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Vizza named Raiders coach

By VI Raiders, 11/12/18, 7:30PM PST

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PRESS RELEASE

With Doug Hocking stepping down as Head Coach of the team, citing a desire to spend more time with his family as his reason for doing so, the VI Raiders would like to thank Doug for all he has done for the team and appreciate his contributions.  He will always be a member of the Raiders’ family and the team wishes him the best in the future.

Moving forward, the Raiders are very pleased to announce Curtis Vizza as the new Head Coach of the team.

Curtis has been involved with the Raiders since 2006.  As a player, he won 4 BC Championships and 3 National Championships.  In addition to this, as a player with the Raiders, he was a 2 time Conference All Star, an All Canadian, a Ron White Community Service Award winner, and a CJFL Past Commissioners Award winner for his community service. 

Curtis was also the first player to utilize the VI Raiders Scholarship program to further his education, graduating from Vancouver Island University (VIU), with a degree in Physical Education and Education.  As a result of this degree, Curtis works as a teacher at John Barsby Secondary School. 

In addition, he has pursued his love of coaching and strength and conditioning.  He has spent many years working as a coach in this field with the VI Raiders, VIU Mariners, the White Rapids Swim Club, the NDSS Hockey, Soccer, Lacrosse, and Beach Volley Academies.    In addition, he has worked with the Pacific Sport INGITE Program and the Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association.

Curtis has spent the last 5 years as the Offensive Line Coach with the Raiders and had the opportunity to be a part of some very successful teams.  Not only is he a teacher at John Barsby Secondary School, but he has also been a VIU instructor in the Sports, Heath and Physical Education Department. 

This combination of experience, not only as player but as an Educator and coach, gives him a very thorough understanding of what it takes to be successful and field competitive teams in the BCFC.  His hard work, determination, perseverance and trust, will ensure that the Raider program continues its goal of excellence for the long term.

Curtis can be reached at 250-668-7789 and at: curtis.vizza@gmail.com.

In addition, in an effort to ease the workload currently being undertaken by Glenn Cook, the team’s Vice President and Director of Football Operations, Josh Williams will take over as the team’s General Manager. Glenn continues to be in a very important part of the Raider organization and will still oversee the football operations as well as devote more time and energy to the business side of the Raider operation.

Josh has a long and deep history with the Raiders, spanning over 10 years as a player, alumni, coach and Board member. He has had great success a player, winning back to back National Championships and being named All Canadian.  He was a great leader in displaying what it takes to win.  As a Coach and Board member, Josh brought the same level of dedication and passion to those positions.  He holds himself and the people around him accountable and this will contribute immensely to the program.

 

Josh can be reached at 250-713-5644 and at: joshwilliams@shaw.ca

The Raiders are very confident about the team’s future with these great additions and changes.  

Kabel Atwall

President

VI Raiders