2013 OUA Football Season Preview

fEATURES Sports Net 360 ......................................................................................4 Spotlight on Pat Tracey.......................................................................6 Ten Questions with Stu Lang............................................................20 Top OUA Linebackers of the 2000’s................................................34 OUA’s Top CFL Prospects....................................................................48 Growing the Gridiron...........................................................................51 Capital Growth.......................................................................................52

Team Previews Queen`s Gaels.........................................................................................8 Guelph Gryphons.................................................................................14 McMaster Marauders...........................................................................22 Western Mustangs................................................................................28 Windsor Lancers....................................................................................38 Ottawa Gee-Gees.................................................................................42 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks...........................................................54 Toronto Varsity Blues...........................................................................58 York Lions................................................................................................64 Waterloo Warriors.................................................................................68 Carleton Ravens .....................................................................................72

The chase for the 106th Yates Cup is on and the action returns to the gridiron as Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Sportsnet 360 are teaming up to broadcast the best of Canadian collegiate football this fall. This season marks the 12th year of nationally televised OUA football, but OUA’s first as a partner with Sportsnet. Sportsnet 360 will broadcast 13 CIS football games, including 10 OUA games (six regular season and four playoff games), all leading up to the 106th Yates Cup presented by Pioneer Energy on Nov. 9.

Sportsnet 360’s coverage kicks off with the reigning Yates Cup Champions, McMaster Marauders, hosting the Western Mustangs at Ron Joyce Stadium. The Marauders and Mustangs were the top two offensive teams in 2012, both topping 4000 total yards, so expect plenty of action in the end zone. McMaster is beginning life without star quarterback and CIS male athlete of the year Kyle Quinlan, but is still one of the countries deepest programs. The ‘Stangs lost to McMaster 42-28 in last year’s OUA semifinal and have had all summer to think about the loss. Whether it’s McMaster re-establishing their dominance or the Mustangs chance at redemption, both teams will have something to prove.

On Sept. 14, the crew travels up the QEW, as the University of Toronto Varsity Blues take on the OUA runners-up Guelph Gryphons at Varsity Centre. Last year the Gryphons had a record setting 7-1 season, but narrowly slipped by the 2-6 Blues, 3129, thanks to a timely safety in the third quarter. Over the last two seasons, the Blues have given the Grpyhs all they can handle, so there’s no love lost between these squads, which should make for an exciting tilt.

September 21 has potential to be the game of the season as McMaster and Guelph square off in a rematch of last year’s Yates Cup, this time with the backdrop of Guelph’s homecoming. As the reigning two-time champions, McMaster is playing with a target on their backs and no one has bigger eyes for it than the Gryphons, who lost 30-13 in the championship game. The core of the Gryphons is still intact and won’t be satisfied until they win a championship, but a decisive win over their white whale would be a great place to start.

One week later (Sept. 28), the league’s most storied rivalry is on display as the Queen’s Gaels travel to London to meet the Western Mustangs. Last year the Gaels edged the ‘Stangs 18-11 thanks to a late Ryan Granberg TD and have won the last two meetings. The ‘Stangs boast a potent offence, but it hasn’t clicked in the last two games against Queen’s. A raucous TD Stadium and an injection of Western homecoming could be what the ‘Stangs need to take the wind out of the Gaels.

October 5 marks the return of the Panda Game as the Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton Ravens hook up at Gee-Gees field. The cross-town rivals will be reviving the Panda Game, which hasn’t been played since 1998, the last time the Ravens fielded a team.

The battle for Pedro the Panda should reignite a historic football rivalry in the nation’s capital.

After the Thanksgiving break, the OUA regular season hits the home stretch and the games will have huge playoff implications.

Sportsnet 360 is waiting to see how everything shakes out and week eight’s game of the week will be announced at a later date.

Tim Micallef returns to the broadcast booth to call play-by-play alongside colour analyst and award-winning CFL receiver Mike Morreale. Also returning is former OUA running back and current Sportsnet reporter Donnovan Bennett who will provide weekly features from around the league. As avid fans of OUA football, the trio of Micallef, Morreale and Bennett will headline Sportsnet’s coverage this fall.

