WATERLOO (CIS) — It has been less than two months since Dennis McPhee took over as head coach of the Waterloo Warriors football program, but he is already creating a buzz. Joe Paopao has been brought on board as assistant head coach and to run the Waterloo offence.
“It is our mandate at Warrior Football to surround our team with the best possible mentors available,” said McPhee. “Coach Paopao’s life experiences with young people, on and off the field, as a father, husband and coach will be a great asset for our football players, coaching staff and the University of Waterloo.”
Paopao has an extensive 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.
“I am truly ecstatic to be working with these coaches and student-athletes at Waterloo,” said Paopao. “In the short time I have been on campus, I have been impressed with the University and the direction of the football program. I am looking forward to working with Coach McPhee and his staff. This is the toughest football conference in Canada. It is a short eight-game schedule in the OUA; every game is like a playoff game. You have to compete week in and week out and I look forward to the challenge.”
Joe, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, played college ball at Long Beach State in California where he was a two-time letter winner at quarterback. On Oct. 19, 2006, Joe was inducted into the Long Beach State Athletics Hall of Fame.
Joe began his CFL playing career in 1978 with the British Columbia Lions. From 1978-1981 Joe led the Lions in passing and set a CFL record for pass completions in a game in 1979. Paopao also had stints with Saskatchewan, Ottawa and Winnipeg before making the move into the coaching ranks.
“This game is all about trust, loyalty and being professional,” McPhee added. “There is no question, that at the CIS level, parents trust our staff with their sons. In order to develop student-athletes on and off the field, in the classroom and in the community, it is imperative to surround these individuals with the best people available. The coaches I have hired and retained here at Waterloo must have the same mindset as the head coach. These mentors are all superior workers and people. It is an honour to have the experience of Coach Paopao on board as we build this football program at this fine institution.”
Courtesy of University of Waterloo
