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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:
Michelle Pino
Media Relations & Communications Officer
University of Guelph, Department of Athletics