In addition to the 10 televised OUA contests, Sportsnet 360 will also broadcast the Mitchell Bowl, the Uteck Bowl and the Vanier Cup. Sportsnet will also air highlights and features on Connected and sportsnet.ca will feature game previews, statistics, standings and news from around the OUA. Stay tuned to OUA.ca for more updates.

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OUA UNCOVERED: 2012 Football Season Preview

Spotlight on Pat Tracey

by Cory Wright, Photos By Michael P. Hall

The Queen’s Gaels defence is tight, hard-hitting and nearly impenetrable. They allowed the fewest points in the league in 2011 (103) and finished second last season with 145. Their top defensive weapon doesn’t even suit up in shoulder pads and a helmet, at least not anymore. Instead Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach Pat Tracey stands on the sidelines, draws up new plays and constantly adjusts to the opponent. Entering 2013, Tracey boasts 105 career wins as a CIS Defensive Coordinator and is the CIS leader with 14 career shutout victories. He has established himself as OUA’s premier defensive coordinator with the hardware to back it up.

The Foxboro, Ont., native has lead the OUA’s top defence six times, five with Queen’s (2002, ‘03, ‘08, ‘09, ’11) and a sixth with the Guelph Gryphons in 1992. Under Tracey’s guidance, four Gaels players have won CIS awards, 16 were All-Canadians, eight won OUA awards, 39 were conference All-Stars and one player went first overall in the CFL draft. In 2008, he was named the full-time assistant to Coach Pat Sheahan, the same year Sheahan won CIS Coach of the Year. The following year, Tracey captured his fourth Yates Cup Championship en route to his second Vanier Cup. In 2011, the Gaels defence was unbeaten on the ground and did not concede a rushing touchdown all season. For Tracey it was par for the course. He joined the Gaels as a Special Teams Coach in 2000 and became the Defensive Coordinator in 2001. Since then the Gaels defence has ranked number one against the Run five times, the Pass twice and overall five times. Prior to joining Queen’s, Tracey coached with the Guelph Gryphons from 1987-97 and 1999, winning the Yates Cup twice in ’92 and ’96. At Guelph, Tracey developed 11 All-Canadians, 31 OUA All-Stars and seven CFL draft picks and he also coached this guy named Mike O’Shea.

Tracey’s accomplishments in OUA have earned him coaching positions on five CIS East teams in CIS East-West Bowl games. He is a nationally and internationally recognized defensive specialist and has won on both stages. Tracey collected four medals, one gold (2009) and three bronze (2005-07), as the Defensive Coordinator for the Eastern Ontario U-17 team and internationally served as the Special Teams Coach for Canada at the 2007 Global Football Championship, where Canada won for a third consecutive year.

In 1998, Tracey went pro and was the Special Teams Coach with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, advancing to the Grey Cup before losing to the Calgary Stampeders. With Tracey on his staff, Ti-Cats Coach Ron Lancaster won CFL Coach of the Year. The following

year Tracey went back to Guelph, but was a Guest Coach for the Ti-Cats from 1999-2001 and again for the Toronto Argonauts from 2007-09.

Tracey’s expertise on the sidelines stems from a successful career on the field. He played Defensive Back for Guelph from 1982-86 and won his first Vanier Cup in 1984. Tracey still holds the school’s record for career games played (51), longest fumble return (61 yards) and ranks second for games started (49). A natural leader (and a fitting precursor to his coaching career) Tracey captained the team in 1986 and was a nominee for the Mitchell award as Male Sportsman of the Year. On Guelph’s Team of the Decade for the 1980’s, Tracey is their starting Cornerback.

An accomplished coach on the gridiron, Tracey is a family-man off the field and currently resides in Kingston, Ont., with his wife Denise and daughters Devon and Darby.

