Coach’s departure stuns Gee-Gees
In what seems like peculiar timing, Jamie Barresi has stepped down as head coach of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees football team.
A memo circulated to players and coaches, then posted on the team’s website on Friday, said Barresi, who joined the team as head coach and program manager in early 2013, has left.
“I do expect to coach again,” Barresi, 63, told Postmedia on Friday night. “I’m a life coach and I expect to be coaching again soon. I don’t have anything etched in stone yet, but I’ll definitely be coaching. It’s in my blood.”
“Jamie has decided to step back and he informed us of that,” said the University of Ottawa’s athletic director Sue Hylland.
“Coach has given a lot to the program, he really has. He’s got a work ethic beyond belief, he cared deeply about the kids in the program, his moral compass is really strong.
“We want to make sure he’s celebrated, but at the same time, we have to look for another head coach and general manager as soon as we can. We have to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.”
Barresi’s teams sport an overall record of 36 wins and 27 losses, including two OUA semifinal playoff appearances.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of the players that have been involved with the program for their superlative effort and dedication,” Barresi said in a statement.
“I hope they will continue to challenge themselves and do the things they ’re most afraid of doing. They have given more to me than I can repay.”
Asked why he stepped aside, Barresi said: “I really don’t want to get into that, I’m sorry.”
Asked about his time with the Gee-Gees, the coach said: “I really enjoyed it. I wrote a note to the players and told them they gave me much more than I could ever give back to them. I loved working with the kids. Some of the kids will say I’m old, but I’d also think I was able to reach out and connect with them.”
Barresi sent the team’s players a letter earlier on Friday. He wrote: “This is my last letter, you’ve maybe gotten news about my departure. The best way to do this would have been in a squad meeting, but given the circumstances it’s not practical. Perhaps we’ll see each other on the street and I can shake your hand or give you an elbow bump if the virus hasn’t dissipated.
“I truly enjoyed the privilege of coaching you guys. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. I loved the practices, I loved the games. I never had a bad day. I really feel that you guys are on the right path in the classroom and on the field. I always expect big things from you. I wish you every success.”
Barresi, who hails from Hamilton, was a quarterback with the Gee-Gees from 1976-79. He then served on the Gee-Gees coaching staff from 1981-83 before spending 20 seasons coaching in the NCAA at Penn State, the University of Florida, Wake Forest and Central Florida.
As a coach in the CFL with Hamilton, B.C., Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and Edmonton, he appeared in three Grey Cups in nine seasons, including a win in 2006 with the Lions.