Kyle Walters steps down as Guelph Gryphons coach


GUELPH, Ont. – The University of Guelph, Department of Athletics announced today that Kyle Walters has stepped down as Head Coach of the Guelph Gryphons Football Team.

Walters, a native of St.Thomas, Ont. will be parting ways with the Gryphons to focus on pursuing coaching ventures elsewhere at the professional level.

Walters steps down following four years of service as the head coach of the Gryphon program. During his tenure, Walters helped guide the Gryphons to a 13-18-1 regular season record and three straight playoff appearances from 2007-2009. In 2007 he enjoyed his most successful season leading the Gryphons to the OUA final where Guelph hosted the 100th Yates Cup, their first Yates appearance since 1996. The Gryphons were defeated 34-21 in the Championship game by the Western Mustangs.

Prior to being the Head Coach, Walters spent a total of seven years with the Gryphon football program, first as a player (1992-1996) then as an assistant coach (2004-2005). He was named head coach in February 2006.

“I want to thank all the players from over the years as well as the entire coaching and support staff that have helped make this one of the best jobs I’ve ever had,” said Walters. “I can’t say enough about these players and the coaching staff. While it’s time for me to move in a new direction in my coaching journey, I know that the Guelph Gryphons program will continue to grow and I wish them all the best.”

“On behalf of the University of Guelph and Department of Athletics, I want to thank Kyle Walters for his tireless efforts and commitment to the Gryphon program,” said Director of Athletics, Tom Kendall. “Kyle has been a valued member of our coaching staff and major contributor to the growing success of the Gryphon football program over the years and we wish him the very best as he moves on to the next stage of his career.”

Prior to his tenure at Guelph, Walters spent the 2003 season as the Assistant Special Team’s Coach of the Hamilton Tiger Cats. He played five seasons for the Gryphons from 1992-1996. In his rookie season, the Gryphons captured the Yates Cup. In 1995, Walters played free safety and was drafted by the Hamilton Tiger Cats in the 2nd round (10th overall) but returned to Guelph for his fifth and final season. That year, he captained the Gryphons to the 1996 Yates Cup and in 1997 graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He was a two-time OUA All-Star and All-Canadian (1995, 1996). After graduation, Walters went on to play for the Tiger Cats. During his stint with Hamilton, Kyle played safety and halfback in the 1998 and 1999 Grey Cups.
Source: CIS

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