Coaching Accomplishments/Merits: Silver Medal – 2011 IFAF World Football Championships, Austria, Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Back Coach - Team Canada Gold Medal - 2007 Global Football Championships, Fort Lauderdale Florida, Special Teams Coordinator -Team Canada Gold Medal – 2009 U-17 Team Ontario, Defensive Coordinator - Football Canada Cup Saskatoon Bronze medal – 2005,06,07 U-17 Team Ontario, Defensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator Football Canada Cup Winnipeg MB, Lennoxville QC OUA # 1 defense (2011, 2009, 2008, 2003, 2002, 1992) Vanier Cup Champion , Guelph Gryphons, 1984 - Queens Gaels – 2009 Yates Cup Champion – 1984, 1992, 1996, 2009 CIS East-West Bowl – Defensive Back Coach 2003, Defensive Coordinator 2004, Special teams Coordinator 2005, 2007,08 105 Career coaching victories Professional Football – CFL Special Teams Coach Hamilton Tiger-Cats 1998 (Eastern Conference Champions) Guest Coach – Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1999-01), Toronto Argonauts (2007-09) Assistant Coach to Coach of the Year: 2008 – Pat Sheahan CIS Queens 2001,07,08 – Pat Sheahan, OUA Queens 1996 – Dan McNally, OUA/CIS Guelph 1998 – Ron Lancaster, CFL Hamilton Defensive Players Accomplishments: Guelph Gryphons – 31 OUA All-Stars, 11 CIS All-Canadians, 7 CFL draft picks, Major Award Winner: Mike O’Shea Presidents Trophy Queens Gaels – 39 OUA All-Stars, 16 CIS All-Canadians, 9 CFL draft picks, Major Award Winners: Thaine Carter Presidents Trophy, TJ Leeper – Russ Jackson, Mike Douglas – Russ Jackson, Kurt McClellan – Russ Jackson, Sam Sabourin – Norm Marshall Rookie, Matt Kirk – Metras Trophy, Osie Ukwuoma – Metras Trophy (2x), Chris Smith Vanier Cup Defensive MVP, Shomari Williams Mitchell Bowl Defensive MVP, Shomari Williams CFL 1st pick overall.

Guelph Gryphon Playing Accomplishments: 5 year Varsity Letterman 1989 – selected to Gryphon Team of the Decade – corner back 1986 – Team Captain, Set School Record most games played in a career (51), ranked 2nd in school history for games started (49), Football nominee for the Bill Mitchell Sportsman of the Year Award, Varsity Athletics honour award.

1984 – Vanier Cup Champion 1983 – set school record for longest fumble return (61 yards) 1982 – Most Improved Player

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OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview

1. Queen’s Gaels

by Mike Hogan, Photos By Michael P. Hall

It couldn’t have ended in a more painful fashion.

The 2012 season ended for the Gaels at Guelph after they surrendered a 36-14 lead in the last 10 minutes of regulation time before losing in overtime, a bitter loss that sent them back to Kingston with a lot to mull over during the off-season.

Armed with experience, talent and added motivation, Pat Sheahan’s team enters this campaign as one of the favourites to win the conference. A lot of the offensive hopes will be riding on the arm of fourth-year quarterback Billy McPhee.

McPhee attended the Hamilton Tiger-Cats camp and has come back with more command of the offence and a sense of reinforcement of the concepts the Queen’s staff has been preaching. Last year he averaged about 250 yards passing per game in the regular season, but threw nine interceptions against 10 touchdowns, numbers that the Burlington native would love to improve upon.

The vertical game will be bolstered by the return of the entire group of receivers, led by 6’ 3” Giovanni Aprile. Speedster Justin Chapdelaine, Scott Macdonell, Doug Corby and Curtis Carmichael give the Gaels a veteran group with a ton of talent. If any of the vets falter there’s an impressive group of freshman receivers ready to pick up the slack led by 6’4”, 210 pound Alex Zulys and Connor Weir.

Despite the temptation to air it out, the Gaels ground game is also fierce.

Ryan Granberg led the country in rushing in 2011 and was second a year ago. There are three experienced backs to push Granberg, returnee Jesse Andrews along with a pair of NCAA transfers, Brendan Morgan from the University of Virginia and Daniel Heslop from Savannah State.

The offensive line is also intact, aside from center Mike Sullivan. John Meenagh will compete for that job. Matt Kendrick and Blake Sirio will also be a part of the group.

OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview

Second Team All-Canadian John Miniaci will anchor the defensive line and will be joined at tackle by Natu Myers, a 270 pounder who is poised for a breakthrough season. Edge players include Cory Dyer, Andrew Sauer and a couple of local products who were high-school teammates, Luke Ball and Corey Flude.

Simply put, Sam Sabourin is one of the best players in the country. Sheahan sums up why quite simply, “He’s a complete player. He’s fast, powerful and cerebral. He wants to be a good player and puts lots of pressure on himself.” Whatever he’s doing he’s doing well, earning Second Team All-Canadian status. Ryan Farrell, Sean Plumley, Jesse Topley, Mike Leroux, Justin Baronaitis are all in the mix at linebacker, as are freshmen Nick Dowd and Austin Passariello.

Defensive Coordinator Pat Tracey will like his secondary. It’s an athletic group led by Andrew Lue and First Team All-Canadian T.J. Chase-Dunawa. Matt Webster and Christoph Smith also return. The returnee with the most interesting story may be Yann Dika-Balotoken, who tried out for the French national team.

The Gaels are also blessed with the strong leg of Dillon Wamsley, who opened the eyes of his teammates when he bench pressed 225 pounds 18 times. It remains his leg strength that garners more respect though as he kicked a 48-yard field goal last year, second longest in the country. He was only 13/20 though and he’d like to improve his success rate.

It’s a deep, talented, veteran team. There is no doubt Queen’s

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should be considered as one of the favourites in an equally deep, talented conference.

Key veteran: Sam Sabourin Fab freshman: Nick Dowd Pat Sheahan says: “It’s great to have the kind of local talent we have on this team.”

OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE

Rushing R. Granberg J. Andrews G. Aprile

Att 179 15 36

Passing B. McPhee R. Mitchell

Comp Att 158 252 12 21

Yds % 1975 62.7% 110 57.1%

TD 10 1

Int 9 0

Yds Avg TD 966 5.4 10 105 7.0 0 619 7.7 0

Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD G. Aprile 36 619 17.2 3 J. Chapdelaine 36 521 14.5 4 S. MacDonnell 25 266 10.6 0

SPECIAL TEAMS

DEFENCE

Kickoff Return D. Corby A. Carroll

Ret 5 5

Yds Avg Lng 140 28.0 71 130 26.0 34

Punt Return C. Patrician A. Carroll

Ret 19 20

Yds Avg Lng 353 18.6 91 162 8.1 79

Kickoffs D. Wamsley

Att Yds Avg 42 2424 57.7

Sacks Sack C. Dyer 10.5 D. Wiggan 6 W. Moodie 5

Punting D. Wamsley

Att Yds Avg 60 2235 37.3

Interceptions Int J. Baronaitis 2

Field Goals D. Wamsley

Att 20

Tackles S. Sabourin S. Laporte C. Dyer D. Wiggan

Tot Solo Ast 47 39 16 33.5 24 19 30.5 27 7 30.5 24 13

Made % Lng 13 65.0% 48

Did you know… Head Coach Pat Sheahan is the longest serving coach

in OUA and this season is his 25th in the CIS as a head coach. Sheahan is entering his 14th season with Queen’s after serving for 11 seasons as the head coach with Concordia

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2. GUELPH GRYPHONS by mike hogan

It was one of those moments that help define a rebuilding football program.

Trailing Queen’s 36-14 with just 10 minutes left in their playoff opener, the Gryphons staged a comeback for the ages. After scoring two quick touchdowns, they tied the score in the final minute on a Saxon Lindsey touchdown coupled with a twopoint conversion. In overtime, the Gryphons surrendered a field goal on the opening possession, but scored on their first possession, as Michael Fortino hauled in a pass and broke away for a 35-yard major sending the crowd at Alumni Stadium into equal parts shock and euphoria. Head Coach Stu Lang realizes the importance of the moment.

“How do you develop a winning tradition without having won?” said Lang. “Without that experience it doesn’t become real. It gave us confidence that we can always come back no matter what the situation.”

The Gryphons lost the Yates Cup final to McMaster a week later, but the season was a success nonetheless.

