WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Athletics and Recreation has announced the appointment of Todd Galloway (BSc '04) as manager, men's football operations and head coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks.

The 44-year-old native of Kitchener, Ont., becomes the seventh head coach in program history. 

Galloway will oversee all aspects of the men's football program, including football operations, recruiting, player development and staff leadership.

"It's truly an honour to be named Laurier's head football coach and manager of football operations," said Galloway. "This program and this university helped shape my foundation, and the opportunity to lead and give back to my alma mater is incredibly meaningful to me. I don't take this responsibility lightly, and I'm ready to work relentlessly to sustain and grow the championship culture that our locker room has built."

As part of the leadership transition, longtime Golden Hawks coach Ron VanMoerkerke (BA '90) has been elevated to associate head coach. 

"Laurier football is about the people, and this decision for both Ron and I shows that there is an investment in the people," said Galloway.

After a four-year playing career as a receiver with the Golden Hawks under the leadership of previous coaching greats Rick Zmich and Gary Jeffries, Galloway joined the staff as an offensive assistant upon graduating, helping Laurier to a Vanier Cup title in 2005.

He spent the next 15 years coaching within the OUA and AUS before returning to Laurier in 2020 to become the program's offensive coordinator.

Overall, Galloway has been part of 11 Yates Cup appearances and five Yates Cup championships as an OUA coach, and his appointment reflects the department's commitment to continuity, competitive excellence and student-athlete development.

"The hiring of Todd Galloway as Laurier's manager, football operations and head coach is a powerful reflection of who we are and where we are going as a program," said Ryan Lannan, associate director, interuniversity sport. "Todd brings an elite level of coaching acumen, a proven championship pedigree, and a deep understanding of what it means to lead within a high-performance environment. 

"As a Laurier alum, he embodies the pride, accountability, and excellence that define what it means to be a Golden Hawk."

"What makes this moment even more meaningful is that Todd has already been an integral part of our program. When great people are already embedded in your program, it speaks volumes about the strength of that culture," said Lannan. 

"Todd's vision for player development, competitive excellence, and holistic leadership aligns seamlessly with Laurier's values, and his philosophy reflects our commitment to developing not just elite football players but outstanding people."

During his tenure at Laurier, Galloway has been a key architect of one of the most productive offences in U SPORTS, as Laurier recorded undefeated regular seasons the past two years.

Under his leadership, the Golden Hawks led the nation in yards per game last season and were second in points per game, while producing the OUA's most valuable player and Hec Creighton Trophy winner - Ethan Jordan - for the second straight year.

The 2024 season saw Laurier finish third in points per game and second in yards per game, culminating in a Yates Cup and Uteck Bowl championship, and a second-consecutive OUA MVP award for quarterback Taylor Elgersma, along with Hec Creighton Trophy honours.

In 2023, the Golden Hawks ranked second in touchdowns and yards per game.

"Coach Galloway is the perfect choice to lead Laurier football," said Elgersma. "He has been so important to this team and is the smartest football mind in U SPORTS." 

"He is a great leader who will continue our winning culture."

As part of the leadership transition, longtime Golden Hawks coach Ron VanMoerkerke has been elevated to associate head coach. 



VanMoerkerke is entering his 27th consecutive season coaching with Laurier Football and has been part of three Yates Cup championships as a coach, in addition to winning the conference title once as a Golden Hawks student-athlete.

Under his leadership as the team's longtime defensive coordinator, Laurier has seen countless student-athletes earn opportunities to play professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Europe. 

His defence has consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally - and second in the OUA the past two seasons - in allowing the fewest points allowed per game.

"I am excited to continue working alongside Coach Galloway, who has consistently demonstrated that he is one of the best offensive coordinators in the U SPORTS," said VanMoerkerke. "With the rest of our outstanding staff, and the continued commitment of our players and alumni, we will continue to make Laurier football one of the best football programs in the country."

Galloway echoed those sentiments, expressing how he feels "very lucky and grateful to have Ron with me on this journey as the associate head coach."

Lannan called the appointment of VanMoerkerke "a tremendous step forward for Laurier football and a powerful reflection of the strength of our program."

"Ron is an exceptional football mind whose coaching acumen, preparation, and ability to develop student-athletes have been evident throughout his career. As a Laurier alum, Ron's connection to this program runs deep. He knows what it means to wear the purple and gold, to represent this institution with pride, and to lead in a way that honours our history while pushing us forward," said Lannan.

"That perspective, combined with his experience and integrity, makes him an invaluable leader within our coaching staff." 

Elgersma also described VanMoerkerke as the "ultimate Golden Hawk."

"He has been an integral part of this program and led our defence to a lot of success for so many years. His continued guidance provides Laurier with the best playcallers on both sides of the football."

Galloway will be officially introduced to alumni, staff, players, and media at a press conference on campus Thursday, January 22 at 10 a.m. 

MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
Dan Polischuk
Coordinator, Sports Information & Communications
Laurier Athletics & Recreation
dpolischuk@wlu.ca