Team Canada coaching staff for IFAF World Junior Championship finalized
By Jamie Geisler
As Football Canada prepares for the upcoming IFAF World Junior Championship in Edmonton June 20-30, the anticipation builds with the announcement of a diverse coaching staff selected for every corner of the country. Under the leadership of Head Coach Warren Craney, the team aims for an unprecedented “three-peat” on the global stage.
The team’s offensive strategy will be guided by Marco Iadeluca as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach. With 29 years of coaching experience, Iadeluca’s record is impressive, including recent triumphs 2023 Vanier Cup Championship as the Head Coach of the Montreal Carabins. His expertise has been recognized with multiple Coach of the Year awards in the RSEQ. Iadeluca’s career spans various roles, from leading the Carabins since 2020 to coordinating the offensive strategies of the Rouge et Or of Laval University, where he contributed to their 2010 Vanier Cup win. His influence extends beyond university football, having served in various capacities with Team Canada, including as Head Coach in the 2017 International Bowl.
Special Teams Coordinator and Linebackers Coach Zak Colangelo brings a dynamic edge, currently serving as the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at MTA. His diverse roles in coaching, including head coach for Football NB’s under-18 team and various positions at York University, demonstrate his versatile understanding of the game.
Brad Collinson, responsible for the Offensive Line, boasts a remarkable coaching history. As the current head coach at Concordia University, he carries the experience of multiple Vanier Cup victories from his time at Université Laval. His leadership has been instrumental in Team Canada’s and Team Quebec’s successes in international and national tournaments.
Defensive Backs Coach Cody Halseth, associated with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, merges playing and coaching expertise. His involvement in Football Saskatchewan and contributions to the under-18 squad’s gold medals at the Canada Cup highlight his experience. Halseth also brings international experience as a player and coach, including participation in the IFAF Flag Football World Championships.
The team is further strengthened by the expertise of Jabari Arthur (Wide Receivers), Alex Vertullo (Running Backs), Shomari Williams (Defensive Line), and Gladymir Charmant (Defensive Assistant).
Wide Receivers Coach Jabari Arthur currently serves as the Offensive Coordinator for the Calgary Dinos. He is also a former professional Wide Receiver, playing in the CFL for 8 years, and is a two-time grey cup champion with the Calgary Stampeders.
Alex Vertullo, in charge of the Running Backs, currently works with McGill University as the Offensive Coordinator. Prior to this he has worked several years coaching for the Calgary Dinos, Bishop’s Gaiters, Queen’s Gaels, and Montreal Carabins.
Defensive Line Coach Shomari Williams presently works as the Defensive Line Coach at the UBC Thunderbirds football program. Williams is a former professional Defensive End, playing in the Canadian Football League for six seasons.
Charmant’s role as Concordia Stingers’ Defensive Front Coordinator and his history with the Carabins de l’Université de Montréal contribute to the defensive strategy. He also served as Team Quebec’s Defensive Coordinator in the 2023 Canada Cup.
This talented and diverse coaching staff, representing various regions of Canada, brings a wealth of experience and proven track records. Their collective expertise will be pivotal in guiding Team Canada towards achieving their goal of a “three-peat” at the U20 World Junior Championship in Edmonton.
The 2024 Team Canada U20 Staff:
Warren Craney, Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Newmarket, ON
Marco Iadeluca, Offensive Coordinator and QBs; Montreal, QC
Zak Colangelo, Special Team Coordinator and Linebackers; Sackville, NB
Brad Collinson, Offensive Line, Montreal, QC
Jabari Arthur, Wide Receivers, Calgary, AB
Alex Vertullo, Running Backs, Montreal, QC
Cody Halseth, Defensive Backs, Saskatoon, SK
Shomari Williams, Defensive Line, Vancouver, BC
Gladymir Charmant, Defensive Assistant, Montreal, QC
