PTASZEK NAMED O.C. IN HAMILTON

Kent Austin, Vice President of Football Operations and Head Coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, announced Thursday that Stefan Ptaszek has been named the team’s offensive coordinator.
“Stefan is a smart, innovative coach with strong leadership qualities, integrity and a proven track record of success at the CIS level. He has a thorough understanding of the Canadian game, and his body of work with respect to producing top ranked, efficient and explosive offences at McMaster speaks for itself,” said Austin. “He and his family are committed to the area and already entrenched in the Hamilton community. We are excited to have him on board as we continue to prepare for the upcoming season.”
Ptaszek, 45, has spent the last 10 seasons as Head Coach at McMaster University, posting an overall record of 73 wins and 29 losses, including playoffs. During that span, he was named the OUA Coach of the Year twice (2012, 2014) and also recognized as the CIS Coach of the Year in 2012. Since taking over the program in 2006, his teams have made the playoffs in every season with three Yates Cup (OUA) Championships (2011, 2012, 2014), and, subsequently, three Vanier Cup appearances. Ptaszek became the first coach in school history to lead the Marauders to a national football championship by winning the Vanier Cup in 2011, and he led McMaster to the longest winning streak in CIS history with 21 consecutive victories spanning over the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
“To have a chance to support and learn from Coach Austin and the Tiger-Cats organization is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Ptaszek. “The City of Hamilton is critical to this decision because my family has zero interest in ever leaving this wonderful community. I am extremely motivated and determined to be a positive force that adds value to the entire Ticat organization.”
In 2015 under Ptaszek’s watch, McMaster quarterback Asher Hastings set a new CIS record for TD passes in a season with 31. Two Marauder receivers also had significant success, as Dan Petermann set a team record with 61 receptions and Danny Vandervoort led the CIS with 12 touchdown receptions, also a new school record. McMaster placed 11 players on the OUA 1st and 2nd all-star teams, and saw Vandervoort named a 1st-team All-Canadian.