History
J.P. Mondani works some drills @ the first Mariner Football Practice
In the Fall of 2005, Football came to Earl Marriott. A group of parents led byBrian Hillhouse convinced our Principal, David Howard to bring football toEarl Marriott. Head Football Coach, Michael MacKay-Dunn, came over from AAA Provincial Champions, Rick Hansen, to head up the program.
The first year, the Mariners fielded two teams at the Grade 8 and Junior Varsity level – Grades 9 & 10. In 2006, the first full year, Mariner Football fielded teams at all three levels – Grade 8, Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams. Also, Coach MacKay-Dunn added Scott Martens to the staff. Coach Scottie headed up the JV program in addition to contributing to the program in general. Nathan White led the Varsity team offensively earning the Team MVP award and Cory Polson was our first AA Provincial All Star @ Offensive Guard. Cory was the first of many to reach Provincial All Star Status. In 2007 – Hayden Gallacher @ Linebacker joined these ranks. Hayden led the Province – both AA and AAA teams, with the 96 tackles over a 9 game schedule. He later went on to attend St. Francis Xavier University on scholarship. That same year, Cody Hillhouse, a premier Football player starred at both Offensive Back and Def. Back earning conference all-star and Team MVP. Cody also set the team rushing record with 292 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns in our decisive win over Mission to clinch a playoff berth. Currently, Cody plays Linebacker for the Atlantic Conference Champions, St. Mary’s Huskies. Cole Coventry, another two-way standout earned conference recognition at Def. End while shining at Offensive Back and receiver. In 2008, our last year at the AA level before moving up to AAA, the team was led by two stand-out performers, Ben Christy and Kyler Parkes. Both players earned Provincial All-Star recognition with Kyler leading the province in tackles at his Linebacker position and Ben @ Def. Back. Ben earned team MVP honours, as well. In 2009- our first year at AAA level, the twins, Del and Brodie Ingvaldson, led the Mariners. One of the year highlights was our game vs the Washington State AAA Champions, Bellevue Wolverines. Played @ Bellevue before 7,000 fans, our players enjoyed a valuable experience. Although we fell short of the playoffs, Bibake Uppal did lead the province in receptions and yards gained. BB earned our first AAA Provincial All-Star recognition @ wide receiver and along with Del will be playing for the Simon Fraser Clan.
Since the inception of Marriott Football, there has been 7 grads go on to CIS Universities and the Junior Football Ranks. The list is impressive.
Hayden Gallacher : St. Francis Xavier
Cody Hillhouse – St. Mary’s
Kareem Ba- UBC
Ben Christy- UBC
Kyler Parkes- University of Calgary
Bibake Uppal – Simon Fraser University
Del Ingvaldson – Simon Fraser University
2010
Looking forward to the 2010 season as the Varsity Mariners travel to Alaska to open the season with games versus Sitka and Ketchikan. Along with Head Coach, Michael MacKay-Dunn, the team is pleased to welcome back Coach’s Scottie Martens, Offensive Coordinator, Jamie Buis, long time Offensive Line Coach along with returning coach, Brian Conlan. Jon and Jake Klyne, the brothers, will be working on the Def. Coordinating side while Jake will assist on the offensive line where required. Bobby Krembenios, on staff @ Marriott will head the Grade 8 team along with returning alumni, Hayden Gallacher.
The team will host 7 home games with the Home opener against District rival, Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers, on Sept. 10th in the annual Big Kahuna Bowl. Game Time 1;00 PM.
