.jpg "Coaches at the Wismer Award evening")
Five Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board coaches were nominated for the Wismer Award for High School Coaching Excellence, recognizing outstanding leadership, mentorship, and commitment to student athletes.
Representing the HWCDSB at the October 9th awards ceremony were Lino Battilana (St. John Henry Newman), Charlie Giudice (St. Mary), Julie Perri (St. Jean de Brébeuf), Alvisia Maga (Bishop Tonnos), and Kevin Daly (Cathedral High School).
Congratulations to Julie Perri, who was named one of this year’s award recipients.
Now in its 19th year, the annual Wismer Awards celebrate coaches who inspire through example—building skills, character, and lifelong connections both on and off the field.
The HWCDSB is proud of all nominees for their ongoing dedication to Catholic education and their positive influence in the lives of student athletes.
Read more in the Hamilton Spectator: High school coaches follow a formula to success
.jpg "Coaches at the Wismer Awards")
(Photo L-R: Lino Battilana, Charlie Giudice, Julie Perri, Alvisia Maga, Kevin Daly)
HWCDSB Finalists
Lino Battilana – St. John Henry Newman Catholic Secondary School
For 31 years, Lino Battilana has poured his heart into coaching, commencing his journey as football coach at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School following his own playing days at McMaster. From there, Lino moved to Cathedral, where he was part of back-to-back championship teams as an offensive line coach in 1997 and 1998. In 1999, he took the helm, and just a few years later, hoisted the Eaton Cup, as his team won the All-City Championship.
Eventually, Lino found his way to St. John Henry Newman, where he has thrived alongside former Wismer Award Recipient, Anthony Macaluso
Battilana points to a long line of mentors: his first coach Aldo Dintino, Deris Giavedoni, Tom Gallagher, Joe Sardo, Gord Chiarot, and Anthony Macaluso. Each of these men have left their mark on Lino, just as he has left his mark on decades worth of Catholic student-athletes.
Kevin Daly – Cathedral High School
Kevin Daly has been coaching for 26 years, and while the record speaks volumes—five novice girls’ basketball city championships, three senior boys’ basketball titles, three touch football championships, and three straight OFSAA titles with the Cathedral senior girls’ basketball team—Kevin’s true legacy is the character he has instilled in his teams.
Daly spent most of his career at Bishop Ryan, but when his twin daughters, basketball phenoms, entered grade 9 at Cathedral, he jumped at the opportunity to coach them. That decision paid off. Under his leadership, Kevin coached Cathedral to a 90-game winning streak capped by three straight OFSAA championships. Cathedral’s senior girls’ basketball team became the first girls’ team to hang their OFSAA Champions banner alongside the boys’ 3 times in a row
What makes it even more special is that it was a family effort: Kevin’s twin daughters and his niece played for that dynasty, his father Jim coached alongside him, his wife was on the bench, and his brother Mark was the school’s principal at the time.
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Charley Giudice – St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
For 34 years, Charley Giudice has been coaching athletes at Cathedral, Bishop Tonnos and St. Mary. On the football field, he guided his junior teams to five championships, shaping generations of young men into players who symbolize resilience and integrity. On the diamond, Charley has been a force in girls’ softball, coaching his teams to earning eight City titles. He is an example in empowering female athletes to thrive with strength and confidence. On the ice, Charley has led girls’ hockey to two GHAC championships, and most recently. Most recently he has lent his talents to wrestling—still finding new ways to mentor even after three decades.
One of Charley’s proudest accomplishments came in 2024, when he organized and hosted the first-ever OFSAA Girls’ Softball Championship right at St. Mary. His tireless work set a new standard for celebrating women’s sport in Ontario.
Charley points to two St. Mary icons—Len Gargarello and Joe Sardo—as his greatest inspirations. Their dedication, work ethic, and passion for coaching have inspired him daily throughout his career.
Alvisia Maga – Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School
For 24 years, Alvisia Maga has been leading volleyball at Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary—junior boys, senior girls, co-ed, beach volleyball, you name it. Her teams have not only excelled locally, but many of her players have gone on to OUA, NCAA, and even the National Excellence Program.
Her senior girls’ teams have reached the city championship four straight years, winning in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Those victories led to GHAC titles and even OFSAA medals, capped by a gold medal run in 2022 after entering the tournament ranked just 11th.
For Maga coaching is about giving back, ensuring her players grow as athletes and as people. She continues that mission with Mountain Volleyball Club, where she helps shape young athletes beyond school walls.
Julie Perri – St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School
For 21 years, Julie Perri has been the driving force of athletics at St. Jean de Brébeuf. She has coached soccer, volleyball, and field hockey, led her senior girls’ soccer team to 3 city championships, 1 All catholic championship and always stepped in to coach when no one else could—ensuring every female athlete at SJB had access to opportunity.
Her commitment goes far beyond the sidelines. Julie has organized more than 100 tournaments, coordinated 20 years of athletic banquets, and led the school’s athletic council, mentoring dozens of students each year as they ran buyouts, sold spirit wear, and raised money for teams. Just this year, she co-directed Relay for Life, a massive fundraising event hosted at SJB.
Julie credits her father, John Valvasori, for teaching her to keep things simple, to always have fun, and to build progressions in every practice and from her husband, Dino, whose strategic brilliance showed her how to analyze opponents and adapt in the moment. Together, these mentors shaped Julie into the dedicated coach—and leader—she is today.