As the Thursday practice session wrapped up, Kent Maugeri, the special teams coordinator for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, was actively moving around the field. Maugeri is in charge of managing the kicking and return game for the team, areas that involve a significant portion of the roster.
Reflecting on his role, Maugeri emphasized his focus on being an effective teacher and helping his players succeed. He highlighted the importance of setting high standards while equipping the team with the necessary tools for success. Throughout the game, Maugeri stays in communication with head coach Corey Mace regarding crucial decisions.
Coach Mace expressed his admiration for players who go above and beyond for the special teams, whether they are dedicated special team members or starters from offense or defense contributing extra effort. Maugeri, who has been with the Roughriders since 2016 and is the team’s longest-serving coach, started as an offensive assistant under Chris Jones before being promoted to lead the special teams by former coach Craig Dickenson in 2022.
Despite working under his third head coach in a decade, Maugeri has thrived through the changes and earned praise from his current boss, Corey Mace, who described him as a phenomenal individual with a great coaching style that reflects in the special teams’ performance.
Maugeri described his special teams unit as distinct from the offense and defense, emphasizing their motto of ‘junkyard dogs,’ symbolizing their requirement to be agile and physical with high-velocity contact. Following Rider victories, Maugeri awards a standout special teams player with a chain in a tradition reminiscent of the 1980s wrestler Junkyard Dog.
As the Riders gear up to face the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup, Maugeri anticipates presenting the coveted chain to a victorious special teamer on Sunday night.
