OVFL: Raymond extends consistent, fair approach with Panthers

Ron Raymond is gearing up for another exciting season in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL).

The varsity Cumberland Panthers Head Coach sets out for another season after starting his coaching career in 1988 with the Ottawa Trojans.

“Like they always say, if you can’t play anymore, the next best thing is coaching,” commented Raymond.  “Unlike hockey, where you can still play in beer leagues and hockey tournaments, football is a sport of strategy.”

“The reason I coach today is about mentoring young men to become reliable citizens of society, teach them the game of football and helping them reach to the next level, which hopefully involves an educational component.”

After taking some time off from coaching, Raymond returned to the sport in 2009. Raymond spoke of how he read and watched hundred’s of books and DVD coaches clinics.  Some of the coaches who inspired him include Hal Mumme, Mike Leach, Dana Holgorsen, Chris Coulson and Jamie Barresi.

“It’s almost like I’m creating my own football coaching robot and I’ve been using the wisdom from all of those coaches to build my own system and philosophy,” said Raymond.

In 2011, Coach Scott Westlake asked if Raymond wanted to join the Cumberland coaching staff. The rest is history and for Raymond, he has savoured the opportinity because of the rewards that come from coaching.

“I really appreciated that opportunity and I owe my start with the Panthers to Coach Westlake and it’s been a great ride ever since,” recalled Raymond.  “As corny as that may sound, there’s nothing more rewarding then getting a 14 year old kid who thinks he’s god’s gift to life and to see him struggle, but then fight his way back to being a successful individual who will be off to school and playing football at the next level.”

“Another reward is the great people you meet in this game and the opportunities football provides. “

From a young age, Raymond was involved in sports in Overbrook, where he grew up playing ice hockey, ball hockey, baseball and football. He played amateur football with the Minto Colts and the midget Ottawa Trojans. He continued to play until he joined the Canadian Armed forces at the age of 20.

“The military prepared me for life and when I look back on it, it really prepared me for football,” added Raymond of the military.  “You have many hierarchies in the military and to some extent, you do in football as well.”

Raymond describes his coaching style as firm, but fair.

“If you do not have any discipline on your football team, you will have what I call “chaos,” described Raymond.  “Once you lose respect from your coaches and players, you might as well resign your position.”

“I feel you should always have fun in whatever you do, but at the end of the day, as long as your message stays consistent and you’re fair with your players, you will have success.”

 

 

 

 

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