In Memorium
Subscribe to our NewsletterDaniel Kordis
Danny was a tough kid, who never ever backed down when overmatched physically (which wasn't often). He never balked when asked to switch positions or when another player was given an opportunity to play in his stead. In short, he was everything any coach could ask for. The consumate team player.
Personally, I consider the Daniel Kordis award the most important award given out by the Warrior JV team.
The Daniel Kordis Award is given at the conclusion of each OVFL season to the Mississauga Warrior Junior Varsity player that best represents the values and characteristics that Daniel blessed us with for two seasons - hard work, maximum effort and selflessness.
The qualities identified in the recipient - the qualities that Danny had - will not fade with time like speed or strength. They are not transient like the seasons. They are what makes the recipient special forever, the way Danny remains special to those that loved him.
Sean McKenna
JV Head Coach
Mark Oppong
Mark came to the Warrior family as a 16 year old. He played in the Junior Varsity program and stood out right away. Mark was huge in comparison to the other players, but it was his quietness, politeness and attitude that you really noticed. Mark was quiet but a tremendous competitor. He worked very hard in the class room, gym and the football field over the next couple years and earned a scholarship to Bucknell University in Pennsylvania.
Mark was known as the gentle giant everywhere he went. People were attracted to him because he was genuine. Mark came across as being very laid back but still waters run deep!! He was a competitor!! He was taken from us too early. But he was doing the thing he loved...playing football!! Mark was taken from us on April 9th 2005 by the smallest of things - a virus that attacked his heart.
Gone but not forgotten and always in our hearts. Mark is an example of living your life to the fullest - chase your dream, work hard and leave no regrets.
Mark is watching over us all.
John Simas
Varsity Head Coach
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Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Mark Oppong: In Memoriam
NFL Canada and the CFL would like to express their deepest sympathies to the family and teammates of Bucknell University freshman defensive tackle Mark Oppong, who passed away on Saturday, April 9th from a viral infection.
Mark Oppong, a Mississauga native, was a three-time regional all-star as a defensive lineman at Meadowvale Secondary School in Mississauga. He was a Toronto All-Star and a Greater Toronto Area Top 50 Player before making the squad at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. At 6"4", 295 pounds, he was considered a promising prospect, although knee injuries limited his play during his rookie season.
We mourn the loss of an up and coming Canadian football star known to his teammates as the 'gentle giant.' According to his coach, Tim Landis, "he was very well-liked, and he was easy to get to know. He was just a really friendly guy, and that attracted people to him."
Our thoughts are with Mark's parents Doris and Alex and his brothers Dennis and Eddie.
Courtney Primo
Courtney was the kind of person who didn't lack self-confidence. He was out going, funny and a joker. You could see that Courtney loved to be the leader and I think he could have been a great leader. His spirit was contagious. During practices and games he was always making sure the coaches didn't forget about him....in a joking, fun way. I think we all remember his smile and how his eyes smiled too! He tried to look tough but he was a real softie on the inside. He made friends very easily and unfortunately I don't think he knew how many friends he left behind.
His time with us may have been brief, but Courtney touched us all in a way that he will not be forgotten.
John Simas
Head Coach - Varsity
Mississauga Warriors