The Gilroy Community Services Department presented Coach Ernie
Alnas with the honorable Mason Kunimura Youth Sports Coach of the
Year Award
GILROY – The Gilroy Community Services Department presented Coach Ernie Alnas with the honorable Mason Kunimura Youth Sports Coach of the Year Award – which is given to a youth basketball coach each year that best exemplifies the spirit of the man for whom the award was named.
“Coach Alnas has a positive attitude when dealing with his players and the officials,” Recreation Supervisor Cheryl Bolin said. “One of Ernie’s best attributes is that he is easy going and everyone gets along with him.”
Mason Kunimura was a much-loved member of the Gilroy community who taught many young people to learn and love the game of basketball. Sadly, he passed away in January of 2000. The award was designed to honor him and promote the quality of coaching he was recognized for. Forever he will be remembered for exemplifying and endearing the title of coach. His sense of fairness and dignity touched all persons involved from team members to game officials. All children deserve to be coached with dignity, respect and enthusiasm – qualities embraced by Kunimura.
Alnas was named the 2003 recipient because of his ability to teach fundamentals, motivate, show game etiquette and be a positive role model on and off the court are all qualities of a true coach. Alnas was chosen from more than 50 coaches because of his commitment to the children of the local community. He coaches his youngest daughter’s third-fourth grade team, his middle daughter’s fifth-grade team, and his son’s ninth-tenth grade team.
“Needless to say he has given his time and energy for the betterment of the league,” said Bolin of Alnas.
The 2003 award was sponsored by “Moose” and Doris Kunimura, John and Diane Scariot, and Emily Igarashi.
