Coaching Staff

2008 Season

The Sherwood Park Rams are aware that it is the coaching staff of a team that provides the leadership that is integral to developing young football players into not only a championship team on the field but outstanding individuals off the field. The work ethic that is taught by our Rams' coaches will help our players to be successful in their lives. Champions are build from the top starting with an Executive and Head Coach that is the finest in bantam football. Our Head Coach provides the heart and soul of this organization. Coach Skitsko instills in the players a belief in team. "Together we can do a great deal" he is heard to say each season in his "family chats" with the players prior to the start of practices. Financially, the Executive takes great care in being responsible with team funds.

Philosophically, the Rams' coaches chart the course in which every player is proud to be a Ram!

Jim SkitskoHead Coach/ Receivers Coach /Special Teams: Jim Skitsko

13th Year as Head Coach

Jim Skitsko enters his 13th year as Head Coach of one of the most successful Bantam organizations is Alberta. It is Jim's energy and determination that keeps a proud team like the Rams as a strong contender every year. In 1996, Jim took over a team that was in need of a new life. In the previous two seasons, the team only had 2 wins in 17 games. Since that time, the record speaks for itself with Provincial championships in 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, a total of 6 championships in 12 seasons! Northern Alberta championships came along in those years as well as 1998 and 2001. It is Coach Skitsko's vision that has resulted in creating the highest caliber of bantam football program in the province.

Coach Skitsko was named Coach of the Year by Football Alberta after the 2003, 2005 and 2006 seasons. He has completed his NCCP Level 3 practical coaching certificate.

Jim has developed a bursary program (see link) for the Rams that is the first of its kind in Canada! Thousands of dollars have been reinvested in the players' education long after they have left the Rams because "Once a Ram-Always a Ram!" Jim's rule has always been "Let the coaches coach". Jim will also serve as receivers coach and handle the special team units this season.

Greg Johnson, Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers

 8th Year with the Rams

Greg Johnson's dedication to the team and skills as a master

defensive coach has been recognized by his peers in the league with the Rams being named the top defensive team in the CDMFA on more than one occasion. With Greg's leadership as the Defensive Coordinator, the Ram's defense has consistently been one of the most successful defenses in bantam football. Greg brings with him a strong work ethic and great understanding of the defensive side of football.

As an example, the 2004 season saw the Ram's defense hold teams to a record breaking meager 13 points during the regular season."Defense wins championships" he has been heard to say and Coach Johnson practices what he preaches. Always prepared, the 2008 Rams will have one of the best defenses in the league. Always a "Rams First" coach, he brings a great understanding of the organizational aspects to the game. Greg was named Coach of the Year while coaching the Warriors Atom team to a Provincial championship in 1997. He was also selected the RAMS' "Coach of the Year" in 2004,2007 and 2008 and will lead the Ram's midget team in its third season as head coach. Coach Johnson is a NCCP Level 1 certified coach.

Bruce Cunningham, Offensive Coordinator

13th Season with the Rams

Bruce returns for yet another season of excellence.

Bruce started with the Rams mid-way in the 1996 season and has proven to be the secret weapon of the Rams staff. He is the most thorough coaching scout in bantam football and helps the team prepare for games each week. Bruce's dedicated scouting has been instrumental to the success of the team and he was rewarded with his selection as 2003 Ram's "Coach of the Year". Coach Bruce spends countless hours breaking down game film to help the Rams succeed in their preparation for the next game. Bruce has completed his Level 1 NCCP  practical coaching certification. Coach Cunningham is a NCCP Level 1 certified coach.

Ben van Beers, Assistant Offensive Line Coach

5th Season with the Rams

This is Ben's 5th Year with the Rams and his third year with the offensive line. He continues to be the hardest working coach with the players on his unit.

He will assist Coach Martin this season and help with the offence. He is an experienced coach and has coached many seasons in bantam football and was part of that powerful 2000 North Stars squad that won the Northern Alberta championship. Coach Ben is a gentleman and always a teacher first. He will continue to be a big part of that all important ingredient to a successful offence.

Curt Martin Offensive Line Coach, Assistant Offensive Coordinator

Curt joins us after having coached the Pee Wee Bulldogs

and the Bev Facey Falcons, both in the same year! He is a tireless worker. He is a tremendous example of the RAMS philosophy of "giving back" to the game he loves, having played with the RAMS under Coach Skitsko and Coach Cunningham in 1996. Curt is one of the "young guns" of coaches in Alberta and is extremely knowledgeable. He played football at the Junior level for two seasons with the Edmonton Huskies. He will be assisting Coach Cunningham with the offense this season and will be in charge of the offensive line.

 

Zach Smith, Running Backs Coach

This will be Zach's first year of coaching with the RAMS but not his first year of coaching. He has coached at the bantam level, midget level and high school level. He is a former PROVINCIAL CHAMPION with the RAMS and when he played for the RAMS he was always a leader. He will lead the running backs on the team this year to a higher level of success and we are looking forward to Zach's knowledge, energy and commitment to our team this year.

Brian Anstice, Assistant Defensive Line Coach

3rd Year with the Rams

Coach Anstice has coached football in the Edmonton area for more than 20 years having spent most of those years at M.E. Lazerte High School. His knowledge of football is immeasurable. His last four years of coaching have been spent with Archbishop Jordan High School where he acted as Defensive Coordinator, defensive line and linebacker coach. He also helped coach the Rams Midget team in its inaugural season last year. Brian is also a fabulous motivator will bring his high level of passion to the Rams locker room. He is also one of Alberta's top high school basketball coaches.

Marc BeauregardMarc Beauregard, Defensive Assistant Coach

Coach Marc returns to the Rams this season for his fifth season. Marc was an accomplished football player in his college days having been drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the mid 1970's and made impressions on coaches and players alike with his ability to hit and tackle. He will help teach those skills to the defensive line and linebackers this season in an assistant coach capacity.

Tony TripodiTony Tripodi, Defensive Line Coach

Coach Tripodi returns for his second year of coaching and brings a great deal of football experience to the Rams. After playing junior football for the Edmonton Wildcats, he began his coaching experience with the Rams for 3 seasons (1990-1992), helping the team win a city championship in 1992.Tony has coached at the Atom, Pee Wee and Midget levels in Sherwood Park. He is a Level 1 NCCP Coach in football and has completed his level 2 requirements. Coach Tripodi will coach the Rams D Line this season.

Darrin Annibale, Defensive Backs Coach

Coach Annibale proved to be a valuable member of our defensive staff last season and will be in charge of the defensive backs this year.

He is a Level 1 NCCP coach and brings a strong work ethic to practices each day. He is a hard working and dedicated coach and stresses the fundamentals to his athletes.This will be Coach Annibale's second year with the team.