TRAGIC LOSS
Cape Breton Capers men’s soccer program dedicates 2018 season to late Robbie Chiasson
Capers men’s soccer team dedicates season to former coach.
When Deano Morley became the head coach of the Cape Breton Capers men’s soccer program in 2014, he knew he could count on Robbie Chiasson for advice when he needed it.
Morley first met Chiasson in 2004 when he decided to move to Cape Breton with the woman who is now his wife for education and to play soccer with Cape Breton University – from the time they met, the two quickly became best friends.
“It’s been very special to have the mentorship that I have had in Robbie Chiasson,” said Morley.
“I saw early on in his days that his relentless work ethic, his drive and ambition was only matched by his good will and character and that always inspired me as a player and coach.”
During his 11 years as the Capers head coach, Chiasson guided the Cape Breton squad to a 64-38-34 overall record that included Atlantic University Sport championships in 2007, 2009 and 2012, along with national silver and bronze medals. He was named the AUS coach of the year in 2003 and 2006.
Chiasson stepped down as the head coach of the soccer program in 2014, to spend more quality time with his own family.
Morley was later named head coach of the Capers program.
“The plan was always to become the best soccer program in Canada,” said Morley. “Any time I needed him, he was there, and any time I needed some guidance, he was there.”
On April 15, 2018, Chiasson, a married father of three, died in an all-terrain vehicle accident on James Street in his home community of New Waterford. He was 49.
“I think I’m still in disbelief and hurt as many people are because the beauty of this story is that Robbie touched thousands of lives across the island, building sports and soccer,” said Morley.
“Robbie brought hundreds of student-athletes together and connected people and I think that’s what Robbie’s secret power was, connecting people. I think no matter who you ask, any time Robbie was there, the event was better — he made everyone happier.”
With the sudden loss of Chiasson, who continued to support the soccer program after his time as coach, the Capers decided to dedicate the 2018 season in his memory
As part of the tribute to Chiasson, who taught physical education at Greenfield Elementary School in River Ryan, the team is wearing special “R.C.” patches on its jerseys.
The team also honoured Chiasson with a ceremony prior to the club’s home opener at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex on Sept. 8, and presented a national gold medal to Chiasson’s son, Conor, and father-in-law Richie Wilcox.
“I had brought two gold medals home (after the Capers won the nationals in November 2017) and my plan was to present those medals to Robbie and Richie because, in my opinion, they were the two pioneers of this program,” said Morley.
“I didn’t get that opportunity, but I got the second-best thing. It was a touching moment, a very difficult moment, but also an honour to be able to stand there and put a national gold medal around their necks and complete the process.”
Amanda Chiasson, Robbie’s wife, said the Chiasson family is honoured the Capers have dedicated the season in memory of him.
“It’s been a number of years since Robbie has coached there, but the Capers are still appreciative and respect the impact that he made on the program, helping bring it to where it is today,” she said.
“Robbie put a lot of hard work and a lot of hours into the program, and as a family we did too, so it’s nice that they continue to show that respect to him.”
Amanda is grateful for the support the family has received from Capers athletics as well as the AUS.
“Whether or not all the players knew Robbie, Deano, Vernon (O’Quinn), Scott (Clarke) have expressed who he was, and I think the players understand,” said Chiasson.
“There are different coaches across the AUS who have expressed their condolences and sympathy — some even came down for the wake and funeral and others attended the first game.”
Following the national championship game last season, a contest which saw the Capers defeat the Montreal Carabins 3-2 in penalty kicks, Chiasson was the first person Morley called.
“He was at his house watching the game with his family, dressed in Capers gear. It was one of my proudest moments that I’ve ever had in my life to be able to pick up the phone and call the person I respected the most,” said Morley.
“He had put so much time, effort and commitment into getting the program to where it was and to make that phone call and hear Robbie’s reaction is a moment I’ll never forget.”
This year, the Cape Breton team finished the regular season first overall with a 10-0-2 record, pushing the club’s undefeated record to 29 straight games.
The Capers men’s and women’s soccer teams will host the Atlantic University Sport
championships, beginning Thursday, at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex in Sydney.
Chiasson will also be honoured during the event and on Tuesday was named the 2018 AUS honorary chair for the tournament.
A pre-game ceremony will take place prior to the Capers semifinal game at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. A reception will also be held following the game from 8-9 p.m. at the Hampton Inn By Hilton Sydney in Membertou for family and friends of Chiasson.
Morley said Chiasson’s memory will never be forgotten.
“I spent a lot of time building the culture of this program so that every student-athlete knows who paved the way for them before they put on the jersey,” said Morley. “We spend time ensuring the players know what it means to represent Cape Breton and Robbie certainly knew how to do that and his legacy won’t be forgotten.”