This season marks John’s 40th year coaching football.

He graduated with a B.A. (Hons), from the University of Western Ontario in 1970. He received his M. Ed. from Wayne State University in 1976. John was a secondary school teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board from 1971 until his retirement in 2000. He served as the Executive Director of the Men's Athletic Alumni at the University of Western Ontario from 2001-2004. John was the Assistant Head Football Coach at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia from 2004-2008. He has his NCCP Level IV certification.

During his teaching career John coached at three different high schools in London (Oakridge, H.B.Beal, and Sir Wilfrid Laurier) and reached the Senior Football City Championship at all three. His teams won 6 Senior Football City Championships, and 12 Divisional Championships. He was also the head coach of the London Senior Bowl team and the head coach of the London Beefeaters of the Canadian Junior Football League. John was Team Canada's 1998 Defensive Coordinator in Scotland & England. His Forest City Thunderbirds were the Provincial Varsity Champions in 2000 and 2002 and Provincial Finalists in 2001 and 2005. The London Sports Council presented John the 2001 Ontario 3M Community Coach Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

Bill Tsioros, General Manager

This is Bill’s fourth year working with the Thunderbirds.

Born and raised in London Ontario Bill attended Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School where he played all the major sports, earning the Major Athletic Award in his final year.
An avid university sports fan he has attended 2 Rose Bowls, 1 National championship, and 3 Final Fours. Until he got busy with his own kids sports team he had not missed a home football game in 17 years at the University of Michigan.

As the former Ontario director for Collegiate Sports of America Bill personally recruited and helped many Canadian student athletes achieve their dreams of playing Division 1 athletics in the United States.

Chad Asselstine, Assistant Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator: Varsity

This is Chad Asselstine’s 4th year as the Defensive Coordinator for the Forest City Thunderbirds.

Chad has been involved in football in the London community since his London Minor Football Association playing days. Chad moved on to play Defensive End and Linebacker at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School where he captained three of the five teams he played for and won two city championships. Chad graduated High School and continued his playing career with the Forest City Thunderbirds, winning one provincial championship, and receiving two all star nominations. Chad was the Thunderbirds’ defensive MVP in 2000 and 2001.

Chad finished his playing career after four successful seasons with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs playing two years at Linebacker and two at Defensive End where he started for his last two years. Chad began coaching Linebackers during his summers while playing for UWO. He has his NCCP Football Level 1 Technical.

Bert Bettencourt, Offensive & Defensive Line Coordinator: Bantam

This is Bert’s second year with the Thunderbirds. As an offensive lineman at Catholic Central high school from 1988 to 1994 Bert was part of several championship teams. He also coaches the Clarke Road Jr. Mustangs with the LMFA. Bert is a certified NCCP Level 1 coach.

Dan Brown, Linebackers: Peewee

This is Dan’s first season with the Thunderbirds. He has previous coaching experience with the London Falcons and four years with LMFA. He has attended coaching clinics at the University of Western Ontario and Penn State University. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2005 and earned his Bachelors of Education at D’Youville College in 2006. Dan is presently a teacher with the TVDSB. Dan is a certified NCCP Level 1 coach.

Dave Carnevale, Defensive Backs: Varsity

This is Dave’s third year with the Thunderbirds coaching staff. He played high school football in Mississauga at Iona Catholic Secondary School for 3 seasons, and 3 seasons in the OVFL for the Mississauga Warriors, winning the championship twice. He played with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs from 1999 – 2001.

Dave began his coaching career at London Central with their Junior Football program, where he coached for 5 seasons (2002 – 2006). He started out as a positional coach with the DB’s and ended as their Defensive Coordinator for the 2006 season. His Central Ghosts won the Junior City Championship in 2004 and 2006. Dave previously coached at Arthur Voaden Secondary School in St. Thomas and was the defensive coordinator in 2007 and 2008. This past fall he coached at Banting Secondary School in London. He is also involved with the SAC (Strength, Agility and Conditioning) program through the London Legion Track club for high school athletes, specifically football players.

