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 responsible for managing the kicking and return aspects of the team, which involve a significant portion of the roster.
Reflecting on his role, Maugeri emphasized his focus on being a dedicated educator and setting high standards for his players. He expressed his commitment to providing them with the necessary guidance and tools for success. Maugeri mentioned that during games, he regularly consults with head coach Corey Mace on critical decisions.
Coach Mace highlighted the importance of special teams play within the team, praising the efforts of both core special team players and starters from the offense and defense who contribute to special teams. Maugeri, who has been with the Roughriders since 2016 and is the team’s longest-serving coach, initially joined as an offensive assistant and was later promoted by former head coach Craig Dickenson to lead the special teams in 2022.
Despite working under three head coaches in a decade, Maugeri has persevered through changes and earned admiration from his current boss, Coach Mace, who described him as an exceptional individual with a strong coaching style that reflects in the team’s special teams performance.
Maugeri described the special teams unit as distinct from the offense and defense, referring to them as ‘junkyard dogs’ known for their high-intensity playstyle involving running and physicality. In a post-game tradition, Maugeri awards a chain to the standout special teams player, reminiscent of the professional wrestler Junkyard Dog from the 1980s, aiming to continue this ritual after a victorious game on Sunday night.