Chris Tautrims - the 2024 Ken Davies Memorial Award Winner

Chris Tautrims has been bestowed with the esteemed Ken Davies Memorial  Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and unparalleled dedication to the sport. 

Throughout his career with the Pakmen Volleyball Club, Chris has epitomized the essence of leadership, guiding his teams to unprecedented success across various age categories. From his early days in the 13U to the 18U level, Chris's leadership has fostered a positive team dynamic, leading to numerous provincial and national championships.

Chris has also excelled as a formidable beach volleyball player, accumulating a plethora of accolades that underscore his versatility and prowess in both disciplines. His representation of Ontario in both indoor and beach volleyball is a testament to an all-encompassing talent.

Beyond his on-court exploits, Chris's leadership extends to his involvement in the OVA Athletic Council, where he actively contributes to enhancing the athlete experience and shaping the future of volleyball in Ontario. His commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence has earned him widespread respect from his peers and mentors alike.

Chris's sportsmanship is evident in every facet of his game, from his respectful demeanor towards opponents to his unwavering accountability and integrity. His ability to lead by example, coupled with his willingness to put the team's well-being above personal glory, exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Reflecting on his numerous accomplishments, Chris's athletic prowess and achievements speak volumes of his dedication and passion for the sport. From earning spots on Team Ontario Elite and Team Ontario Beach to clinching provincial and national titles.

As Chris's journey in volleyball continues to progress as he bounds for Queen's University with the men's volleyball program, he leaves behind an impact on the OVA athlete community. He stands as a leading example of the values upheld by the Ken Davies, continuing an enduring legacy of this award.

The Ken Davies Memorial Award is presented annually to a male Age Division athlete who demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability and sportsmanship as exemplified by Ken Davies himself.  We ask all coaches to forward a letter of nomination for an athlete who they feel is most deserving.

The 2024 Ken Davies recipient will be honoured on the first day of the 18U Ontario Championships event in the gymnasium (court 16) at RIM Park.

ABOUT KEN DAVIES

A native of Kendal, Ontario, Ken was born on September 8, 1971.  His outstanding athletic abilities allowed him to excel in many sports.  He was the MVP with the Darlington soccer team, MVP with the senior high school basketball team, MVP with the senior high school volleyball team, and Athlete of the Year at Clarke High School in Newcastle.  He was chosen to the Ontario Provincial Team for the Canada Games in Saskatoon in 1989 which, as he put it, “was the dream of a lifetime”.

Ken’s goals were “to become a national team player and a physical education teacher”, and to that end, he worked very hard at both academics and volleyball.  According to his Provincial Team coach, “he was a quietly intense and dedicated worker.  He was one of the most unselfish and coachable players I have ever worked with.” Ken was a quiet individual with a rich inner life.  He liked “to play golf, soccer and read”, however, according to his own words, “it was competition” that was the driving force that led him to engage in highly elite and competitive programs.

Of course, Ken’s idea of playing sports was “to play 100% all the time”.  While returning from a tournament in the fall of 1989, Ken’s life was tragically taken from him by a drunk driver.  His example and memory will always be with us.

Note:  All quotes in bold are taken from Ken’s Provincial Team Athlete Profile form written by him in June 1989.

PAST RECIPIENTS

2023 WINNER

Carter Sedgewick

Carter Sedgewick is a student of the game; the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. As such, he is a natural leader for his Kingston Rock team and is someone who makes the time and effort to lift his peers up to a better version of themselves and to a standard that is mutual and reciprocated.

The first member of his club to be selected to Team Ontario Black and Team Ontario Elite, Sedgewick has been a pivotal in the recent success of his club team which has gone to record highs in the 2022-23 season. At the top of his club’s stats board in nearly every category, Sedgewick and the Kingston Rock 18U Boys team broke the barrier and competed in the Premier division for the first time in club history.

“I have also never seen someone so focused on doing whatever he can to help the team succeed and not worry about who gets the glory in the end,” said Kingston Rock coach, Tom Ellinson. “Carter is someone that consistently wants the most of both himself and those around him, and effectively finds ways to bring the best out of everyone that is a part of his life.”

His investment in sport, academics and good will trickles down to helping at the elementary school level with coaching as well as mentoring junior golfers and tutoring in his high school. In addition to being a highly talented volleyball player, Sedgewick is captain of his high school’s hockey and ultimate frisbee teams.

Sedgewick is attending Queen's University, representing the Gaels on the men's volleyball team.