Coaching legend Mike Tanner’s key to 42 years of longevity and success is continual passion yet excitement for the game

The Citadel co-head coach’s own football journey began in 1964 as he suited up for the Queen Elizabeth High (QEH) Lions.  He would continue to play for the Lions right up until his graduating year from high school in 1966.

After graduation from high school, Tanner moved on the play two seasons for the Mount Allison Mounties as a defensive back.  Subsequent to that, he was a member of the Dalhousie Tigers football team from 1971 to 1973.   In 1972, Tanner was drafted in the fifth round by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

As a player and coach, he’s received numerous honours over the course of his career.  Among the honours include Quarter Century team selection at Mount Allison and being inducted into the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in 2009.  Tanner also has the dubious distinction of being the inaugural recipient of the CFL/NFL Coaches Award in 1999.

As for how he made the transition from being a star defensive player to a coach, he credits good friend Doug Quackenbush for getting for playing an instrumental role.

“We had just graduated from university and we knew that the high school program at QEH didn’t have a lot of coaches when we were there as players so Doug asked me if I’d be interested in talking to Bob Douglas to see whether we could help him coach,” explains Tanner.  “That was back in 1971-72.”

“Basically, I’ve been at it ever since.”

Between his coaching stints with the Lions and the Phoenix, Tanner has led those teams to a combined total of 29 provincial championship games.  Of those 29, he’s won 20 provincial titles.

THE DEMANDS AND COACHING EXPERIENCE:

It goes without saying that Coach Tanner has experienced a lot in his 42 year coaching career.  It hasn’t always been a smooth ride.  Firstly, as a coach it is hard to balance football with other endeavours in their life.  Tanner experienced this earlier in his career; however, now that he is retired from teaching, he finds it easier to focus solely on football.

“When I was teaching, I was coaching football and boys’ basketball,” reflects Tanner.  “There was a span of a month where I’d be going to four hours of practice a day;  two hours of football, then go home and get a quick supper and then two hours of basketball.”

“Now that I am retired and have a lot more spare time, it really is quite easy to get it done.  Also, because of a guy like Ed Miller, who is our equipment guy and does so much for us, it takes so much of the burden off me in terms of equipment for game day.  Really, it’s not a chore whatsoever anymore.”

Secondly, there have been many times he’s been faced with criticism and accusations over the success achieved in both the Lions and Phoenix football programs.

“We’ve been very successful and it has created a lot of animosity with me in particular, and some of the coaches,” comments the Phoenix head coach.  “A lot of coaches say a lot of nasty things about us as they indicate we cheat and do things that no one else does.”

Among the alleged illegal things the team has been accused of in recent years include luring players to come play under Tanner.

“If kids are leaving your program and are going to another program, whether it be ours or someone else’s, I think as a coach, you should look at yourself and understand why kids are leaving the program and going somewhere else,” adds the Phoenix head coach.  “If I were going to recruit a grade 10 kid, if I have to go out there and do that, then we’re in a lot of trouble because a grade 10 kid is not going to solve any problems we have.”

“It’s unfortunate that there’s so much animosity and jealousy out there concerning me and our program.  We’re under the microscope all the time.”

As a result of the scrutiny, Tanner says that the Phoenix Athletic Director Steve Harris has to be continually concerned about anything the football program does and how it will be perceived.

“There are other schools out there that have kids who transferred in from other places that are being boarded by families but nothing ever seems to happen there,” expresses Tanner.  “But, if that ever happened to us, there would be such an uproar.”

“I’m just a little bit upset that people can’t leave us alone, coach their own teams, understand that we don’t do anything illegal or wrong although it’s their perception.  To be honest with you, I lose one tenth of a seconds sleep over that because we know we’re not doing anything wrong and we know we’re trying to give our kids the best possible program that we can.  We actually spare no expense in trying to do that.”

Ultimately, what matters to Tanner the most is that the Phoenix program provides a thriving, growing environment for the players.

“If a kid comes here, they come here because they get a quality program and a chance to play at the next level so we give them that,” comments the Phoenix head coach.  “If you’re program doesn’t do that, then it’s shame on you, not shame on us.”