Marshall Cole, Defensive Line: Varsity

This is Marshall’s first year with the Thunderbirds. He played his High School Football at Blenheim District Secondary School. He was voted a four time Chatham Kent District All-Star at Defensive End and a three time Defensive MVP. Marshall went on to play OLB with the University of Windsor Lancers from 2005-2008. He was the defensive line coach with Blenheim District Secondary School Jr. team in 2002 & 2008. He was a defensive coach with the LMFA Saunders Rams in 2009.

Trevor Connors, Linebackers: Peewee

This will be Trevor’s first year coaching with the Thunderbirds. Trevor played high school football at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute and minor football for the Guelph Bears as middle linebacker. He actively participates in football as an assistant coach at the tyke level with LMFA and as an assistant coach for London Minor Flag Football this past year. Trevor has also coached hockey with Red Circle for three years, soccer with East London Soccer (minor) for three years and Dorchester Minor Soccer. Trevor has his level one NCCP coaching certification.

Acquilla Cormier, Defensive Line: Junior Varsity

This is Acquilla’s second season with the Thunderbirds where he will be working with the defensive line.

He has coached minor baseball for 5 years, winning 2 league championships. Acquilla has been coaching LMFA for 6 years and is looking forward to another fine season with the Thunderbirds.

Paul Dawson, Offensive Line: Bantam

This is Paul’s second year with the Thunderbirds. Last year he worked the O-Line with the AA Champion Peewees. Paul has coached in the LMFA at all levels for the Saunders site winning one city championship, with many appearances in the playoffs over the last 7 years. During this time Paul has continued with his Coaching education attending various clinics. Paul is a certified NCCP Level 1 coach.

Sean Enwright, Quarterbacks: Bantam

This is Sean’s first year with the Thunderbirds. He will be coaching the Quarterbacks at the Bantam level.

Sean has coached the last 7 years in the LMFA and has been a part of several successful teams. He will be the Head Coach for the STA Atom team this fall. Sean also coaches competitive baseball for the Strathroy Royals baseball program. Sean is a former Oakridge grad and alumnus of the London Beefeaters. Sean is part of the management team of Vupoint Systems. He has his NCCP level 2 technical certification.

Jared Fry, Offensive Line: Peewee

This is Jared’s first season with the Thunderbirds. Jared started playing football with the Warriors at Waterdown District HS from 1998 – 2000, where he played on the Offensive and Defensive Lines, receiving the O-Lineman award at the Hamilton Tiger-Cats high school all start camp in 1999 and the Outstanding Lineman award from WDHS in 2000. He played for one season with the Halton Invictas (OVFL) during the summer of 2000. Jared graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He played for the X-Men for four seasons from 2001 to 2004, starting each year and playing all positions of the Offensive Line through his playing career in Antigonish, NS. Jared continued playing on the O-Line with the London Silverbacks (NAFL) during the summer of 2009. He began his coaching career with the LMFA, coaching the 2009 Saunders Rams Tyke team’s offensive line, and helping the team win the championship with an undefeated season.

Joe Gregorio, Running Backs: Varsity

This is Joe's third year with the Thunderbirds where he will be working with the Varsity team in the offensive back field. Joe began coaching football in the London Minor Football League (LMFA) in 2003 with the South Titans (Pee Wee division) where he assisted with the defensive backfield and secondary for four seasons. In the 2007/08 seasons he worked with the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School Rams Junior Football team assisting with the defensive line and backfield. In 2007 Joe also coached in the first NFL/CFL Junior Player Development (JPD) program run in London. The program teaches fundamental football skills to kids who have an interest in the game but have not had the chance to play before. Joe has completed the Technical (Football Coaching) Level I & Level II courses as well as the Level I - Coaching Theory course of the National Coaching Certification Program.

