Coaching Staff

2011 Season

The Sherwood Park Rams are aware that it is the coaching staff of a team that provides the leadership that is integral to developing young football players into not only a championship team on the field but outstanding individuals off the field. The work ethic that is taught by our Rams' coaches will help our players to be successful in their lives. Champions are built from the top starting with an Executive and Head Coach that is the finest in bantam football. Our Head Coach provides the heart and soul of this organization. Coach Skitsko instills in the players a belief in team. "Together we can do a great deal" he is heard to say each season in his "family chats" with the players prior to the start of practices. Financially, the Executive takes great care in being responsible with team funds.

Philosophically, the Rams' coaches chart the course in which every player is proud to be a Ram!

Head Coach/Special Teams: Jim Skitsko

15th Year as Head Coach

Jim Skitsko enters his 15th year as Head Coach of one of the most successful Bantam organizations in Alberta. It is Jim's energy and determination that keeps a proud team like the Rams as a strong contender every year. In 1996, Jim took over a team that was in need of a new life. In the previous two seasons, the team only had 2 wins in 17 games. Since that time, the record speaks for itself with Provincial championships in 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008, a total of 7 championships in 15 seasons! Northern Alberta championships came along in those years as well as 1998 and 2001. It is Coach Skitsko's vision that has resulted in creating the highest caliber of bantam football program in the province.

Coach Skitsko was named Coach of the Year by Football Alberta after the 2003, 2005 and 2006 seasons. He has completed his NCCP Level 3 practical coaching certificate.

Jim has developed a bursary program (see link) for the Rams that is the first of its kind in Canada! Thousands of dollars have been reinvested in the players' education long after they have left the Rams because "Once a Ram-Always a Ram!" Jim's rule has always been "Let the coaches coach". Jim will also serve as receivers coach and handle the special team units this season.

Greg Johnson, Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers

12th Year with the Rams

Greg Johnson's dedication to the team and skills as a master

defensive coach has been recognized by his peers in the league with the Rams being named the top defensive team in the CDMFA on more than one occasion. With Greg's leadership as the Defensive Coordinator, the Ram's defense has consistently been one of the most successful defenses in bantam football. Greg brings with him a strong work ethic and great understanding of the defensive side of football.

As an example, the 2004 season saw the Ram's defense hold teams to a record breaking meager 13 points during the regular season."Defense wins championships" he has been heard to say and Coach Johnson practices what he preaches. Always prepared, the 2008 Rams will have one of the best defenses in the league. Always a "Rams First" coach, he brings a great understanding of the organizational aspects to the game. Greg was named Coach of the Year while coaching the Warriors Atom team to a Provincial championship in 1997. He was also selected the RAMS' "Coach of the Year" in 2004,2007 and 2008 and will lead the Ram's midget team in its third season as head coach. Coach Johnson is a NCCP Level 1 certified coach.

Bruce Cunningham, Offensive Coordinator

16th Season with the Rams

Bruce returns for yet another season of excellence.

Bruce started with the Rams mid-way in the 1996 season and has proven to be the secret weapon of the Rams staff. He is the most thorough coaching scout in bantam football and helps the team prepare for games each week. Bruce's dedicated scouting has been instrumental to the success of the team and he was rewarded with his selection as 2003 Ram's "Coach of the Year". Coach Bruce spends countless hours breaking down game film to help the Rams succeed in their preparation for the next game. Bruce has completed his Level 1 NCCP  practical coaching certification. Coach Cunningham is a NCCP Level 1 certified coach.

 

 

Russ Schoeppe, Running Backs,Assistant Offensive Coordinator

After an active career as a player, Russ found coaching to be a passion and he has coached at all levels from atom to C.I.S.. He was the special teams coach for the Alberta Golden Bears for two seasons. He has coached with the Edmonton Huskies as a linebacker coach and held the role of defensive coordinator for four seasons. More recently, he was head coach of the Pee Wee Raiders. This will be his 2nd season of coaching bantam and the Rams welcome his experience in the coaching ranks.