However, Tanner has experienced so many positive experiences in his coaching career that it overshadows the negative aspects.  One of those experiences occurs at the beginning of each season, when the rookies arrive for their first day with the team.

“We tell our kids that they’re here for three years,” explains Tanner.  “All they are visitors and guests.”

“We have a new crop of kids every year and that keeps you young, enthusiastic while the commitment and the effort the kids give to the program to make it so successful is the rewarding aspect of it.”

Another rewarding part for the Phoenix head coach involves the team’s coaching staff.

“I really enjoy the fact that for the last eight to ten years, we now have so many coaches across the board,” comments Tanner.  “Right now, we have 13 to 14 coaches and almost all of them played at a high level at university so it’s really rewarding that they want to give back to the program.”

THE COACHING IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

In 42 years, Coach Tanner has been a positive influence on many former players.  As a result, many of those players have followed into his footsteps and entered the coaching ranks.

Among them is Jon Dyer.  The current Phoenix offensive coordinator and receivers coach played for the Lions under Coach Tanner between 2000 and 2002.  Dyer is in his fifth season as a coach in the Phoenix football program alongside Tanner.

From the moment he stepped on the field as a rookie player on the Lions team, Dyer says Tanner has always had a positive impact on him.  Moreover, this impact extends beyond football.

“Coach Tanner instilled a work ethic based on respect, discipline and love for the game of a football the moment I stepped foot on the field as a grade 10,” comments Dyer.  “Those principles stayed with me through my college years and now as a coach.”

“The lessons he taught me and thousands of other young athletes stay with you forever and they had an impact on my professional career, my personal life and now my own coaching style on the field.”

There was no question of how Tanner’s influence was instrumental in Dyer’s decision to join the coaching ranks in 2008.

“Knowing that Coach Tanner had taken over Citadel coming from QEH the year before I arrived, he was exactly the guy I knew I wanted to begin coaching with,” says the Phoenix offensive coordinator.  “Along with Jeff Lawley, Coach Tanner runs such a well-oiled machine at Citadel that it takes all the guessing and unnecessary distractions away from what you are there to do; coach kids the game of football and help them grow to become young men.”

“Mike Tanner taught me and thousands of others how to play football and the character building that comes with that, but most importantly, he inspired me to do the same.”

Another former player and current Phoenix coach is Gord Beattie.  A former Lions player under Tanner’s instruction from 1981 to 1985, Beattie began his coaching career in 1991 at the high school level in Mississagua, Ontario and coached the Lions with Tanner for one season as well as the first provincial team back in the mid-early nineties.  Like Dyer, Beattie has been influenced in all aspects of his life by the legendary head coach.

“He taught me very important aspects of the value of team work  and leadership,” adds the Phoenix offensive line coach.  “Both of these I continue to use both as a coach and a school teacher.”

“Most importantly, he encouraged and taught one simple thing:  do what is right.  He contributed to my beliefs as a coach:  commitment, dedication and hard work.  He taught me the values of team and that no one is more important than the team.”

Beattie in his own right has achieved success as he’s previously coached in the CIS ranks for 17 seasons with the ST. Francis Xavier X-Men and the Saint Mary’s Huskies.  During that span, he coached in six Vanier Cups finals and won two championships.

“I still believe that Coach Tanner guided my belief system,” comments Beattie.  “I contribute much of my success as a coach to Coach Tanner and the values that he instilled in me as a young offensive lineman back in the eighties.”

“I am thankful that I played for Coach Tanner.”

Furthermore, Beattie says that the Phoenix head coach wants nothing more than for all the players he’s instructed throughout the years to achieve all their goals.

“Coach Tanner’s record on the field speaks for itself but I think most importantly people have to recognize that Coach Tanner really wants all his players to be successful in life,” adds Beattie.   “He wants them to go onto to be good contributing members of our society, to be good role models, to be good fathers and to be good people.”

“I truly believe Coach Tanner has positively influenced thousands of current and former players and coaches! Thanks Coach.”

