Coaches in the Community is HESN's new blog series. Our goal is to highlight some of the amazing coaches in the Ottawa area.
Peter Diedrich is a defensive coach for Cumberland Panthers Varsity OPFL. He played football growing up in the Quebec league (’80-’88). After a 25 year absence from the sport, he was approached by Coach Victor Tedondo to help coach the Orleans Bengals.
When asked what his favourite part about coaching is, Diedrich said, “Football is a big family and was something that I had missed being a part of. It was also a way to give back to the community as a volunteer doing something I really enjoy.”
Peter Diedrich is a defensive coach for Cumberland Panthers Varsity OPFL. He played football growing up in the Quebec league (’80-’88). After a 25 year absence from the sport, he was approached by Coach Victor Tedondo to help coach the Orleans Bengals.
When asked what his favourite part about coaching is, Diedrich said, “Football is a big family and was something that I had missed being a part of. It was also a way to give back to the community as a volunteer doing something I really enjoy.”
Diedrich’s most rewarding experience was his team’s two A cup championships, in 2013 with the Orleans Bengals, and again in 2016 with the Peewee North Gloucester Giants. Diedrich said this was the most rewarding experience because he was able to “work with a great bunch of players and coaches, both times being not highly rated at the beginning, and see the players get better week to week through hard work at practice.”
Check out HESN's video coverage of these two games below.
Check out HESN's video coverage of these two games below.
Diedrich says that the biggest challenge as a coach is “just getting players to buy in to your system and the positions they are asked to play. Every player wants to be a QB.” His advice to overcome this challenge is to “get the players interested in other positions because football is a total team game and every position is important. You must find ways to make those positions fun to play. As coaches, we know what we are doing and the reward comes when you see those players excel.”
Diedrich is truly passionate about the game of football and is dedicated to helping his athletes reach their maximum potential. Diedrich is looking forward to the upcoming OPFL season with the Cumberland Panthers.
Do you know or are you a coach in the Ottawa area? HESN wants to hear from you, contact us at mia@houseedgemedia.com.
Diedrich is truly passionate about the game of football and is dedicated to helping his athletes reach their maximum potential. Diedrich is looking forward to the upcoming OPFL season with the Cumberland Panthers.
Do you know or are you a coach in the Ottawa area? HESN wants to hear from you, contact us at mia@houseedgemedia.com.