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As practice came to close on Thursday, Saskatchewan Roughriders special teams coordinator Kent Maugeri was buzzing around the field.
Maugeri oversees the kicking and return game for the Riders. Units that see a majority of the roster play a role.
“I think you just try to win the day, like all I do is try to just be the best teacher I can be,” Maugeri said after Thursday’s practice.
“The players, what they put on tape is essentially me. I hold them to a high standard but I want to teach those guys and give them the tools to go out there and be successful,” Maugeri said.
Throughout the game, he is checking in with head coach Corey Mace on key decisions, he said.
“We champion the special teams play, whether it’s somebody who is a core special teamer or an offensive or defensive starter who is doing extra for his teammates to be on special teams. We champion that kind of effort,” Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said.
Maugeri joined the Roughriders in 2016. He is the longest-serving member of the coaching staff. He spent time on the home sideline at the old Mosaic Stadium.
Hired by Chris Jones as an offensive assistant out of Lindenwood University in Missouri, Maugeri was promoted by former Riders coach Craig Dickenson to lead the special teams in 2022.
WATCH | Riders longest-serving coach finally makes it to Grey Cup:
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CBC caught up with Saskatchewan Roughriders special teams coordinator Kent Maugeri before the big game on Sunday. The Roughriders will play the Montreal Alouettes for the 112th Grey Cup.
Now working for his third head coach in 10 seasons, Maugeri has survived through the changes and earned praise from his current boss.
“Freaking love the man,” Mace said.
“He’s unbelievable. He is a great guy. Awesome sense of humor. He coaches tough, and I think the special teams unit is a representation of him and his personality.”
Junkyard dogs
Maugeri was asked if his unit is different from the offense and defense.
“Yes, we’re different for sure. Our motto is ‘junkyard dogs.’ Our guys have to run and they have to hit. It’s high-velocity contact.”
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Several Saskatchewan Roughriders share memorable moments as they prep to play in the Grey Cup. The Riders face the Montreal Alouettes for the Canadian Football League championship on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET in Winnipeg.
In the locker room after Rider wins, Maugeri presents the standout special teams performer with a chain, reminiscent of the 1980s professional wrestler Junkyard Dog.
The Florida native will hope to present the chain to a victorious Riders special teamer on Sunday night.
