February 3, 2006
PYEAR JOINS VANIER CHAMPION COACHING STAFF
WATERLOO - Wilfrid Laurier University has hired former quarterback Ryan Pyear to fill the position of Offensive Coordinator. The position became vacant when former Laurier grad Stefan Ptaszek left for his first head-coaching job with the McMaster Marauders.
The 23-year old all-star quarterback and former OUA rookie of the year, who capped his banner university football career with the Golden Hawks by leading the team to back-to-back unbeaten seasons and a Canadian championship, isn't leaving so fast. Just two months ago the Belleville native engineered a late-game drive as the Hawks stunned the heavily favored Saskatchewan Huskies 24-23 to win the 2005 Vanier Cup.
Manager of football operations and head coach Gary Jefferies said the appointment of Pyear, Laurier's President's award winner as the top male athlete last year, Vanier Cup MVP and first team all-Canadian among other major achievements, shows a strong commitment by the university to recognize its student athletes - beyond their competitive days.
\"We're not only in the business of developing great athletes but great people,\" praised Jeffries. \"I believe we have a great one in Ryan who understands young people, has the respect of his peers and will help us build contenders for many years to come.\"
Pyear, who is considered to be among the top university athletes in the country this year, completed 116 of 174 passes for 1,666 yards in eight league games last season. His 19 touchdown passes was top in the country and tied for No. 1 with only four interceptions.
\"This is a dream come true and a tremendous career development opportunity,\" said Pyear, under estimated throughout his playing career by many prognosticators. \"As a team, we had a goal this past season - and we achieved it. It's a page in our history, now we are in pursuit of our next goal.\"
Joining Pyear on an acclaimed coaching staff are former Laurier football players Rod Philp and Todd Galloway.
Philp, who will become the quarterback coach, was the Hawks pivot from 1984 to 88. In 1987, he recorded the highest passing percentage in the OUAA throwing for a 67.6 percent average - a Laurier record. That year, with Laurier capturing the Yates Cup, he combined with Ken Evraire for a historic 106-yard pass-and-run play in a game against Waterloo. Philp was inducted to the Laurier Hall of Fame in 1994.
Galloway, a wide receiver with the Golden Hawks for three seasons (2000-03), becomes receivers' coach. The Kitchener native has worked with the Kitchener-Waterloo Vipers for the last four seasons as both an offensive coordinator and receiver coach.
Laurier begins its quest for a third consecutive Yates Cup with the season opener set for September 2nd at Guelph. The Golden Hawks first home game is September 9th against Ottawa.
(Source: Ari Grossman, Laurier Sports Information.)
(Photo: Fifth-year senior Ryan Pyear talks about his appointment as Laurier's new offensive coordinator. Photo by Roly Webster.)
The 23-year old all-star quarterback and former OUA rookie of the year, who capped his banner university football career with the Golden Hawks by leading the team to back-to-back unbeaten seasons and a Canadian championship, isn't leaving so fast. Just two months ago the Belleville native engineered a late-game drive as the Hawks stunned the heavily favored Saskatchewan Huskies 24-23 to win the 2005 Vanier Cup.
Manager of football operations and head coach Gary Jefferies said the appointment of Pyear, Laurier's President's award winner as the top male athlete last year, Vanier Cup MVP and first team all-Canadian among other major achievements, shows a strong commitment by the university to recognize its student athletes - beyond their competitive days.
\"We're not only in the business of developing great athletes but great people,\" praised Jeffries. \"I believe we have a great one in Ryan who understands young people, has the respect of his peers and will help us build contenders for many years to come.\"
Pyear, who is considered to be among the top university athletes in the country this year, completed 116 of 174 passes for 1,666 yards in eight league games last season. His 19 touchdown passes was top in the country and tied for No. 1 with only four interceptions.
\"This is a dream come true and a tremendous career development opportunity,\" said Pyear, under estimated throughout his playing career by many prognosticators. \"As a team, we had a goal this past season - and we achieved it. It's a page in our history, now we are in pursuit of our next goal.\"
Joining Pyear on an acclaimed coaching staff are former Laurier football players Rod Philp and Todd Galloway.
Philp, who will become the quarterback coach, was the Hawks pivot from 1984 to 88. In 1987, he recorded the highest passing percentage in the OUAA throwing for a 67.6 percent average - a Laurier record. That year, with Laurier capturing the Yates Cup, he combined with Ken Evraire for a historic 106-yard pass-and-run play in a game against Waterloo. Philp was inducted to the Laurier Hall of Fame in 1994.
Galloway, a wide receiver with the Golden Hawks for three seasons (2000-03), becomes receivers' coach. The Kitchener native has worked with the Kitchener-Waterloo Vipers for the last four seasons as both an offensive coordinator and receiver coach.
Laurier begins its quest for a third consecutive Yates Cup with the season opener set for September 2nd at Guelph. The Golden Hawks first home game is September 9th against Ottawa.
(Source: Ari Grossman, Laurier Sports Information.)
(Photo: Fifth-year senior Ryan Pyear talks about his appointment as Laurier's new offensive coordinator. Photo by Roly Webster.)
