Vowles played many sports growing up, such as hockey, rugby, golf, volleyball and football. He started playing football at St. Matthew High School and then played for the Ottawa Sooners Midget team. Eventually, Vowles went on to play for St. Francis Xavier University as a middle linebacker.
Vowles decided that he wanted to start coaching after watching his nephews playing. “I came home that night, after a day of watching minor football, and spoke to my very supportive wife and she said, ‘Well research which teams are close to the house.’ Sure enough when I realized I lived in South Gloucester, the Raiders were where I began my hunt. That evening I learned that one of my high school coaches was the head coach. I approached Tristano in 2014 and the rest is history.” explains Vowles.
Vowles’ favourite aspect of coaching is “the opportunity to help youth and be a person they can not only come to for football related questions but questions about life. At times our athletic lives collide with our personal lives and its during these times when these young men and women need someone to talk to.”
Vowles’ most rewarding moment as a coach was winning the Bantam title last year with the Gloucester South Raiders. “We all worked towards the ultimate goal which is a championship and I think when you achieve that as a coach it's a major highlight.” says Vowles.
Check out HESN's highlight from the 2016 Bantam Championship:
The biggest challenge that Vowles has faced is balancing his work schedule and personal life around football. “Luckily I have a great wife and extended family that support me and my coaching endeavours.” says Vowles.
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