PTASZEK TAKES OVER COACHING DUTIES FOR MCMASTER FOOTBALL
Ptaszek coached at Wilfrid Laurier for the past three seasons, capturing a Vanier Cup in 2005.
Ptaszek also served as co-offensive coordinator at the University of British Columbia, receivers coach at Wilfrid Laurier University, offensive co-ordinator at Southwood Secondary School (Cambridge, ON) capturing a Waterloo County title (1997-98), and an assistant coach with Bob Stacey's Burlington Nelson Lords (1995-96).
Ptaszek holds an Honours Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier, Bachelors of Education from the University of Toronto, and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of British Columbia.
As a player, Ptaszek played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the BC Lions, where he was drafted in the first round, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Toronto Argonauts.
Stefan played university football at Wilfrid Laurier from 1990-1994 where he was a three-time All-Canadian and a member of the Vanier Cup Championship team in 1991. He was inducted into the Golden Hawk Hall of Fame in 1999, and still holds the Wilfrid Laurier record for career yardage and receptions.
Thérèse Quigley, Director of Athletics and Recreation at McMaster, commented that, \"We are excited to have Stefan join our coaching staff. He is a brilliant young coach who shares both the values and the vision of our football and athletic program."
McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Peter George, commented that, \"McMaster is just delighted to have attracted a coach of Stefan's calibre and track record to lead the McMaster Football program. It is an exciting time for McMaster Football. We have a new coach, and will soon have several new facilities. Next Spring, McMaster will open the New Alumni Field, with an artificial soft surface field that will serve as a practice field for McMaster Football. Next fall, McMaster will open a new $30-million Athletics and Recreation Complex that will have the largest university strength and fitness centre in the country, a high performance strength and conditioning area, and an indoor track for speed training. Finally in the fall of 2007, McMaster will open the new $13-million Ronald V. Joyce Stadium. From academics, to facilities to coaching, McMaster will be the premier destination for student-athletes in the country\".
Ptaszek commented that, \"I am very excited and honoured to join McMaster University and the Marauder Football Program. I know the entire McMaster Athletic Department is committed to producing quality student-athletes and competing on a national level. I look forward to the challenge of continuing the football's tradition of excellence. Given the quality of student-athletes, coaches and support staff I truly believe our potential as a program is unlimited\".
\"Leaving my Laurier family has been one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. I wish them nothing but success\".
Ptaszek was born and raised in Burlington, Ontario and played high school football at Burlington Nelson. He currently resides in Dundas, Ontario with his wife Karen, a producer for TSN, and son Christopher.
McMaster will host a media conference to introduce Coach Ptaszek on Friday December 23, 2005 at 12:00 Noon at the Ivor Wynne Centre on the McMaster University Campus.
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For more information, please contact:
Therese A. Quigley
Director, Department of Athletics & Recreation
McMaster University
(905) 525-9140 x 23699
quigley@mcmaster.ca
Robert S. Hilson
Manager, Marketing & Media Relations
Department of Athletics & Recreation
McMaster University
(905) 525-9140 x 23665
hilsonr@mcmaster.ca