be given out annually at the athletic banquet. The Germain Sanchez Award of Distinction is presented to any student who has shown exceptional athletic ability and dedication to his/her sport.

Aside from all the awards and accolades, the coach remembers how the program started. "Over 20 years ago I signed a one-year contract with Humber to see if we could re-start the men's varsity soccer team," recants Sanchez fondly. "Today I can say that we not only built a team, but we built a very strong and successful program that has become one of the best varsity programs in the country."

When asked what his favourite moment of his coaching career was, the coach pointed out that this season was amongst the most triumphant. "I had many favourite moments as a coach, but winning this past national championship is at the top of the list. We had a very young team and played against some very adverse odds and conditions."

While Sanchez will no longer be called coach, he will still remain with the team in a leadership role. Germain will still be very involved in the recruiting and the managerial process.

"The Hawk Family has been my family and it will be a part of me for the rest of my life."

Germain Sanchez By The Numbers
22 Years as Head Coach of Humber College Hawks Varsity Men's Soccer Team
Overall Coaching Record: 287-61-30 (.825)

OUTDOOR: (20 Seasons)
3 CCAA National Gold Medals

1 CCAA National Silver Medals
3 CCAA National Bronze Medals
2 CCAA National Coach of the Year Awards
8 OCAA Provincial Gold Medals

4 OCAA Provincial Silver Medals
2 OCAA Provincial Bronze Medals
4 OCAA Provincial Coach of the Year Awards
Regular Season & Playoff Record: 191-38-19 (.830)

INDOOR: (20 Seasons)
12 OCAA Provincial Gold Medals
4 OCAA Silver Medals
1 OCAA Bronze Medal
Regional & Championship Record: 96-23-11 (.807)

Source: Humber College