Wildcats Announce Coaching Staff for 2010

The Edmonton Wildcats are excited to announce its coaching staff for the 2010 season. Following a very successful 2009 season that saw the Wildcats make it to the Canadian Bowl, Head Coach Gary Durchik returns along with some key returning coaches and a revamped coaching structure to take full advantage of the team’s talent.

Returning coaches include Assistant Head Coach Darcy Park, who will also coach the Defensive Line and Special Teams. Vince Baraniecz will move to Offensive Passing Coordinator and Quarterback Coach, and Greg High returns as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach. Coach Durchik will also add Quarterback Coach to his responsibilities.

Joining the Wildcats coaching staff are Ryan Branting – Receiver Coach, Tristan Jones – Running Backs Coach, Darek Graff – Offensive Line Coach and Nolan Garriock Defensive Back Coach

The success of the Wildcats over the last five years has enabled parting coaching staff to accept new coaching assignments in the CIS and the core continuity in coaches ensures that these new coaches, who were selected from a long list of quality candidates showing interest from across the country, will carry on the winning tradition and ensure further player development.

Coach Tristan Jones a former Wildcat, a CJFL record holder in many categories,
along with being an All Canadian and All Conference All-star as a running back, comings to the coach staff with knowledge of the game, the ability to work with younger players and knowing what it takes to win, is a great addition to the team. Tristan also brings CIS experience after playing with the University of St Mary’s this past season.

Coach Darek Graff, also a former Wildcat, brings CIS experience playing with the University of Calgary Dinos and the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Darek was the only O-Lineman to every win the King of the Cats competition with the Wildcats two years in a row and brings intensity, knowledge and enthusiasm of the game to the team.

Coach Ryan Branting played for the Edmonton Wildcats for three seasons and was named All Canadian and All Conference Receiver in 2000. Ryan also brings CIS experience as a receiver, having played for the UBC Thunderbirds and the University of Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks. After his CIS career, Ryan became a Head Strength and conditioning coach in Australia before returning to Canada as a receivers coach for Bellrose High School. Ryan brings a wealth or knowledge and coaching ability to the team and will be a great addition to the Wildcats coaching staff.

Coach Nolan Garriock, a former player with the Edmonton Wildcats in the 2002-2004 seasons as a DB and special team’s player, also brings CIS experience playing with the University of Alberta Golden Bears in 2001. Nolan continued his football career south of the border attending Dickenson State University before returning back to Canada to coach at St Albert High as a DB and Special Teams Coach. Nolan’s skill and knowledge of the DB and Special team’s positions will be a welcome addition to the Wildcats coaching team.

The Wildcats are also pleased to retain on staff, CJFL all time points record holder in a five year career, Ryan Elaschuk, who will be working with the Kicker/Punters until he is called back to duty with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL.

Head Coach Durchik sums it up this way “ We are fortunate to be able to combine over 60 years of valuable experience together with youthful enthusiasm to create a coaching staff that will take full advantage of the excellent talent that this team will have in 2010”. Durchik adds, “I’m excited to watch this coaching staff continue the Wildcats winning ways”.

-30-

Stuart Gibson
Edmonton Wildcats Media Coordinator
media@edmontonwildcats.com
Phone (780) 718-3447 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (780) 718-3447      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
www.edmontonwildcats.com