Varsity Blues sign coordinators Carter, Flaxman

Offensive Coordinator Flaxman

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Physical Education and Health is pleased to announce the hiring of Tom Flaxman as the Varsity Blues football offensive coordinator for the 2012 season.

“Tom is a great addition to our staff,” said Varsity Blues head coach Greg Gary. “He is knowledgeable and has had great success as both a player and coach. He will undoubtedly bring a winning attitude to our program.”

Flaxman began his CIS coaching career as the Acadia Axemen running backs coach in 2008 and later assumed the role of special teams coordinator. He became co-offensive coordinator this past season and helped guide Acadia to the 2011 Atlantic conference crown.

Flaxman has been involved with the Ontario Varsity Football League’s (OVFL) Mississauga Warriors since 2004 as an offensive assistant, co-coordinator and coordinator. During that time, he has been a member of four division and three OVFL championship teams.

As a player, the standout running back won the Yates Cup as a member of the McMaster Marauders in 2003 before transferring to Acadia, where he enjoyed similar success with back-to-back Atlantic conference championship titles in 2005 and 2006.

“We are very happy to welcome Tom to U of T,” said Beth Ali, director of intercollegiate and high performance sport. “His resume speaks for itself and we’re excited to have him contribute to the development of our football program.”

Defensive Coordinator Carter

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Physical Education and Health is pleased to announce that Donnavan Carter will continue as the Varsity Blues football defensive coordinator for the 2012 season.

“It is great to have Donnavan on board as we continue to re-build the U of T football program,” said Varsity Blues head coach Greg Gary.”
A native of Brampton, Ontario, Carter was the fourth overall pick of the Toronto Argonauts in the 2000 CFL draft after an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Northern Illinois. He was named one of the captains in his senior year with the Huskies and voted the team’s defensive MVP that season.

Known as one of the hardest hitters in the league during his eight-year professional career, Carter played both outside linebacker and safety and made four different stops (Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa and Winnipeg) before officially retiring in 2008.

“Donnavan made a strong contribution to our coaching staff in 2011,” said Beth Ali, director of intercollegiate and high performance sport. “I am pleased that he will remain with us as we continue to strengthen our football program”