John Stevens returns to STFX and joins X-Men Football coaching staff

Antigonish, NS – STFX X-Men Football head coach Gary Waterman is pleased to announce that John Stevens is returning to the coaching staff this fall, assisting with the offensive line.

"The opportunity to add John Stevens to our coaching staff was something that I could not pass up," notes Coach Waterman. "He brings a wealth of coaching experience in all phases of the game and was the last head coach to lead the X-Men to the Vanier Cup championship game. His familiarity of STFX, and the AUS football landscape will be a welcomed addition."

Coach Stevens returns to the STFX University campus after a 20 year hiatus, entering into his 36^th year of coaching with extensive experience in U SPORTS football. He has served as Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and Position Coach in three out of four conferences in U SPORTS football. During his previous tenure at STFX, Stevens lead the X-Men from an 0-8 program into the Vanier Cup championship game in 1996 in just five seasons. Accolades along the way include a 2006 induction into the STFX Sports Hall of Fame with the 1996 X-Men team who were AUS champions and Atlantic Bowl champions, along with receiving the 1997 Frank Tindall Trophy for U SPORTS Coach of the Year, and 1994 and 1997 AUS Coach of the Year recognition.

After leaving STFX, Stevens joined the University of Calgary Dinos as full-time Assistant Coach for seven seasons. During that period, he initially served as Special Teams Coordinator, and then moved on to the Defensive Coordinators role. After moving on from the Dinos, Stevens joined the Calgary Colts (CJFL) for five seasons. Serving as their Defensive Coordinator for three seasons, he moved to the Head Coaching role for two seasons. While serving as Head Coach, Stevens led the Calgary Colts to their only undefeated season (8-0) in 2012 and was named PFC Coach of the Year.

Stevens will be moving back to N.S. from Calgary, Alta. after accepting the role of Atlantic Business Development Manager with his current company Armour Valve. He has held a similar position in Calgary for the past 10 years. Joining John will his wife Poly, '03 and will be offered long distance support by daughters Kristyn, '05 and Jessica. They are all very proud of their three grandchildren, Wyatt, Olive, and Poppy.

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