Source: Dan Ackerman, Waterloo Sports Info
WATERLOO, Ont. – The University of Waterloo’s Department of Athletics is pleased to announce Joe Paopao as the full-time head coach of the Waterloo Warriors football program.
After serving the 2012 season as interim head coach, Paopao will begin full-time duties, effective immediately. Paopao served as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach prior to assuming the interim head coaching duties last season.
“Joe did a tremendous job for our program and student-athletes last year during a vital period of transition,” commented Director of Athletics Bob Copeland. “He has brought a new attitude and positive momentum to the locker room, and has earned the confidence of our players, administration, and alumni,” added Copeland.
Paopao led the Warriors to a 2-6 record last season including a dominant 48-29 upset victory over the Windsor Lancers in the last game of the season. Both Paopao and his players are energized heading into the 2013 campaign as the youngest team in the CIS gains much needed experience and depth through highly focused recruiting efforts.
“I am extremely proud to make this full-time commitment to the University of Waterloo,” commented Paopao. “We have tremendous student-athletes and it will be my privilege to lead these fine young men on and off the field,” added Paopao. “Last year was a sign of things to come and with the addition of several highly touted recruits and a core group of veterans returning we will continue to get better each and every day.”
One key veteran player who looks to make a significant impact once again in 2013 is first-team OUA all-star and CIS all-Canadian Nick Anapolsky. Anapolsky, who collected a team record 63 catches last season, is thrilled at the news that Paopao has been hired full-time.
“Coach Paopao has taught me a lot about myself and how to be a better receiver,” mentioned Anapolsky. “The season I had was in large part due to the coaching and positive environment Paopao instills on each and every one of us. Moving forward the Warriors have a lot to be excited about.”
Paopao has an extensive Canadian Football League (CFL) coaching resume on top of his illustrious CFL playing career. Most recently, in 2006, he was the offensive coordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. From 2001-2005 Joe served as head coach of the Ottawa Renegades. He has also coached with Edmonton, British Columbia, and Winnipeg in the CFL.
In 2001, Paopao was the offensive coordinator for the (now defunct) San Francisco Demons of the XFL. He is a member of the B.C. Lions Wall of Fame (2007) and has also been inducted into the Long Beach State Hall of Fame (2006).
Paopao’s playing career began in B.C. where he was the quarterback for the Lions in 1978. There, he led the Lions in passing for the next three seasons and set a CFL record in 1979 for most pass completions in a single game. Paopao enjoyed a 12 year CFL career before becoming a highly respected CFL coach and subsequently a coach with the Waterloo Warriors in 2007.