Page 29 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 121

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #121 February 2023 29

BEHIND
presents BEHIND

THE BENCH
THE BENCH
An Interview with Phil Roberts

By Molly Kett broke my kneecap at training camp and “My brother was an All American in
was cut. After it healed, I was signed by Colorado and coached me when I was
ocal coach Phil Roberts has always the Montreal Alouettes,” said Roberts. 15 to 17,” said Roberts. “His influence
Lbeen passionate about athletics. He “After getting cut from them, I figured it was extremely important. He showed
loved playing sports all through school was more fun coaching than getting cut.” me how to practice and take the sport
and was looking to stay involved past his Prior to Covid, Roberts was coaching seriously.”
playing years. That’s how Roberts found at the University of Ottawa. After For Roberts, the best part of coaching
his love for coaching. COVID, though, Roberts decided to join is knocking off the bigger city teams in
“I went into teaching so that I could the staff in Cornwall. the league.
coach,” said Roberts. “I coached “It was my first year, last year, and I “We are at a decided disadvantage in
basketball and football at the schools I look forward to our upcoming season,” our league due to our population,” said
worked at. My wife was also a coach. said Roberts. His first season with the Roberts.
It’s in our DNA.” team, though, “went extremely well. Our For Roberts, coaching is about much
Before settling into the coaching record was fine, but I measure success more than just winning a game.
world, Roberts was fortunate enough to in our players improvement. I’m quite “I want to make the game as much fun
play both university football and hockey sure our players also had a very positive as possible. One of the things I believe in Photo Submitted
while attending McGill University. experience.” is that every player has an important role
“After playing at McGill, I was As far as his coaching success goes, on this team,” said Roberts. “I make sure
drafted by the BC Lions in the CFL. I Roberts has his main influence to thank. the kids understand this.”

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