It comes as no surprise after a 9-1 regular season that the Westshore Rebels would earn some recognition for such an impressive year.
The British Columbia Football Conference announced on Wednesday that Rebels’ head coach Charly Cardilicchia has been named the 2017 Ranji Mattu Memorial Coach of the Year. Cardilicchia was selected by a 17 member selection committee which consisted of six BCFC head coaches, six members of the media and five BCFC members.
“It’s really nice for recognition in my community with all the people who are behind me and support me,” Cardilicchia said. “From the youth football groups right up to the executive members.”
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Cardilicchia said he would be able to enjoy the award more after the end of the season. The Rebels host the Vancouver Island Raiders this Saturday in the Cullen Cup final at 7 p.m. at Westhills Stadium, the second year in a row hosting.
“I believe I’ll look back on it when the season is over and have the opportunity to appreciate it a little bit more,” he said.
The first year head coach said while the award is a great honour for him, there were many pieces to the puzzle that helped him earn the recognition.
“It motivates me. Success is something that makes me hungry for more success. I want to really give some kudos to my coaching staff,” Cardilicchia said. “My executives and of course my team, we’ve done a great job. The boys have played really hard for me this year and we’ve really grown together. I think if anything, it will bring us together a little bit.”
