The Winnipeg Rifles have hired Jason Park as the team’s new head football coach, replacing Ryan Karhut.

Park coached at the community level and then spent eight seasons with the St. Paul’s Crusaders in the Winnipeg High School Football League as linebacker coach and defensive coordinator.  During his time at St. Paul’s he was part of five championships.

Coach Park’s football playing experience includes midget, junior with the Winnipeg Hawkeyes and university football with the Manitoba Bisons.

Park spent last season with the Winnipeg Rifles as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach.

 “I am very excited to be coaching the Rifles,” said Park. “We have more than 50 new players joining the team in 2015 and these young men want to win, so our plan is to once again strive for the playoffs and a national championship. Expect the team to show effort, hard work and a team first approach from players and coaching staff.”

"We’re excited to have Jason as our new head coach,” said Todd Wilson, president of the Winnipeg Rifles.  “We received applications from across Canada for this position but board members who participated in the hiring process felt Jason has a proven record of success, a sound approach to football and teaching, and an understanding of the integrity and values that we cherish in the Winnipeg Rifles.”

The Winnipeg Rifles Canadian Junior Football season begins Saturday, August 15th in Regina.  The Rifles’ first home game is Sunday, August 23 against last year’s Prairie Football Conference and Canadian Junior Football League champion Saskatoon Hilltops.