Darrell Adams named Varsity Blues Head Coach

Adams comes to the Blues after extensive experience as Waterloo Warriors associate head coach. He can be credited with putting a new face on the program and leading the team to playoffs for the first time in 18 years and four times out of the last five years. Prior to his time with the Warriors, Adams was in Ottawa as the defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator of the Carelton Ravens from 2013-16. There, he also helped lead the team to playoffs for the first time in 15 years. In addition to his U Sport coaching experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge from the CFL. Adams served as the strength conditioning coordinator and assistant line coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and a guest coach for both the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“I am blessed, humbled and beyond thrilled for the opportunity to be the head football coach at the University of Toronto,” said Adams. “I look forward to adding another chapter in the schools rich, diverse and prosperous history by assisting in the growth of the program in all areas: academically, athletically and in the community. By creating a multilayered culture founded on three core principles of respect, trust and love, my primary aim is to help student-athletes from various socio-economic backgrounds achieve their goals on and off the field. I will do everything in my power to ensure that student-athletes who commit to the University of Toronto graduate in a timely fashion, have a robust experience, are equipped with the tools to thrive in life and win as many football games possible. I cannot wait to get started.”

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Guelph University Football names Mark Surya Head Coach

Long time offensive coordinator, Mark Surya, has climbed the ranks to the position of Head Coach of the Guelph Gryphons Football Program. “We are excited to announce Mark as our new head coach,” said University of Guelph Director of Athletics, Scott McRoberts. “We are fortunate to be getting a coach of his character, coaching acumen, recruiting experience, ability to develop young student-athletes to their full potential and a familiarity with our University, which makes him a perfect match. I look forward to watching his leadership as he guides our Gryphon student-athletes into a new era.”

Surya regards the opportunity as an honour and says “The last five years have laid the foundation for the program, and I look forward to building on the current success and working towards creating an outstanding experience for the student-athletes.”

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Dexter Janke names Head Football Coach at York University

“On behalf of Athletics and Recreation, we are thrilled to welcome Dexter Janke to our department and the university,” York Executive Director, Athletics and Recreation, Steven Chuang said. “Coach Janke’s core values align with our mission of delivering a world class student-athlete experience by transforming the lives of everyone that we touch — one Lion at a time.”

Janke has a wealth of Canadian Football experience. He started his career as an undergraduate at the University of Saskatchewan before spending some time in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His most recent success comes from a Canadian Junior Football League conference title with the Westshore Rebels (B.C.) where he spent four seasons in various roles. At the peak of his time with the Rebels, he was named both BCFC and CJFL Coach of the Year.

“The way I’m approaching this is making sure we have a clear and healthy culture established, and making sure we have a group of individuals who are committed to the process and committed to each other,” said the four-year CFL veteran. “I’m working hand in hand with the coaching staff to make sure we have a solid structure and foundation to build upon,” the former CFL veteran remarks on his new role.

Janke’s first official day on the job is Monday, Feb. 5.

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