MOHAWK MEN'S RUGBY COACH STEPS DOWN
The men's rugby team at Mohawk College is looking for a new head
coach, after the only man to lead the Mountaineer side, stepped
down.
Alex Paris guided the squad for 16 years, including the first two
seasons, when Mohawk was only a club, or exhibition team. He admits
it was a long run.
"I have been the only coach of this programme," said Paris. "But
like players, coaches also move on. I have truly enjoyed my time as
coach. I have never gauged my success as a coach by the success on
the field. Mohawk College athletes are students first and their
success in the class and in life, has always been the bench mark of
our rugby programme."
Still, the team's record under Paris speaks for itself. Three OCAA
gold medals, one silver and three bronze. The Hamilton Mountain
resident is also a four time Coach of the Year and in 2006 he was
presented the City of Hamilton Outstanding Sport Volunteer
Award.
"We have been very fortunate to have Coach Paris leading the Mohawk
men's rugby team for the past sixteen years," said Michelle Ball,
Mohawk's Director of Student Engagement and Athletics. "He has done
so much for the sport at Mohawk and at the OCAA level. The
commitment and time he has dedicated to the College and the rugby
programme has been sincerely appreciated."
Paris was intense on the sidelines, but keeps this in perspective.
"No one hates losing more than I do, but the realization is rugby
will not be paying the bills when these young men move on. I just
hope that I have been able to instill into the 16 years of players
who have attended Mohawk, a work ethic that could have been used on
the field, in the class and in life."
Paris said he will miss the 'team atmosphere' - working hard for
each other.
So, what now for the former field boss? "I look forward to moving
on and working on my degree," said Paris. "When next year comes
around, I am sure I will go and watch a game. Being a spectator is
just as rewarding as coaching - just fewer hours of practice!"
Source: Mohawk College
