Phil Ohl doesn’t seek the spotlight – but on Tuesday, it found him.
Ohl, vice-principal at Spectrum Community School, was recently named the recipient of the Citation of Excellence Award in Administration by BC School Sports.
The recognition is given to administrators who have demonstrated leadership and sustainable support of school athletics, championing the student-athlete experience at both the school and district level.
For Ohl, the honour was both rewarding and a little uncomfortable.
“I’m not somebody who craves recognition,” Ohl said. “There are administrators across the province doing the same work I am – some for even longer. But it’s certainly nice to be acknowledged.”
Ohl’s journey to the award spans more than two decades of teaching and school leadership.
In his early years, a key mentor was longtime Parkland rugby coach Don Burgess. Ohl went on to teach at Claremont Secondary for 15 years before taking on administrative roles at Oak Bay High and, most recently, at Spectrum.
Since arriving at Spectrum in 2022, Ohl has continued to stay hands-on in athletics while fulfilling his duties as vice-principal. He still coaches, collaborates closely with the school’s athletic director, and plays a pivotal role in removing barriers for coaches and teams.
“Coaches are volunteers. Whether they're staff or from the community, they’re giving their time,” Ohl said. “So if I can help with the paperwork, the transportation, the logistics – just take some of that off their plates – then that’s how I support them.”
That behind-the-scenes effort has contributed to what Ohl describes as a “renaissance” for Spectrum athletics. In just two years, he’s witnessed a surge in participation, school spirit, and most notably, success.
Spectrum’s senior boys basketball team is the most visible example, winning back-to-back provincial championships – a rare feat at the AAAA level. But Ohl is quick to spread the credit.
“I take no credit for that,” Ohl said. “There’s been a lot of great work happening before I got here. You’ve got amazing coaches like Brett Westcott, Tyler Verde, James Pitblado, and others who’ve built a long-term program. It’s not just a team – it’s a four-year plan, sometimes longer, starting even before high school.”
Connecting with feeder schools and offering development programs to younger athletes is important, Ohl said. That work helps set the foundation for long-term success and builds a sense of belonging and purpose before students even arrive at Spectrum.
“Success becomes contagious,” Ohl said. “When students see their peers succeeding and being celebrated, it creates a culture of commitment and pride across the school.”
Having spent more time coaching rugby than any other sport, Ohl credits the game – and his early mentors – for shaping his career in education. He hasn’t missed a season in 26 years and still finds daily joy working directly with students.
“It’s my favourite part,” Ohl said. "Still, 26 years later, I feel fortunate that I get to help lead teams who are thriving towards reaching provincial championships."
As the athletic culture at Spectrum continues to thrive, Ohl’s leadership – quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in service – is helping shape an environment where student-athletes can succeed on and off the field. The Citation of Excellence Award may bear his name, but to him, it represents a shared victory.
“It’s about creating opportunities and removing obstacles,” Ohl said. “And I’m lucky to do that alongside some incredible people.”