Tanner’s influence isn’t just limited to offensive coaches.  Mike Thomson, who’s a defensive back coach with the team has been equally influenced by the head coach.

“Coach Tanner has been a large impact on my life,” explains Thomson who is entering his sixth year coaching and has previously played three seasons with the Lions under Tanner.  “As a player he instilled discipline, loyalty and respect.”

“As a coach his volunteer work and passion for football inspires me. He has contributed to my success in various ways, accountability and work ethic are things he preaches day in and day out and they are everyday rules in my life.”

Thomson says that one thing Tanner always asks of his players is to give back.  That solidified his decision to enter the coaching ranks.

“I decided to ask to give back by coaching,” adds Thomson.  “He has been coaching forever and his passion for the game is inspiring.”

Phoenix co-head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Lawley says one doesn’t need to look any further than the roster of current Phoenix coaches to see the impact Tanner has had throughout the years.

“All of the coaches on our roster have been coached by Mike Tanner,” comments Lawley, who first met Tanner at a football camp in Connecticut in the summer of 1984 (Lawley was a player, Tanner a guest coach). “He really gets a kick out of them coming back to help out.”

“It is a true compliment.”

For his part, Tanner has high praise for the coaches that he works alongside.

“These guys want to come back and there are a bunch of them,” expresses Tanner.  “They want to give back and to me, it indicates they enjoy the program that we ran for them while they were students here.”

“There’s not a coach here that I wouldn’t be hesitant to have him coach my son or my daughter because they are of that caliber and that quality.”

IMPACT ON PLAYERS PAST AND PRESENT:

Over the years, Coach Tanner has seen many players come and go but has played a huge role in all their football successes.  Some of these players have gone on to enjoy great professional careers, winning Grey Cups and Super Bowls.   Others have achieved the goal of playing at the university level.

Some of those players Tanner include Tyrone Williams, Stephen Morley and the Wetmore brothers (Alan and Paul).

Star quarterback Jesse Mills played under coach Tanner for three seasons up until his high school graduation in 2011. He moved on to suit up for one season with the Saint Mary’s Huskies.  Tanner’s impact on Mills is profound.

“Coach Tanner’s impact on me as a player and individual is something I will carry on for the rest of my life as he taught me how to carry myself on and off the field, as a player and a student, and taught me that nothing worth fighting for is ever going to be easy,” explains Mills who is now a member of the Ottawa Sooners of the Ontario Football Conference of the Canadian Junior Football League. “During my time at Citadel, I learned that you shouldn’t be concerned when he’s yelling at you, you should be concerned when he stops yelling because that means he’s given up on you.”

“Throughout my three years and I’m sure it was the same before, I never saw him once give up on a player. He was always so energetic and eager to make everyone better.”

Offensive lineman Kadeem Adams graduated from the Phoenix program this past June.  He has moved on to play for the Western Mustangs; however, it’s not lost on him how much Tanner has influenced his career.

“His record alone puts him in a class above others,” says Adams.  “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be coached by one of the best high school coaches in the country.

“I know for a fact I would not be we’re I am today or accomplished what I have if it wasn’t for the great football program at Citadel High and most importantly Coach Tanner.”

Another 2012 graduate of the program is defensive star Jordan Redding.  Like Adams, the current Mount Allison Mounties rookie has been impacted by the Phoenix head coach because of the continual interest in making the football program a success.

“Coach Tanner puts his heart into the Citadel Football program and it pays off, he gets nothing but respect and results from his players,” explains Redding.  “In grade 10, Coach Tanner took me on as the only practice player solely because he thought I had potential and I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Former player Stan Ingram has known Tanner since he was 16 years old.  Now at the age of 55, Ingram has nothing but praise for all that the legendary head coach has done for himself and others.

“There is no one I trust more or no one else that I would want to see coach high school aged kids,” comments Ingram.  “He has helped keep football on the high school level that is equal to any program in the country.”

