Harris replaces Buratto as Interim Head Coach
CALGARY – Longtime assistant coach WayneHarris, Jr. will take over as interim head coach of the Dinosfootball team following the resignation of Steve Buratto, theUniversity of Calgary announced Friday.
Harris, who has been an assistant coach with the Dinos for 16seasons in three separate stints between 1989 and 2014, willprovide overall leadership to the football program as the nationalsearch for a full-time head coach continues.
Buratto informed the Dinos of his inability to continue in therole earlier this week, due to personal reasons.
“I am disappointed not to be able to fulfill the interimhead coaching duties, but some personal matters take priority forme at this time,” said Buratto. “I look forward to thepossibility of working with the Dinos in the future and I wish theuniversity the very best of luck in their search for a new headcoach.”
“We understand and support Steve’s decision, and Iam confident that Wayne Harris will provide the leadership ourprogram needs during this transition period,” said RonWuotila, director of athletics.
“The University of Calgary football program has atradition of excellence, and all of the ingredients are in placefor continued success between the staff, the university, theathletic department, and the 5th Quarterassociation,” said Harris. “My immediate role will beto support recruiting, meet with current players as they beginoff-season training, and work with our academic coordinator toensure the academic success of our players. I am extremelyconfident the Dinos football program will continue to achieveexcellence on the field, in the classroom, and in thecommunity.”
The son of Calgary Stampeders legend Wayne Harris, Sr., Harrisstarred as a two-sport athlete for the Dinos from 1977-81 in bothfootball and wrestling. He was a three-time Canada West all-star atlinebacker and added a conference wrestling title in 1980. He spentfour seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Stampeders,B.C. Lions, and Toronto Argonauts before retiring in 1984, when hejoined the Calgary Board of Education.
Over the course of his coaching career with the Dinos, Harrishas been part of seven Hardy Cup championship teams andparticipated in four Vanier Cups, including the 1995 championshipseason under former head coach Peter Connellan.
He has been the Dinos’ defensive coordinator for the pastfour seasons and was head coach of the Calgary Colts from 1991-93.He also spent 25 years as a coach in Calgary high school footballat Sir Winston Churchill, Henry Wise Wood, and WilliamAberhart.
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