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Darrell Adams awarded inaugural OUA EDI Award, three other Warriors recognized by league

Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator Darrell Adams has been awarded the OUA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award, a new award presented annually in recognition of a student-athlete, coach, or administrator in OUA football for their work in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts on and off their campus.

Adams has been with the Warriors program for seven seasons and in addition to his dual coaching roles, he has taken on the challenge of recruiting coordinator. The football duties are significant, but they are just part of Adams' responsibilities. The husband and father of two children does tireless work on the important topic of EDI. He is a firm believer that education, communication, and action can lead to an anti-racist approach regarding ideas and policies to shape a better future.

The former head strength coach and assistant defensive line coach for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats prioritized participating in the CFL's Diversity in Sport program held last June. He is also a leader on the University of Waterloo campus, having co-founded The Alliance in 2020. Adams directs and leads all of the group's monthly meetings.

"Darrell is leading the way when it comes to creating positive change and conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusion not only in football but across our department and campus," commented director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster. "I am very grateful for his inspirational leadership, and he is incredibly deserving of receiving this inaugural award."

Adams has worked diligently to change the existing narrative on race. He was a presenter at the first-ever Anti-Racism Symposium held at McMaster University, as well as a scheduled panelist at the upcoming Diversity is Strength Conversation on Vanier Cup Weekend. He is currently a mentor coach for the Waterloo Black Apprentice Coach program and co-developed last year's OUA Football "We Are One United Against Racism" campaign. A member of the OUA's EDI committee in 2021, Adams has membership in the Waterloo Black Faculty Collective, the Black Canadian Coaches Association, and the Black Football Coaches of Canada groups.

While developing Waterloo's football players is a priority, Adams' greater vision is to make the world a better place through action.

In addition, three members of the Warriors football program were recognized for their stellar seasons with the black and gold. Jack Hinsperger (Waterloo/) was named an OUA first-team all-star, Gordon Lam (Kitchener/) a second-team all-star and Diego Arenas (Montreal/) a member of the all-rookie team.

Hinsperger was a force for the Warriors backfield in his final year with the black and gold. He finished with 49.5 tackles and 6.2 tackles per game, the fourth most in the province. He also added two tackles for losses and had one interception for 17 yards.

Lam was again a main target and a big part of Waterloo's offence all season, finishing with 36 catches giving him a career 208 catches which broke the OUA all-time career receptions mark which stood at 205 prior to Lam's final game as a Warrior. Lam finished his career playing 38 games, hauling in 208 catches for 2,653 yards while adding 13 touchdowns.

Lastly, Arenas showed his bright future with Waterloo posting 19 tackles while adding an interception this season.

 
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Players Mentioned

Diego Arenas

#26 Diego Arenas

DB
5' 9"
First Year
1
Jack Hinsperger

#6 Jack Hinsperger

LB
6' 0"
Fifth Year
3
Gordon Lam

#2 Gordon Lam

WR
5' 11"
Fifth Year
5

Players Mentioned

Diego Arenas

#26 Diego Arenas

5' 9"
First Year
1
DB
Jack Hinsperger

#6 Jack Hinsperger

6' 0"
Fifth Year
3
LB
Gordon Lam

#2 Gordon Lam

5' 11"
Fifth Year
5
WR