Former player Cousineau returns to Carabins as Receivers Coach, Desriveaux departs

Montreal, June 8, 2016 – Just months after concluding a successful college career with the Montreal Carabins, Gabriel Cousineau returns to the fold, but this time as receivers coach.

Recognized as one of the best university quarterbacks in the country, Cousineau has greatly demonstrated his athleticism and natural leadership during his time with the Carabins.

Last year, in his fifth and final season of eligibility in the CIS, it became clear to Head Coach Danny Maciocia that Cousineau had great talent to continue his football career as a coach.

“He very well established his leadership when he was captain of the team,” said Maciocia.  “He is a highly respected person by other players in the community.”

“We have full confidence in his abilities and we believe he will be up to the challenge. His expertise and advice will be very helpful for our players and in many aspects.”

Coaching at university level requires not only a work focused approach on developing potential student-athletes full-time, but also on preparing young adults for their future careers.  With these two great goals, Maciocia chose Cousineau to join the coaching staff that surrounds him.

“Gabriel was a natural choice for us,” added Maciocia.  “He has a very good football mind and knows our offensive identity.”

“As a former Carabin, he knows the values inherent in the program and he will certainly help convey that to student-athletes. He will undoubtedly be an asset to Marco Iadeluca and for the whole team. ”

A return to the Carabins as a coach was a goal for Cousineau, but he did not think he would have the opportunity so soon.

“Having played for such a great organization, it is a perfect opportunity to return as coach in the program that forged my career as an athlete and as a person,” said Cousineau.  “During those years, I had the chance to work closely with Danny (Maciocia) and Marco (Iadeluca).”

“We have built a strong bond of trust and complicity will inevitably have a positive impact in my new role as a coach.”

The first quarterback Carabins that led his team to a Vanier Cup Championship wants to make a substantial contribution to the program.

“I have a good vision of the game and I know the playbook,” added Cousineau.  “I can definitely help technically.”

“But I hope that my contribution is not limited to this. I know the reality of student-athletes and I think I can be a positive influence to younger players.

Cousineau will begin his new duties on August 1, 2016. It is with joy and pride that the Carabins welcome of a key player in the success of it’s football program back into the family.

Danny Desriveaux’s Departure

After three seasons with the Carabins as Special Teams Coordinator and Receivers Coach, Danny Desriveaux, the father of two young boys, has decided to depart from the Carabins for family reasons and will leave officially on June 15th.

Although the Carabins are disappointed,  the motivations behind this difficult decision is understood and accepted. Maciocia only had good words to share about Desriveaux leaving and the positive legacy he leaves behind with the program.

“Danny is a unifying man and this trait has benefited the team,” said Maciocia.  “He played an important role for student-athletes on and off the field.”

“We share core values which focus on the family. There will always be a home for him at CEPSUM “.

Desriveaux led a group that has had great success during his time with the Carabins. In addition to winning the Dunsmore Cup, Uteck and Mitchell Bowls, the Carabins took part in the Vanier Cup final the past two seasons and came out victorious in 2014, a first in the program’s history. These notable successes are due to the continuous hard work of a team of skilled and dedicated coaches.

“Danny held a dual role and it is clear to me that his many qualities, both as a coach that his interpersonal skills, have contributed to the progress of our program,” added Maciocia.   “He contributed enormously to the team and we thank him for all his work.”

“We wish him the best of luck in his new challenges.”

It is with mixed feelings that Desriveaux leaves the Carabins.

“I am leaving with life lessons, memories and friendships that will stay for life,” said Desriveaux.  “The Dunsmore Cup and Vanier Cup wins will be added on the top of an already long list of what can happen when individuals decide to work together in forgetfulness of self and its limitations, hard and refusal to abdicate.”

“I will always be indebted to the University of Montreal, Paul Krivicky, Manon Simard, Jean-Pierre Chancy and Danny Maciocia for giving me an opportunity to continue my professional growth and welcomed me into the Carabins family.”

Various options are being reviewed for the vacant Special Teams Coordinator position. A plan will be implemented shortly.

With files from Brigitte Cérat