The Waterloo Warriors are thrilled to announce this afternoon that Chris Bertoia, former Waterloo football standout and part of the 1997 and 1999 Yates Cup championship teams, will be leading the black and gold next season. In front of family, friends, staff, and alumni, Bertoia was officially welcomed to the Waterloo team.

"We could not be more excited to welcome Chris to the Waterloo family," said Christine Stapleton, associate director of Athletics at the University of Waterloo. "We believe that Chris is the most qualified candidate to lead these young men and we look forward to the new direction this team is headed."

Bertoia, who is joining the Warriors after spending the last five seasons with the Western Mustangs, is eager to face the challenge ahead of him and excited to get back to his football roots.

"There's something special about being able to come home and coach for your alma mater, and this opportunity doesn't present itself very often so I'm going to take advantage," commented new head coach, Chris Bertoia. "I've been treated incredibly well at Western, but this is an opportunity that I could not pass up and I'm excited to roll up our sleeves get to work."

When asked about what to expect from the new-look Warriors, athletic director Roly Webster said success is on its way, but it will take time.

"We're not going to kid ourselves and assume that success is going to happen overnight, but we are working to put the tools in place to be successful both on-and-off the field," explains Webster. "We are committed to football and know that Chris is the right guy to lead this change."

Bertoia, who has spent much time in recruitment roles in previous positions, knows that this was a key attribute for being brought into this new role with the Warriors.

"My strengths are in recruiting – it's in my blood – and I am optimistic that this will allow me to change the culture and attitude of this program," said Bertoia. "If you look at any of the top programs in the CIS, they all have strong support from their alumni, and in due time, I aim to do the same here at Waterloo."

Brendan Conway, co-captain of the Football team and a key member who was involved in much of the hiring process, voiced his utmost excitement for the new leadership on its way.

"What stuck out as a team for us was the fire, passion and charisma he brings along with him," commented Conway. "This guy has been a winner at every level, and the guys are going to thrive off that starting immediately; you can already feel the excitement in the room."

The Warriors will look forward to next season under their new leadership and hope that Bertoia will bring the key to starting a rebuild of a once proud Warriors Football program.


Chris Bertoia (#52) is seen after winning the 1999 Yates Cup Championship with the Warriors.