Vancouver, BC - UBC Thunderbirds head coach Shawn Olson is pleased to name Jerry Friesen as the program's full time assistant coach and defensive coordinator. Friesen, a former CIS Coach of the Year, brings a wealth of experience from over 25 years of coaching in the CIS and CFL.
"I'm excited to be back coaching in the CIS especially the Canada West," said Jerry Friesen. "I'm looking forward to working with the student-athletes and making sure they have a great experience contributing to the 'Thunderbirds' program."
A native of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Friesen most recently coached with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2011) prior to 10 years as head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears (2001-10). He compiled a record of 36-43-1 over the 10 regular seasons with the Golden Bears and a playoff record of 4-5. He twice led Alberta to 7-1 regular seasons and to three straight Hardy Cup Finals (2003-05). In 2004 he won the Frank Tindalll trophy as the CIS Coach of the Year.
"We are very fortunate to have Jerry join our staff," said UBC head coach Shawn Olson. "His extensive experience in the Canada West is a huge asset and I look forward to working with him in preparation for the 2013 season."
"Coach Olson has established a solid foundation with this program and I believe there is a very high ceiling," said Friesen. "The Thunderbirds have some young athletic players and I am looking forward to working with them, the rest of the coaching staff and contributing to the success of the program"
During his playing days Friesen played linebacker with the Saskatoon Hilltops before moving on to the University of Saskatchewan where he was a two time All-Canadian. From there he played eight years in the CFL, three with the Montreal Alouettes and five seasons with his home province Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Friesen joined the coaching ranks when he retired as a player returning to his alma mater as the team's defensive coordinator and helping them to their first Vanier Cup championship in 1990. After a year with the Roughriders in 1996, he became assistant coach with the University of Calgary in 1997 before taking the Alberta job in 2001.
The 57 year old is a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Wall of Fame and was enshrined in the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
