WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks football team announced its 2023 coaching staff on Friday.

Manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds lead the group going into his tenth season (and 11th year) on the sidelines, having just signed a new five-year contract extension. With a 38-32 regular season record over that time, including a Yates Cup in 2016, Faulds conveyed how "honoured" he feels "getting to work alongside some incredible coaches, staff, and upper administrators that make coming into work does not seem like a job."

"The highlight each day for me is the daily interactions with our student-athletes," he said. "These 17-25 years-olds are energetic and want to work hard. I know they are going to be great future leaders in society."

With turnover being common in the coaching ranks, the former CIS (now U SPORTS) Coach of the Year acknowledged that the best part of this year's coaching staff is the continuity - which will be especially valuable in building on the momentum gained from its OUA semi-final appearance this past season.

Associate head coach, defensive coordinator, and defensive line coach Ron VanMoerkerke will enter his 24th season with the Golden Hawks. Offensive coordinator, student-athlete development, and receivers coach Todd Galloway will return for his third.

"They both bring great leadership and have also impacted our recruiting efforts positively," said Faulds. "We feel this 2023 recruiting class will rival the 2013 and 2015 classes that were loaded with current CFL players."

On special teams, Matt Robichaud and Mike Daly will once again bring their experience and expertise.

"Our players loved the double-headed monster of coaches Robichaud and Daly," said Faulds. "I know with them being together for a second year our student-athletes will continue to improve."

Another key member of the group is offensive line coach Zach Scotto, who also works tirelessly by running the team's study hall and academic tracking programs.

Worth noting for the rest of the team's coaching staff is that all the positions with multiple players on the field at once have multiple coaches coaching them.

"This has allowed for more eyes to be on our student-athletes at all times, leading to immediate instruction and coaching," said Faulds.

With all the familiar faces comes one new addition in the form of Alex Charette. The former Guelph Gryphon, who went on to a five-year CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes, will mentor the running backs and provide support as a special teams assistant.

"He will immediately have the respect of our players and his experience will help them improve greatly," said Faulds.

The complete 2023 on-field coaches and support staff listing is as follows:
 
On-Field Coaches
Michael Faulds – Manager of Football Operations, Head Coach & Quarterbacks
Ron VanMoerkerke – Associate Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Line
Todd Galloway – Offensive Coordinator, Student Athlete Development & Receivers
Matt Robichaud – Special Teams Coordinator & Linebackers
Mike Daly - Special Teams Coordinator & Defensive Backs
Zach Scotto – Offensive Line Coach & Academic Tracking
Matt Sparks – Offensive Line
Steve Frake – Receivers
Anton Matthews – Receivers
Nial Both – Running Backs
Alex Charette – Running Backs
Liam Spencer-Enright – Full Backs
Trevaughan James – Defensive Line
Christian Kuriata – Linebackers
Will Amoah – Defensive Backs
Darcy Segin – Kickers
 
Support Staff
Sam Eyles-Frayne – High Performance Coach
Jamie Carlson – Athletic Therapist
Jessie Collins – Strength & Conditioning Coach
Kerry Martin – Video Coordinator
Matt Carey – Assistant Video Coordinator & Digital Media Coordinator
Dave Morrissey – Equipment Manager & Lead Scout
Jeremy Schel – Assistant Equipment Manager
Acadia Carlson – Mobility & Movement Coach
Alex Morrison – Community Ambassador
Regional Scouts: Aaron Rudland, Brent Scott, Tom Sanderson, Mike Choma, Rohan Thompson, Brian Canton, Dan McBride