OPC: “Love the game for the game and not the rewards”

The countdown begins to CanadaFootballChat.com Ontario Prospect Challenge on the May 1st weekend.  In the days leading up to OPC, CFC will preview the teams, coaches and players participating in the big event.

For 14 years, John Parkes has been a fixture on the Ontario football scene.

Over the course of his career, Parkes has instructed on several teams at various levels.  He co-founded and was the first Head Coach of the Niagara Generals.

After a stint with the Generals, Parkes moved on to the Peterborough Wolverines organization of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC).  He assumed the role of Head Coach of the bantam team in 2013. During his tenure, the team amassed a 19-3 record and won two Ramsay Conference Championships.

As a defence coach with the Crestwood Mustangs of the Central Ontario Secondary Schools Athletics (COSSA), Parkes guided the team to a 2013 OFSAA Bowl win.

 

Not only is Parkes still that capacity with the Mustangs, but he is also the Head Coach of the Varsity Wolverines.

Throughout his illustrious career, Parkes has shown his passion for coaching.

“Coaching is an opportunity to help players learn and progress in the greatest game in the world,” elaborated Parkes.

In the coming days, Parkes will once again get another chance via coaching to impart his advice and expertise to players.  On May 2^nd, he will participate in the Ontario Prospect Challenge as the Head Coach of Team Central’s Junior Varsity squad.

Coming with the experience from his other coaching stints, Parkes knows OPC is a situation that requires a different preparation approach.

“A game like this is full of limitations,” explained the team Central Head Coach.  “As a coach, you need to keep what you are trying to do as simple as possible during this process.”

“Coaches sometimes have a tendency to want to always go big, but a situation like this needs to be handle with a simple understanding for the fundamentals of the game and an understanding that in ALL-STAR situations you need to let the playmakers make plays.”

How will Parkes prepare for the big game against Team West at TD Place in Ottawa?

“Stay focused and be organized,” offered the Team Central Head Coach.  “It’s one game with one day of practice.”

“Except the limitation or the situation and be willing to adjust.”

While he is most looking forward to game day, Parkes has enjoyed the entire OPC process.

“Having the opportunity to meet so many players who love the game from across the province,” added Parkes.

As OPC is a chance for players to stand out and impress on a big stage while recruiters who will be in attendance look on, Parkes has one piece of advice to offer them.

“Love the game for the game and not the rewards,” expressed the Team Central Head Coach.

(twitter: http://twitter.com/vohra_ameeta)