The University of Calgary’s football program suffered a blow Wed. Feb. 7 when Assistant Head Coach Jerry Friesen resigned to accept the Head Coach position at the University of Alberta. After four seasons in the Dinos organization, Friesen decided to pursue his dream of being in charge of a program.
While Friesen was not available for comment, Dinos’ Head Coach Tony Fasano offered his thoughts on the situation.
"We got to know each other quite well," said Fasano. "I hired him because I thought he had the potential… to be a great [Head] Coach."
Friesen’s experience will be sorely missed by the colleagues and players he left behind. He now has twelve years under his belt as defensive co-ordinator, first for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and later for the Dinos. Between his two stints in the CIAU, Friesen was linebackers coach in the Canadian Football League for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. His leadership and knowledge made him a favourite in Calgary football circles and should carry over well to his new position.
Friesen’s departure creates a great match-up in the 2002 Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union season opener, when the Golden Bears visit the Dinos in what is sure to be an emotional game for both teams.
The Dinos are now looking for a replacement for Friesen, both within and outside their own ranks.
"It’s the same process when you lose someone; you try to get the best person that you can," smiled Fasano. "My answering machine will be busy in the next few days."