The Ontario Blues will have a new Assistant Coach when they hit the field for the 2017 season. Cory Hector will joining the Senior Blues coaching staff, as they look to defend their MacTier Cup win from 2016.
“I am very excited to join such a successful program and work with an amazing staff,” exclaimed Hector. “Having had the privilege of coaching many of the young players through age grade, I look forward to working with them again along with our veterans and internationals to help everyone achieve their goals.”
Cory continues to ascend the ranks of coaching within Ontario. He began coaching with the provincial system, as an Assistant Coach with the U17 program. Since then, he was an Assistant Coach for the U18 Sevens program (2014, 2016), Head Coach of the U16 Sevens program (2015) and Assistant Coach with the U19 Fifteens program (2015, 2016). Cory also was the Assistant Coach with Canada at the FISU Games for the Men’s Rugby team in 2012 and 2013, as well as the Women in 2016.
Most recently, Hector took over the role of Head Coach of the OUA Guelph Gryphons Men’s Rugby program, while also working as the Athletics Development Manager at the University of Guelph. Prior to taking the reigns as Head Coach, he served as Assistant Coach for seven years. Hector’s Gryphons are coming off of a banner year, winning the OUA title for the first time since 1998.
On top of serving the game in coaching roles with the Blues and Gryphons, Hector also volunteers at the club level, as Director of Rugby for the Guelph Redcoats.
Hector commences his role as the Blues continue their off-season training this month. The Blues have won 5 MacTier Cups in the past six years and are looking to defend the trophy when they hit the pitch this spring.
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BLUES SAY FAREWELL TO DEDICATED ASSISTANT COACH
Paul Connelly (Right) at Uxbridge Secondary School, where
he is Head of Physical Education.
With the ushering in of a new assistant coach, there unfortunately is a farewell in order for the previous holder of the position.
Paul Connelly was the Assistant Coach for the Blues for five years. He started coaching in the provincial program in 1998, beginning at the U18 level and recounts many memories he has had with the program including numerous National Championships and Canada Games Gold, as well as helping a number of young men trade their Ontario "Blue" for Canada "Red". He also has worked with Canada’s U19 program.
Paul began coaching high school rugby in 1988 at Brock High School. Currently, he is the Head of the Physical Education Department at Uxbridge Secondary School, while also coaching rugby.
“The management team of Head Coach Chris Silverthorn, Manager Mark Winokur and Analyst Rodin "Koko" Lozada are world class - the best of the best,” explained Connelly. “The commitment of the players to the program and the resulting culture that was established helped propel the Blues to 5 National CRC Championships with dozens of players selected to the Canadian National Men's Team Program. – a true reflection of their individual commitment and team leadership.”
“I would like to thank Silver, Mark, Koko and the players for 5 fabulous years,” he concluded.
Rugby Ontario would like to thank Paul for his commitment to the provincial program and the game of rugby at various levels. We wish him all the best in his transition into the next phase of his rugby career, where he will continue to work with our athletes at a provincial and club level.
About Rugby Ontario:
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to promote, govern, and develop rugby at all levels in a safe, affordable and enjoyable environment within the province of Ontario.
For more information, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
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For more information, please contact:
Kevin Baxter
Communications Coordinator
Rugby Ontario
Office: 647-560-4790 x 106
kbaxter@rugbyontario.com
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