New football leadership at Wilfrid Laurier University ready to get started

Wilfrid Laurier University has named their seventh head coach for their football program. CTV’s Colton Wiens reports.

It’s official - Wilfrid Laurier University’s football team has a new head coach.

On Thursday, Todd Galloway was named the seventh head football coach in Golden Hawks history, and he said he feels more than ready for the job.

“We’ve already put in countless workouts and therapy sessions,” Galloway said. “We’re working hard. We’re going to put our personality on it a little bit, but it’s not like major change was needed ... We feel very confident moving forward.”

The 44-year-old Kitchener native also takes over all aspects of the men’s football program, including operations, recruiting, player development and staff leadership.

“It’s great to be back,” said Galloway.

Galloway was a receiver for Laurier during his playing career. He then became an offensive assistant after graduating and helped Laurier to a Vanier Cup title in 2005.

“This university has done so much for me and my family and where we are today,” he said. “So, to have the privilege to be the head coach and to give back to the program that did so much, it’s a great honour.”

After 2005, Galloway spent 15 years coaching at different schools under Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Atlantic University Sport. Galloway returned to Laurier as an offensive coordinator in 2020. In his time coaching in the OUA, Galloway has been part of 11 Yates Cup appearances and five Yates Cup championships.

“He’s been the one pulling the strings the whole time,” said Gold Hawks quarterbacks coach Taylor Elgersma. “And so, I think now, he gets his opportunity to be in the spotlight.”

“It’s the best thing for our program. It’s the best thing for our university,” said Ryan Lannan, associate director of Laurier’s interuniversity sport and recreation.

Since rejoining Laurier, Galloway helped lead one of the most productive offences in USports, with the most yards-per-game in the nation last season and second in points-per-game.

“I’ve had a front row seat to some incredible coaches in my career,” Galloway said. “I’ve seen some great leadership, some people that have known how to manage programs, and I’ve been very fortunate. So we’re in a good spot. And between Ron and I, we feel very comfortable that we can move forward that way.”

Longtime Golden Hawks coach and defensive coordinator Ron VanMoerkerke has also been elevated to associate head coach.

“I often joke with my wife that if we won the lottery, I would still do this for free,” he said. “It’s just one of the jobs that I love to do. Without Laurier football my life wouldn’t be the same.”

Galloway said he sees VanMoerkerke as a best friend that he looks up to. The university said it’s confident they’re the right pair for the future.

During a press conference on Thursday, both coaches took the time to thank their families for the support they’ve received throughout their careers.

Lannan said all 100 players eligible for this season have participated in workouts this month and practices are already underway.

VanMoerkerke said with the new leadership and upcoming infrastructure upgrades to the schools field, he’s confident in the program moving forward.

“We’re in a very good situation with the talent that we have on our roster,” he said. “But the one thing about talent is you constantly have to be recruiting it. So, you know, there’s some exciting things happening with infrastructure.”