CJFL Predators name new head coach: Tom Arnott to lead team in sophmore season


WATERLOO – Two-time OUA Coach of the Year winner Tom Arnott will take the helm as the CJFL Predators’ head coach for the team’s sophomore season, the Predators organization announced today.

Arnott, a 1977 Toronto Argonauts draft pick, brings a combined 30 years of CIS and CFL coaching experience to the Predators, who are looking to build on a 2-6 inaugural season in 2011.

“Tom has a wealth of experience as a coach and a player, and is very keen to help us move forward,” said Jim Macarthur, president of Twin Cities Minor Tackle Football Association. “We’re excited to have him at the helm of our national team.”

As a former head coach both at York University and University of Guelph, Arnott has demonstrated his ability to develop winning teams, Macarthur noted. During his tenure as head coach of the York Lions from 1991-2000, Arnott brought the team from a last-place national ranking and record losing streak to playoff contention, and a fourth-place ranking in 1997. He went on to head up the University of Guelph Gryphons from 2001-2006, taking the team to four straight playoff appearances, and two Canadian Top 10 rankings.

Arnott was named OUA Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1997.

Arnott began his CIS coaching career as an assistant coach with Guelph, for which he also played, winning the Ted Wildman Trophy in 1976 as the player best combining football skill, athletic achievement and citizenship. He was an assistant coach with the Laurier Goldenhawks from 1983-1990, and Offensive Coordinator for their Yates Cup title in 1987. As a guest coach with the Toronto Argos in 1997-98 and 2001-02, Arnott worked with quarterbacks and receivers.

“I appreciate the confidence that Jim Macarthur and the Twin Cities Predators organization has shown in my ability to coach and lead the team,” Arnott said. “I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with everyone associated with the Predators. I especially look forward to meeting and competing with the athletes who will play this season for Twin Cities in the CJFL.”

Arnott takes over from former CJFL Predators head coach Chris Triantafilou, who stepped down to have more time to support his daughter’s athletic pursuits.

“Chris chose to be a Dad first, and that’s the right thing to do,” said Macarthur. “He did a phenomenal job with our team in its first year, and he will be missed.”

Spring Camp tryouts will be held May 5-6, with practices beginning in earnest in early July, and the regular season kicking off in mid-August. The CJFL division is open to players aged 17-22 who are not playing CIS football.

Arnott told players gathered for Tuesday night’s information meeting at the Kitchener Auditorium that they can expect to hear from him before spring camp as he endeavors to add to his knowledge of each player. A long-time friend – and former coach of Triantafilou – Arnott let it be known that he already has a good grasp on returning players’ strengths.

“The game of football is a thrill ride,” Arnott told his team. “I will go as far with you as you are willing to go.

The CJFL Predators are one of eight teams in the OFC, one of three divisions in the Canadian Junior Football League. Predators’ home games are played at Knight-Newbrough Field, University Stadium, in Waterloo. Regular season dates will be announced shortly, with home game ticket packages on sale starting June 1.

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