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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ICSN: Forging a Unified Front Against Inequality and Racism in Canadian Sports 

Toronto ON

The Board of Directors of the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN), formerly known as The Black Canadian Coaches Association (BCCA), is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative that unites various amateur sport organizations, cultural institutions, and grassroots clubs under a single banner. This united effort is dedicated to addressing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and combating Anti Racism within the Canadian sport industry.

ISCN, a Canadian Not-for-Profit organization, represents a collective and dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common commitment to advancing racial equity within the Canadian amateur sports community.

Our vision remains steadfast: to foster a safer, more racially diverse, and inclusive environment within the Canadian sports arena, particularly within the amateur sports sector.

ICSN will spearhead collaborative efforts across multiple domains, with a focus on empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals. These efforts will encompass crucial areas such as Coaches’ Support, Officials’ Support, Sports Medicine Support, Sport Administrators’ Support, and nurturing the next generation of BIPOC leaders.

Through strategic partnerships, ICSN will continue to implement transformative programs, including mentorship initiatives, and furnish educational toolkits and resources aimed at promoting EDI and Anti-Racism. Most importantly, ICSN will be a resolute advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, actively driving change within the Canadian amateur sports ecosystem.

The Board of Directors of ICSN is committed to upholding these principles and, in collaboration with our partners stakeholders, effecting lasting change within the Canadian sports industry. Together, we will build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future for all participants in Canadian sports.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Asya Bartley & Shauna Bookal
inclusionincanadiansports@gmail.com