Wildcats say goodbye to two longtime Coaches

It has been a long time since the Edmonton Wildcats have had significant changes to the coaching staff.  Through good times and struggles, the main core of coaches have worked hard to create an environment that challenges its players to grow on the field, but more importantly off the field.  The two Greg’s have been a fixture on the sideline for almost 20 years and have helped mold and shape hundreds of Wildcats.  Their contribution to the club and football in Northern Alberta in general cannot be overstated, and anyone who has had the privilege to work with them is better for it.

Gone will be long time Defensive Coordinator Greg High. After spending 17 seasons with the club, Greg has earned some well-deserved rest.  His impact, not only with our club but with the many organizations he has been associated with over the last 40 years of coaching, cannot be emphasized enough.  He cared about his players and worked hard to always put them in a position to be successful.  His countless hours spent at the clubhouse will leave a lasting impression and will never be forgotten.  His time with the Wildcats is filled with solid defensive teams that produced many CJFL All-stars and players who would go on and play in the CFL.

Also gone from fulltime coaching duties will be Greg Tyszka.  Greg served many roles with the club from Offensive Line coach to Offensive Coordinator most recently.  Coach Tyszka balanced coaching with the Wildcats with coaching High School football at St.FX, St. Joes, and most recently Holy Trinity.  He brought a principled approach to the game, holding his players to high standards and was always there to support them on and off the field.  Greg was a former player with the Wildcats and brought the pride and passion for the club with him to the practice field every day.  He held a leadership role amongst the coaches and was always there to support and help young coaches find their voice.  An educator by vocation he taught and empowered his players to learn the game and to be true to their teammates.  Over the 18 years Greg spent with the club his offensive line was always one of the strengths of the team, helping numerous running backs win countless PFC and CJFL rushing titles.  He continued to push his players to achieve more than they thought possible, and he produced numerous CIS and CFL players during his tenure with the club.

The club plans to honor these two coaches at a later date, but would like to thank them again for their contributions to football at the highest levels.  With many former players now coaching themselves, the lessons the two Greg’s taught have been paid forward.   We are all better for having been associated with them and the Wildcat Organization wishes them health and happiness in the future.