Tom Helm, Running Backs: Bantam

This is Tom’s first year with the Thunderbirds. He graduated the University of Saint Jerome's College with an Honours B.A. in 1986 and the University of Waterloo with a M.A. in 1988. He has been coaching with London Minor Football since 2003 as Head Coach and OC of the STA Peewee program. He has his NCCP Level 1 and 2 technical levels. Tom has also been responsible for putting on the NFL Junior Player Development Camp for London players in 2007 and 2008.

Derek Howie, Offensive Line: Varsity

This is Derek’s first year coaching with the Thunderbirds. He played High School football at St. Joseph’s High School in St. Thomas. Derek played Offensive Tackle for the Thunderbirds, was a league All-Star and was selected as the Thunderbirds Outstanding Lineman of the year (2004). He played at the University of Windsor for 5 years, starting at Tackle and Guard. He graduated in 2009 with a Hon. Bachelor of Commerce.

Jim Kelly, Defensive Coordinator & Linebackers: Junior Varsity

This is Jim’s first year coaching with the Thunderbirds. Jim played five years of high school football with the Beal Raiders as quarterback. After graduating Grade 13 from H.B.Beal Secondary School in 1978, Jim moved on to play three years in the O.F.C. as a slot back and linebacker with the London Beefeaters.

He is currently working at Westminster High School and serving as the Defensive Coordinator with the Senior Football Team.

Keith Kocins, Receivers: Junior Varsity

This is Keith’s second year coaching with the Thunderbirds. During his high school career at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School in London, Keith played both wide receiver and defensive back for the junior and senior football teams. His high school team advanced to the London Conference final 4 years in a row, winning one junior and one senior title. Keith also won the London Conference tennis doubles championship and the WOSSA midget pole vaulting championship.

Keith graduated in 1988 and served 14 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, 7 in the Army and 7 in the Canadian Navy. He played volleyball for Army CFB Shilo and won the Canadian Nationals in Calgary Alberta. He was an assistant coach for soccer and minor league football in Petawawa Ontario and Esquimalt, Victoria BC. For the last 3 years Keith has assisted in the LMFA. Keith is now working in the Construction Industry as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Chris Marcus, Assistant Head Coach -
Linebackers and Special Teams Coordinator: Junior Varsity

An Ottawa native, Chris was a member of the UWO Mustangs from 1978-81 and served as the Mustang Defensive Backs Coach from 1985-89, Linebackers Coach from 1990-96, and Special Teams coordinator from 2002-07.

Chris, a graduate of the Ivey Business School, is a teacher at South Secondary School in London and has been the Head Coach of the Lions football team since 1992. At South, Coach Marcus has developed the Lions team into City Champions and one of the Province's best. Chris also developed the South women’s rowing team into a national powerhouse. Chris' wife Jan is a former star volleyball player at Western and her senior volleyball teams at Saunders SS in London are always provincial contenders.

Dave Martin, Offensive Coordinator & Running Backs: Peewee

This is Dave’s first season with the Thunderbirds. He also coaches with the LMFA where his Saunders Rams team won the league championship for three consecutive years going undefeated each season.

Dave played his high school football at H.B. Beal earning team MVP and was a Senior Bowl participant in 1995. He played with the London Beefeaters under Coach Darnell in 1996 & 1997. Dave played with the University of Laurier Golden Hawks in 1998-99. He was a four time league all star with the London Silverbacks and a member of the league championship team in 2007. He is presently working at the King Street detention centre. Dave has completed his NCCP Level 1 theory.

Sean McKeown, Defensive Line: Junior Varsity

One of the finest linemen the Western has ever produced Sean was the Mustang’s nominee for the J.P. Metras Award for the top CIS lineman in the country. Taken 3rd overall in the CFL draft Sean played professionally for 10 years, predominately with the Calgary Stampeders, on the offensive line. Sean returned to Western where he coached the offensive and defensive lines for 15 years.