“He is remembered by his players with great respect and is friends with almost everyone he has coached.  He is brought up in conversation by ex-players and they love to tell TANNER stories.  “He is a man who has dedicated part of his life to enriching young men’s lives through life lessons using football as a tool to do so; no one does it better and parents love him for that.”

Not only has his impact been felt on past players but also on current roster stars.  Chris Folkins is in his third season with the Phoenix playing defensive back and says Tanner has played a role into making him the player and person he is today.

“Coach Tanner has helped me develop as a player through his vast knowledge of the game and teachings of hard work and dedication; qualities that have helped to lead to success on and off the field,” expresses Folkins.

Linebacker Matt Nettle is also in his third year with the Phoenix football program and says that Tanner has inspired and motivated him to put forth his best effort on the field.

“Coach Tanner has always been very motivating,” explains Nettle.  “He makes me want to try really hard and gives my playing a certain edge and intensity.”

“Off the field and in the off season, he has given me goals to try and reach.  Coach Tanner has heavily impacted me as a player in my style of play and as a person in my approach to life.”

Nick Giacomantonio is a defensive end in his third year with the Phoenix and says that not only has Tanner’s influence been apparent in his own football endeavours, but it also extends into the classroom.

“Coach Tanner has always demanded that we perform at our best both on and off the field whether it is football or school,” says Giacomantonio.  “He has made me better student academically and sometimes even checks up on us in class to see how we are doing.”

“Through his tough and intense conditioning drills during practice he has made me a smarter, more aggressive and determined football player not to mention fit. Academically, I often use him as my motivation to do better because I know there will be consequences if I don’t perform.”

Co-head coach Lawley says it’s no surprise that Tanner’s influence is strong as it’s due to the commitment he’s shown to those players he’s coached throughout the years.

“He is so good with the kids,” comments Lawley, who prior to his 23 year coaching stint was a player for the Acadia Axemen and also previously played under Tanner at QEH.  “He works them hard and asks for their best effort, specifically 100 percent – you cannot give more than 100 it is impossible but it is possible to give 100.”

“I have coached with him for 23 years; he has only missed one practice for the birth of his daughter.  He lives on “Tanner” time:  he is the first to arrive and the last to leave.”

IMPACT ON CITADEL PHOENIX PROGRAM, NOVA SCOTIA FOOTBALL AND BEYOND:

As a result of the success Coach Tanner has achieved, his impact on the Citadel Phoenix program, football in Nova Scotia and beyond is far reaching.

“I believe he has had a major impact on the players he has coached and how they have been recruited by University teams across Canada,” adds Lawley.

Offensive coordinator Dyer chimes in that the impact he’s had in all stages and levels of football is due to the many players that have thrived and succeeded via the Citadel Phoenix program. In turn, it is felt in other levels of football.

“Countless college athletes on an annual basis, CFL and NFL players, involvement in developing Nova Scotia football teams, and an overall pedigree of excellence,” explains Dyer.  “Coaches all across the country in every league know what they are getting when they get a player coached by Mike Tanner.”

“He is among the very best high school football coaches in this country and I can’t imagine anyone has ever coached as many CIS, CFL, and NFL players from one high school over the course of their career.”

Beattie says that Coach Tanner has been the top coach in Eastern Canada throughout the years.

“It could be argued that he is one of the top five high school coaches in Canada,” adds Beattie.  “He has numerous players that have been All Canadians, played in the CFL and NFL.”

“He also has many former players that have gone onto to be good coaches and have been coaching at various levels all across Canada, the USA and Europe.”

Defensive coach Thomson says Tanner is a “gift to football in Nova Scotia.”

“Coach Tanner is an influence to the Citadel Football Program in so many ways,” comments Thomson. “He teaches so many young kids the fundamental life skills they need. He contributes his time to coach other spring leagues, and provincial teams.”

“His volunteer work, even though he does not consider it, is outstanding.  I don’t even think I was born when he started coaching!  He needs to be recognized. Some people love him, some people hate him, but everyone respects him.”

Football Nova Scotia President Richard MacLean has known Coach Tanner for 30 years, as a player and instructor alongside him with the Lions and provincial teams. He believes that the Phoenix head coach’s commitment has left a lasting mark on football.

