McMaster coach Ptaszek geared up for another run

Stefan Ptaszek has a tough act to follow. His own.

The 48-year-old Burlington native is back for his second stint as the head football coach at McMaster University. He served as the Marauders’ head coach from 2006 to ’15, leading the Hamilton school to a Vanier Cup title in ’11 and appearances in the championship game in ’12 and ’14.

He then became the offensive co-ordinator of the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats (’16-17) before spending last season as the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds’ offensive co-ordinator. Ptaszek, a former CFL receiver with B.C., Hamilton and Toronto, also won a Vanier Cup in ’05 as the offensive co-ordinator for the Laurier Golden Hawks, his alma mater.

“I think some of the culture and things that are ingrained aren’t going to change in 100 years and you already know what that kind of looks like,” Ptaszek said. “With student-athletes, there’s going to be some fresh faces.

“There’s enough that’s new but there’s a base here that makes the transition just a little smoother and you can get traction a little quicker.”

The Ontario University Athletics season opens Sunday with five games, including McMaster visiting the Guelph Gryphons.

Ptaszek has no shortage of talent to work with this season, including third-year quarterback Andreas Dueck.

But making hay in the OUA won’t be easy.

The Western Mustangs, who lost 34-20 to Laval in last year’s Vanier Cup after winning it in ’17, were 8-0 last year and have traditionally been a powerhouse in Ontario. Ottawa (6-2) was second ahead of Guelph, Carleton and McMaster (all 5-3). Close behind were the Waterloo Warriors and Laurier (both 4-4) while Queen’s and York were next (3-5).

“I think the health of the OUA is best defined by looking at some of the quality football teams that didn’t make the playoffs,” Ptaszek said. “Laurier and Queen’s are good football teams ... the league is healthy.”