It would make for a heckuva social experiment — or a riveting reality television series — to have Sergio Castillo saunter into a room full of strangers and then time how long it would take before he was besties with everyone in attendance.
After all, few can light up a room instantly like the Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker, either through his trademark cackle-slash-giggle or his 1000-watt grin.
Usually, it’s a combination of both.
Castillo’s ability to connect with people — whether they are his compadres in the locker room, the diehards in the stands at Princess Auto Stadium or random folks he meets in his daily life — is arguably his most-endearing quality as a human.
It’s also a massive factor in Castillo being saluted today as the recipient of both Blue Bombers community service honours — the Ed Kotowich ‘Good Guy’ Award and the Cal Murphy ‘Heart of a Legend’ Award — marking the first time one player has been saluted with both in the same year.
“I wasn’t expecting any of this, so it’s definitely an honour,” Castillo told bluebombers.com. “All I can say is, ‘Wow’ and I’m very appreciative.
“You do things not expecting anything in return. You do it because we have a responsibility, especially playing for the Blue Bombers, to represent the ‘W’ on and off the field.”
The Kotowich award recognizes the Blue Bombers player who has ‘excellent football ability, is a leader in the locker room and shows outstanding effort in the community.’ It was first presented in 1987 and is named after Ed Kotowich, who played for the Blue Bombers from 1955-61 and later served as an alderman, worked as a sportscaster, and coached the Winnipeg Rods while working with minor football programs in the city before his sudden death in 1986.
The Murphy Heart of a Legend award is presented annually to the player who has shown ‘outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the Canadian Football League and the community.’ This award was first presented in 2001 and is named after long-time Blue Bombers head coach and GM Cal Murphy, a Winnipegger who worked with the club from 1983-86 and built Grey Cup champions in 1984, 1988 and 1990 and passed away in 2012.
Castillo makes countless appearances on behalf the club, and on his own time, and has partnered with The Dream Factory and KIDTHINK along with other local charities.
Always giving of his time, his approach to giving was greatly impacted within the last few years when his niece Sofia was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was just nine.
Now some three years later, she continues to fight the good fight and “if everything goes well by August she should ring the bell.
“I remember it was when we were flying up to Thompson in April of 2023 for an appearance and when we got off the plane my sister-in-law had put in a group message that Sofia had been diagnosed with Leukemia. Hopefully everything will be good by August, and she’ll be free and clear.
“That’s when it all started with the Dream Factory. That kind of news hits hard, especially with the family. I thought that if I could bring a little happiness to some kids it might help. And to the parents, too. As a parent now I know it sucks seeing someone so young an innocent suffering with an illness. It always has you asking, ‘Why?’”
There are dozens of Castillo-related stories like that. He is everywhere during the season and, again, has that ability to connect and bring a little sunshine into lives.
One night he and his mom and mother-in-law are hosting an instructional Taco Tuesday for a group of families, the next he is introducing a young fan who was so excited to see TSN sideline reporter Brit Dort in the pre-game warm-up.
“She was over the moon when we took her over to meet her,” said Castillo. “It’s the little things like that… I’m getting chills just thinking about it again.”
There’s more — like how Castillo befriended young Piper Montgomery and her father during a by-chance meeting in the Bomber Store. Grabbing a football, Castillo signed it and added an inspirational message: ‘Always plant the seed of hard work daily.’
“Fast forward to our first game of 2024 and she had a big blue sign next to where we run out of the tunnel and it said, ‘Hey Castillo — I planted the seed of hard work for you today.’ It became a thing where I would bring her down to the field. Now it’s become a routine where she helps shag footballs when we’re kicking in the pre-game.
“She plays ringette and her dad keeps me up to date with her scores in the offseason. She’s a goalie and she created a mask with Connor Hellebuyck on one side and me on the other. It’s safe to say we’ve helped make an impact in her life and her family’s life. They really enjoy coming to the games.
“Again, it’s the little things. Sometimes you don’t realize how they can make an impact. If we can bring some happiness to a family for nine home games a year, man, that’s a win.”
His KIDTHINK association is also mutually beneficial. Castillo teamed up with the Winnipeg mental health treatment centre and outreach program later last year to help younger kids — 12 and under — with their anxiety and self-esteem issues.
“I still deal with my own demons and I’m 35 years old,” said Castillo. “I still have my insecurities. Part of that is because my dad wasn’t in my life. I always thought I wasn’t good enough because my dad never game to watch me play ball.
“So being around these kids also helps me take my mind off the game in the pre-game. I’m not worried about the game in those moments. I’m just fully present where my two feet are at.
“I believe we have a platform where we can inspire someone with even just the little gesture of bringing them down to the field for a few minutes and chatting with them about school or life.
“I just want those kids to have a good experience, a good laugh, with that interaction.”
His good deeds have also, in turn, helped him and his family. He feels a connection now to Winnipeg, although he calls Amarillo, TX home in the offseason. An example: during a golf event last year at Niakwa Country Club he told the story of his niece Sofia and her battle with Leukemia. By the end of the evening some of the club’s members had pledged thousands of dollars in support to help cover the medical expenses.
“That was one of my highlights last year,” Castillo said. “My platform, my name, was used to help my family out and it happened in just one evening. The bills can make it very tough and insurance can only go so far.
“I remember getting home that night and calling my sister-in-law and I could barely speak because I was so emotional. It was a magical and unexpected night and we were both bawling.
“That’s why I feel a part of Winnipeg now. It’s home, too. I am treated so well. If you treat people well and give off good vibes it will come back to you as well.”