Source: Shannon Donovan, Football Canada / Photo credit Yan Doublet
QUEBEC CITY, Que – Joe Taplin, a sergeant in the RCMP by day, began coaching linebackers at Saint Mary’s University in 2002. An NCCP level 2 coach, Taplin also works with the Huskies linebacking core in the off-season to help prepare them for the next level. Over the years many of his players have made the jump to the professional ranks, a list which boasts 6 current CFL players including Tim St. Pierre and Karl McCartney.
In 1991, Taplin got his start coaching in the Alberta high school ranks, spending nearly a decade sharpening his craft in Peace River and Wainwright.
His efforts with the Huskies extend well beyond football as he’s helped establish a number of programs that give back to the community.
Serving as the primary liaison with Special Olympics Nova Scotia, coach Taplin has helped establish a number of community programs such as the 13th Player.
Most recently coach Taplin has spearheaded a partnership with Shelter Nova Scotia in which players volunteered their time to help homeless men and women receive services that they would otherwise not have had access to such as flu shots, haircuts and blood pressure checks.
“Joe is a valued member of the Saint Mary's Huskies football family and has been for a number of years. His dedication to coaching and mentoring our young men gives them guidance when they are here and provides a strong foundation for their future,” said St. Mary’s head coach, Perry Marchese.
About the Gino Fracas Award
This award is named to honour a man who has made a lifetime of outstanding contributions to amateur football. Gino Fracas moved right into a coaching role after his days with the Edmonton Eskimos with the University of Alberta head coach position. He led them to three league championships in the next four years. In 1963 his team won the Golden Bowl, the unofficial university National Championship and he also appeared in the very first Canadian College Bowl in 1965.
He was highly respected and admired for his dedication and commitment to the great sport of Canadian football. 2011 proves to be another great accomplishment by Gino, almost two years after his passing Gino was entered into the CFL Hall of Fame on September 17th, 2011 under the builder category.
The award created by Football Canada to pay recognition to the assistant coach that provides endless hours to improve the experience for the players and to support the other coaches. This award will ensure we continue to be able to recognize Gino’s legacy within the game of football as it also continues to recognize the contribution of the assistant coach.
PAST WINNERS
Ed Carleton 2012
Brian Cluff 2011
Larry Stewart 2010
Pierre Lefebvre 2009
Terry Chisholm 2008
Nigel Wilson 2007
Wayne Harris Jr. 2006
Richard Urbanovich 2005
Ross Lemke 2004
Rob Dalley 2003
Barry Radcliffe 2002
Frank Gesztesi 2001
Kevin Artichuk 2000
John Belmont 1999
Mark Forsyth 1998
Rita Sue Bolton 1997
Peter Regimbald 1996
Gary Kirchner 1995
Bill Miklas 1994
Bob Mullen 1993
Doug Smith 1992
Clarke Samways 1991
John MacNeil 1990
Phil Hughes 1989
Morgan Clark 1988