“To me, when you think of high school football in Nova Scotia, the conversation always starts and ends with Mike Tanner,” expresses MacLean.  “His commitment to developing not just football players but great student athletes is a testament to his legacy.”

“Mike has also been able to change with the times and is actively developing a whole new generation of coaches. He remains driven, demanding and continues to receive the same respect from his team today he did years ago.”

Mills echoes the sentiments of MacLean.

“I think the impact he has had on Nova Scotia football is a certain standard that all schools are now trying to reach,” explains Mills.  “He has done great things for the program and school, and has built a legacy that won’t be forgotten.”

Nettle believes that Tanner has set the bar extremely high for others try to continually catch up to.

“Coach Tanner has made his imprint on the Citadel Football Program, and he will be remembered here long after he is gone,” says Nettle.  “He has set a certain standard in Nova Scotia football that everyone else has to live up too.”

Folkins says the Citadel Football program will be forever linked to Coach Tanner.

“Coach Tanner’s influence on the Citadel Football Program is obviously immense,” explains Folkins.  “He and the other coaches have made it what it is and when you think Citadel Football, you think Coach Tanner.”

“As for the provincial and national stage, I think Coach Tanner has really encouraged the sport in both the province and country and has helped to produce some of the country’s top rank players over the years.”

Giacomantonio concurs with Folkins that Tanner is the face of Citadel Football and has made sacrifices for the betterment and success of the program.

“In my opinion, Coach Tanner IS the Citadel Football program,” comments Giacomantonio.  “He has been there since the beginning and would be there till the end if he could.”

“He has set up off season training programs that have helped us keep a leg up on the competition and he has even put his own money and time into ensuring the program stays running. Coach has been offered jobs at the university level and turned them down for us; he was recently the coach of the Dalhousie football team however he still coached us as well.  He is a coach that other coaches strive to be, and he is, to anyone who has had the privilege of being coached by him.”

However, co-head coach Lawley puts it quite simply what Tanner’s legacy will be in all levels of football.

“Football is a tough and sometimes brutal game,” says Lawley.  “Mike Tanner believes in accountability and makes the game fun.”

“Citadel could not ask for a better man to be the leader of its football team.  He’s been at it 42 years, the legacy is the Legend!”

For his part, Tanner does not care about legacies but speaks of the success of the Lions and Phoenix football programs during his tenure.

“We’re the only show in the peninsula now and years ago there was St. Pat’s and QEH and both these programs , especially the QEH program but the St. Pats program had years and they were very, very good,” explains Tanner.  “The fact is that we now have all those athletes in one school, under one roof.”

“We should always be successful.  If we’re not, we’re doing a bad job coaching and should be fired.  Although there’s no pressure on us because the kids, like this year, were very young after the number of people we lost last year and the impact their making on the national stage.”

When asked about the state of football in Nova Scotia, Tanner has seen positive strides, especially at the high school level.

“When I started coaching, we had five or six teams and now, we’re up to 17; that’s 17 without any teams in Cape Breton,” assesses the Phoenix head coach.  “I know that next year, Hants East is thinking about getting involved in high school football.”

“From the high school aspect it’s growing but the problem is that the reason high school teams don’t stay viable is because they can’t get a coaching staff there for five, six, seven years.  If coaching staff could commit to some of these schools, I know that a lot of schools would love to get involved in football.”

Not only does he see positive growth in high school football, but also at the minor level.

“The minor program is growing pretty well because they have the mite division, age six and seven and that’s a hoot to watch those guys play,” adds Tanner.  “Football in general in Nova Scotia is growing.”

However, there is one lasting legacy he would like to leave with the multitude of players he’s had the privilege of coaching.

“What I really like is when I talk to a parent four or five years down the road or a parent calls and in the course of the conversation, they will say that their son has had such a great experience with the program, that they learned a lot, learned some life skills and lessons,” reflects the Phoenix head coach.  “To me, that would be my legacy because I want kids to leave here and 10 years down the road, I want them to be able to see me downtown or bump into me and come over and know that I am always going to know who they are.”