Mike Pierotti, Offensive Line: Junior Varsity

This is Mike’s first season with the Thunderbirds. Mike played his high school football at Sir Wilfrid Laurier from 1982-87. He played OL and was captain of the undefeated Senior Championship teams of 1986 & 87 under Coach Darnell. Mike was recruited by numerous US Colleges including Ohio State. He was offered a full four year scholarship by Syracuse University but he decided to remain in London and become a builder. He played for the London Beefeaters from 89-91. Mike was recruited by the CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats but again declined in order to continue with his business interests. From 2006-2009 Mike was a starting OL for the London Silverbacks and won the division two NAFL Championship in 2008. Mike owns a general contracting firm in London “Michael Pierotti Design/Build Inc.”

Alan Rice, Defensive Secondary: Bantam & J.V.

This is Alan’s second year coaching with the Thunderbirds. Last year he worked with the Peewee Defensive Backs and this season he will coach the Bantam and Junior Varsity Defensive Backs.

Alan started playing football with the LMFA – STA Atom and Peewee teams. He played 4 years at Saunders Secondary School and was a member of the Saunders Junior City Championship team in 2007.

He was a fan of the Forest City Thunderbirds Varsity team in 2004 and 2005 when his older brother Aaron played for the team. Alan has been a Thunderbird since 2007. He was a team captain in 2009, received the Thunderbird Merit Award and was named to the All-Star Team.

Severo Rodriguez, Offensive Line: Junior Varsity

This is Severo’s second season with the Thunderbirds. Severo was a two time All-District offensive lineman in High School as well as a two time All-District and State discus thrower. He was offered several football and track scholarships, attending Missouri Valley College and Baylor University. Severo went on to earn a Bachelors degree from St. Mary’s University, a Masters in Science degree from the University of Texas, and has a PhD in Learning Management. Severo has been involved in coaching for six years, assisting with basketball, soccer and football.

Cal Simpson, Receivers and Quarterbacks: Bantam

This is Cal’s second year with the Thunderbirds. Cal quarterbacked the South Lions a long time ago and led the London Beefeaters to their first ever touchdown in their first ever exhibition game in 1975. He also coaches the Saunders Rams of the LMFA. Cal has his NCCP level 1 Technical.

Matt Snyder, Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks: Varsity

Matt enters his 3rd season as offensive coordinator with the Thunderbirds returning to the varsity level in 2010. From 2000 to 2002 Matt played Quarterback for the Thunderbirds under Coach Darnell and holds the distinction of throwing the first touchdown pass in team history as well as winning 2 provincial championships while appearing in a 3rd.

Matt graduated from the University of Windsor where he played Quarterback for the Lancers. During his first season as offensive coordinator in 2005 the Thunderbirds ranked 1st in Ontario in scoring at the Varsity level and the Thunderbirds appeared in the COMFL Championship.

Mat Thompson, Defensive Line, Peewee

This is Mat's first year on the Thunderbirds coaching staff. From 1990 - 96 he attended H.B. Beal S.S. playing football and rugby. After his high school days Mat played football for the London Beefeaters of the C.J.F.L. from 1996 - 99. Two of the three years under Coach Darnell. After a five year hiatus from playing football, he resumed playing for the London Silverbacks of the N.A.F.L. in 2004. Mat has been a coach in the L.M.F.A. for the Saunders Rams for seven years. Mat is looking forward to a fun year with the Thunderbirds and passing along his love for the game.

Danny Valente, Defensive Secondary Coach: Peewee

This is Danny’s first year with the Thunderbirds. After High School football at Catholic Central from 1981-85 he played with the London Beefeaters where he was elected Team Captain in 87’& 88’. His previous coaching experience includes CCH (1999-2006), Saunders Secondary School (2007), London Falcons (2004) and LMFA-Lucas (2006-08). He has attended numerous football clinics all over North America.

After obtaining his BA from the University of Western Ontario in 1990 Danny graduated Doctor of Chiropractic in 1994. He earned a Fellowship Doctorate of Sports Science in 1995.

• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006 - A team was not fielded.
• 2005