North Star Wolves football program introduces new head coach

Emmitt Rosati is the new head coach of the  North Star Wolves football team. Former coach Joel Charron recently stepped down.

The new head coach of the North Star Wolves football team was officially introduced last week.

Emmitt Rosati, a former quarterback with the General Amherst Bulldogs who went on to play at the University of Windsor, is back and leads the coaching staff after former coach Joel Charron stepped down.

Rosati was announced in a social media post by the Amherstburg public high school and was officially introduced at a fish fry last Friday evening, presented by the Wolves parents booster club, at the Columbus Community Hall. He said it was special to him to come back to his hometown and coach at North Star.

“I believe in a process-driven program,” he said. “We are going to be doing things the right way. We’ll be successful doing things the right way.”

Noting he is very competitive, Rosati said it won’t be a “win at all costs” mentality with the Wolves. Players will have to be respectful of teachers, coaches, the community and fellow students. Being on the team, having good experiences and the school community comes first.

“It’s called student-athlete, not athlete-student, for a reason,” said Rosati.

Rosati said he was contacted just over one month ago, and was excited to take the position. With schooling commitments ending, he has more time to devote to his first head coaching gig, but Rosati does have five years of coaching experience with the Essex Ravens football program. He is the offensive co-ordinator with the Ravens’ U18 team this season.

The first time Rosati will get to work with the players will be at an upcoming spring camp, and he will get a chance to see what he has in terms of players. Assistant coaches that want to return will be welcome, he added. 

“It’s awesome to be able to give back to the community I grew up in,” said Rosati. 

As a youth, Rosati was no stranger to the General Amherst sideline as he accompanied his father Dino, the latter assisting as one of the coaches in that era. Rosati said he didn’t envision one day being the head coach himself.

“This is so special what we’ve got here and I don’t take it for granted,” he said.

Jake Simpkins, teacher representative and coach with North Star, thanked Charron for the time he put into the program. Charron’s time with North Star included two finals appearances in WECSSAA Tier 2 and a 17-5 record over five years.

“This team has only done as well as it has because of its coaches,” said Simpkins.

Simpkins said student athletes at North Star work hard and they have had remarkable players over the years. When Charron stepped down, Simpkins contacted the University of Windsor where head coach Jean-Paul Circelli suggested Rosati. Rosati was a four-time captain with the Lancers, where he played quarterback and wide receiver. Rosati was also an academic All-Canadian.

North Star Wolves football program introduces new head coach

By Ron Giofu