“There’s always going to be a warmth between the two of us because we consider this to be a community and family.  We want that to continue.”

HIGHLIGHTS AND STORIES OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER:

Coach Tanner has been part of many special moments on the field while has giving players past and present so many memories and tales to last a lifetime.  When asked to single out one highlight that stood out in his 42 year coaching career, he unequivocally could not.

“No, I can’t because there would be too many that I could not single out one that I can recall,” comments Tanner.  “Just the fact I’m healthy, I’ve got great coaches, we’ve got great kids, and we’ve got great support from the parents so that would be the highlight I think.”

While he isn’t able to narrow it down, others have some great memories they shared for this feature.  The following are some memories of Coach Tanner by former players and coaches:

“My highlight would have been winning a provincial championship with Coach Tanner as a player in my senior year of high school (2002). Coach Tanner is the reason I quit soccer to focus on football it was the best decision I ever made as an athlete. Also, the first day I came on the Citadel staff was the highlight for me. In his opening remarks to the team, I realized absolutely nothing had changed since I played – it was perfect.”-Jon Dyer

“One story really comes to mind and that is back in the mid 80’s he kicked our best player off the team for lack of commitment and poor attitude to the team. That player tried for weeks to get back on the team. Coach eventually let him back on the team. He was a changed person. It was no longer “me, me, I, I” but rather he was humble, worked hard and was a better person. He graduated that year went onto university and eventually became a lawyer.”-Gord Beattie

“Coach Tanner’s pre game speeches are amazing and unique, every speech is a memory. My highlight of our relationship is winning a provincial championship with him as a Grade 12 senior.”-Mike Thomson

“In terms of a special story, when I was in grade 10, nervous playing high school football. I was struggling a bit during training camp throwing and he said to me “stop aiming the ball, and just throw it!” and that’s something that I always repeat back to myself when I catch myself struggling in a game or practice.”-Jesse Mills

“Coach Tanner has a unique way of expressing himself and could always make the ones around him laugh. In my three years of knowing him I’ve rarely seen him wearing pants. ‘Cold is a state of mind ‘ is what he always said.”-Kadeem Adams

“Before football games, all the players are to be in the locker room at least two hours before games which often means we get out of bed at 7 or 8 AM on a Saturday. As a consequence the majority of us are tired however before we leave the locker room coach gets us all together and finds a way to excite or pump us up. He claims he doesn’t prepare his speeches before-hand however I would find that hard to believe considering how inspiring and motivational they are for us. Personally I don’t think coach would bother to prepare a speech because he wouldn’t have time to considering he is always amongst the players checking up on us and preparing us mentally for the game. The highlight of my playing career for coach was the opening practice of my first season. At the beginning of the first practice he told us what he expected of us, how he expected it done and what to look forward to. He then gave us the option to leave and shortly after began practice. It was a short speech and doesn’t seem like much but it’s during those speeches when you get to really find out what kind of a person Coach Tanner is.”-Nick Giacomantonio

“The highlight of my playing career involving Coach Tanner would have to be listening to his pre-game speeches. He can always get the team fired up and ready to go.”-Chris Folkins

THE MAN AND HIS CHARACTER:

How is the best way to describe Coach Tanner on and off the field?  Who better to answer that question than those that know him best?

First off is Lawley who’s been by his side as a coach of the Phoenix for the past 23 seasons.

“He is young at heart, stays fit and always takes a positive view point,” says the Phoenix co-head coach, who says it’s an honour and privilege to coach alongside the legend.  “He has an amazing feel for the game, very instinctual.”

“He demands the best and is able to squeeze every inch of talent a player can give.”

Phoenix offensive coordinator Dyer speaks of his character and coaching methods.

“Coach Tanner is the most focused and passionate coach I’ve ever been around,” expresses Dyer.   “There is always a method and intention for any decisions he makes and after all the winning he’s done, and the young men who he’s had such a powerful impact on, like many others, I rarely question it.”

Offensive line coach Beattie adds that Tanner’s leadership is in a class of its own.

