The coaching staff that will guide the Sardis Falcons into their 2018 football revival will be extremely familiar to fans of the GW Graham Grizzlies.
Each of the Sardis coaches has ties to the GWG program, which should only help fuel the rivalry when both teams hit the gridiron this fall.
Sardis, returning to the high school ranks for the first time since the early 1980’s, is led by former GWG head coach Adam Smith. Smith has surrounded himself with several lieutenants from his Grizzly run.
Sukh Parmar is one of them.
Job considerations took him from Chilliwack to Nanaimo where he coached with the powerhouse John Barsby Bulldogs the last few seasons, but Parmar returns as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.
“Sukh brings endless experience and discipline to our coaching staff,” Smith said. “He is a master of fundamentals and developing young talent, with the amazing ability to connect with his players and help bring out the best in them on and off the field.”
Austin Harvey was on Smith’s staff during his last season at GWG (2016).
Harvey was a championship coach in Manitoba with the vaunted Oak Park Raiders, and like Parmar, he’s a coach who speaks with authority and gets his point across to his players.
He will handle the linebackers.
“Coach Harvey brings a wealth of championship experience with him along with his ability to develop athletes who have played both in the NCAA and the Canadian Football League,” Smith noted.
Jeff Whitehead is a Sardis grad who has been a constant presence alongside Smith. He will coach the defensive backs.
“Jeff is one of the most loyal coaches you’ll find and I love having him on my staff because he is a big team guy,” Smith said. “He will help us out and add value anywhere we need him, from offence to defence to to special teams.”
Suresh Parray will handle special teams and quarterbacks.
“If you were to start a Chilliwack Football Coaching Hall of Fame, Suresh would have to be considered for one of the first spots,” Smith said. “He lives and breathes culture and winning and will be a key member in helping Sardis develop our own culture.”
Todd Wood, who will help coach coach the DBs, is another big believer in culture.
“Coach Wood has been a key member of a very successful coaching staff for every step of the way,” Smith said. “He’ll be huge helping to develop a winning culture on and off the field.”
Sean Douglas stepped away from the Grizzlies when his son, Baker, graduated to the NCAA ranks. A man who always has a smile on his face, he’s a welcome addition to the Sardis sideline who will coach the receivers.
“Sean is one of the most dedicated coaches,” Smith said. “He is committed not only to helping develop football players, but helping them become great young men for when football is over for them.”
Smith will handle offensive coordinator duties.