The Westshore Rebels announced their new coach to replace outgoing J.C. Boice on Friday.
Only he isn’t really new at all.
Former Rebels assistant coach Charly Cardilicchia takes over the top duties.
“We had a couple of great candidates which made our decision a difficult one,” Rebels GM and vice-president of operations Jonathan Poppitt said in a statement. “We wanted to make sure that the new head coach would have a good rapport with players and could continue the success that J.C. helped create over the past two years.”
Cardilicchia played minor football in Victoria and scored the Rebels’ first touchdown when the organization joined the B.C. Football Conference. After four seasons, he moved on to play for the University of Manitoba for three years. His achievements include BCFC all-star, three-time Cullen Cup finalist and team MVP.
Cardilicchia brings more than 19 years of coaching experience to the team and during his time as coach for the Saanich Wolverines Junior Bantam team which secured 12 championships, earning him the lifetime achievement award from the Greater Victoria Minor Football Association.
He also recently led the Junior Bantam Renegades to the 2016 provincial championship. He also worked as an assistant with the Rebels under his dad, John, who remains with the team as special teams co-ordinator and defensive assistant.
“One thing I do know is that great coaching starts with surrounding yourself around a team of specialists who have extensive experience in their respective areas. My job is to bring the right people together to ensure the team gets the support and coaching needed to bring the best out in each player,” said Charly.
It’s not known whether Boice’s assistant head coach, Shane Beatty, will return to the team.
Among the new assistants will be former Rebel Tim O’Neill, who recently retired from the B.C. Lions. He will work part-time with the offensive line. Rob Smith, Andy Garmin, Randeep Desi, Tyler Woods, Terry Houngbo, Luke Michaud, Mike Williams, Phil Slater, Rudy Fjeldstad, Trevor Slater and Tyler Nickel round out the staff.
“Our coaching staff is going to continue to be strong this season and we look forward to building a winning team that will take us once again to the Cullen Cup and the Canadian Bowl,” said Rebels president Doug Kobayashi.
