Longtime teacher, coach Mark Odnokon remembered

Tributes are pouring in following the loss of longtime coach and teacher Mark Odnokon.

In a social media post, Carlton Sports Academy said Odnokon, known to many students as “Mr. O” or “Ozzy,” died recently after helping shape the academy since it opened six years ago.

The academy said Odnokon worked with hockey athletes on the ice, supported soccer players, taught physical education and instructed Grade 9 students in shop classes. The post described him as a caring mentor with a gentle personality and strong sense of humour who always put students first.

The academy also remembered Odnokon for his annual Christmas gag gifts, saying students looked forward to seeing the unusual items he would wrap alongside a real present.