“Coach Tanner is the ultimate leader,” comments Beattie.  “He can take a group of players and coaches and get the best out of them.”

“Coach works and hard and expects no less from anyone else.”

For defensive back coach Thomson, it was hard to summarize the Phoenix head coach’s character.  However, he spoke of his motivational power.

“As a coach to the players he is stern and fair, loyal and demanding,” says Thomson. “He says what he feels and yells it how it is but he makes you want to win.”

“As a fellow coach, he is dedicated to the sport and has a passion for the game. It is an honor to coach with him.”

Folkins gives his perspective from a player’s standpoint.

“Coach Tanner is dedicated, driven and passionate but always keeps things fun and has a good sense of humor on and off the field,” adds the Phoenix defensive back.

As for current Phoenix defensive star Nettle, he zones in on Tanner’s strength as a coach.

“Coach Tanner has been coaching for many years and it really shows in his experience during games,” says the linebacker.  “He is a great coach and a true legend.”

While football is a very important part of Coach Tanner’s life, defensive end Giacomantonio adds that Tanner preaches that it should follow family, school and religion.

“He constantly reminds us that there are no other excuses for missing a practice,” explains the Phoenix defensive star.  “He is a dedicated coach and a role model.”

“As a person who has been coaching for about 40 years, Coach Tanner knows what it takes to win and as a person who loves to win, he doesn’t hold back his thoughts or opinions. He, unlike most coaches I’ve ever encountered, will tell you personally if you’re holding the team back but he never gives up on you. This attitude he carries is, to me, the reason he is currently coaching a team that has won four championships in a row as well as three straight undefeated seasons.”

KEYS TO LONGEVITY AS A HEAD COACH:

Ultimately, Coach Tanner knows the recipe of success that has guided him in 42 seasons. He credits several factors that played a part in his ability to be able to outlast others in the coaching ranks.

“Firstly, I had a very understanding wife who understood I enjoyed coaching and never said anything about it,” explains Tanner.  “Secondly, what keeps me excited is the fact  we have new kids over and over that come with sort of a different attitude.”

“Some of them played a lot of football and some haven’t but it’s neat to see the interaction amongst the kids.  The big thing is to see them go from grade 10 to grade 12.  It’s just an astronomical difference.”

For example, this season will give a glimpse into the mirror ball of Citadel’s potential success in the years to come.

“This year we have 31 grade 10’s on the team, which is an astronomical number,” comments the Phoenix head coach.  “To see them this time two years from now, we’re going to be so powerful, it’s going to be scary because of that.”

Another key aspect of longevity is the thrill and excitement is the opening day of Phoenix’s training camp.

“August 20th when the first tryout happens and how many kids are going to be there,” reflects Tanner.  “What is going to be the calibre of the kids?”

“Then you start taking it from there.”

The Jamboree is a measuring stick of talent that Tanner says excites him even more.

“You want to have a look to see what the competition is,” explains the Phoenix co-head coach.  “Are you going to have a chance to be successful?”

“Do you have a chance to win another provincial championship?”

Last month’s event at Burnside Turf provided a glimpse of what Tanner expects to see in the 2012 season.

“I saw three other teams that are very, very good,” says Tanner.  “I thought by far CP Allen was the best and are much better than us right now or at that time.”

“You could throw us, Sir John A and Cobequid in a hat and anyone could win or lose.”

Overall, it was exciting for him to see how the Phoenix would measure up in 2012.

“We lost so many kids last year and we didn’t know what we were going to be,” adds Tanner.  “We’re quite excited that we have a chance and that’s all you want.”

“You want a chance to compete at the highest level and we think we have that chance.  Are we going to win another championship?  I am going to say yes because you can’t say no but are we going to expect to?  Right now, we’re not 100 percent sure but we think we’re in the hunt.”

Lawley says that 42 years of longevity as a coach is not a surprise at all and believes that by no stretch is Tanner done with coaching in the future.

“We need to get at least another 10 years out of him,” comments Lawley. “Hopefully he will stay forever.”

Photos courtesy of Cathy Connell
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