Jazz Lindsey is back for his third season as the Gryph’s quarterback and he’s become more of a dual-threat as his passing accuracy has improved. In the regular season he threw a dozen touchdown passes against only four interceptions, while rushing for almost six yards a carry.

Watching the Gryphons running back situation develop is going to be one of the more interesting stories in the OUA. Rob Farquharson is back, coming off a season where he was third in the country in rushing, averaging 117 yards per game. He’s had a phenomenal off-season and is in the best shape of his life, but he’s going to be pushed hard by three of the most highly-recruited backs in the country. Bryson Dobush from Edmonton, Welland’s Johnny Augustine and BC’s Mason Swift all arrive at the same time and all are five-star recruits. Seeing how Offensive Coordinator Todd Galloway uses the talent will be fascinating.

When Guelph opts to throw the football Jazz Lindsey will have several options, including big brother Saxon, who returns for a fifth year. Carl Trivieri, Dillon Dimitroff and Alexander Charette all return to round out a balanced group of receivers.

There’s great news on the offensive line as Jake Piotrowski returns from an injury that cost him his season. He’s back from

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Montreal Alouettes camp, while Cam Thorn moves from the defensive side of the football, also having gone to a CFL camp with the B.C. Lions. Cody O’Neill is back at centre. Cam Wilhelm, Kyle Fraser-Audit and Steve Mburanumwe also return.

As a whole, the Gryphons defence should be much faster this year, which will make Defensive Coordinator Kevin MacNeill happy. On the Line Jeff Finley will play one of the tackle spots. Jordan Thompson and Cam Walker will line up at end. Coach Lang says Walker “has CFL written all over him.”

Guelph’s defensive quickness will be evident at linebacker with Vince Lonsdale and Andrew Graham starting. Tristan Doughlin could play Sam linebacker or could end up at safety.

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As a whole, the secondary is a younger unit. If speed is a theme with the Gryphons then returning hometown product Mac Myers fits that bill and Colin Mandich will play one corner. Another one of the team’s star recruits is Jadon Johnson, who played for Team Canada and brings 4.5 second speed to the group.

Hank Ilesic, Lang’s former teammate with the Edmonton Eskimos, is back to work with the kickers. Julian Tropea went 8/8 in his regular season field goal attempts, going 2/3 in the playoffs. Dan Ferraro averaged 36 yards a punt and should be stronger this time around. The team also recruited Jacob Scarbone from London who has a very strong leg.

The Gryphons lost two games a year ago, both to McMaster. It’s yet to be seen if the team has climbed to that level yet, but it’s certainly headed in the right direction.

Key veteran: Jake Piotrowski Fab freshman: Bryson Dobush Stu Lang says: The playoff win over Queen’s was “phenomenal for our program.”

OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing J. Lindsey L. Nangle

Comp Att Yds % TD Int 128 228 1601 56.1 12 4 13 24 156 54.2 2 2

Rushing R. Farquharson J. Lindsey C. Davidson

Receiving D. Dimitroff S. Lindsey C. Trivieri M. Fortino

Att Yds Avg TD 151 940 6.2 8 40 232 5.8 1 20 84 4.2 0 Rec Yds Avg TD 29 330 11.4 2 23 240 10.4 3 20 256 12.8 1 15 276 18.4 4

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return A. Fraser C. Trivieri

Ret Yds Avg Lng 22 529 24.0 80 4 58 14.5 19

Punt Return Ret Yds Avg Lng A. Fraser 30 342 11.4 59 M. Fortino 6 39 6.5 26 Kickoffs Att Yds Avg D. Ferraro 28 1492 53.3 M. Santos 5 237 47.4 Punting D. Ferraro M. Santos

Att Yds Avg 64 2304 36.0 10 310 31.0

Field Goals Att D. Ferraro 10

DEFENCE

Tackles J. Rush J. Reinhart J. Baines

Tot Solo Ast 55 41 28 50 38 24 38 29 18

Sacks Sack J. Rush 4.5 J. Finley 3.5

Interceptions Int B. Dunjko 3 J. Rush 2 J. Baines 2

Made % Lng 6 60.0 38

Did you know‌ John Rush was named to the tournament allstar team following Team Canada`s 23-17 win over US in the International Federation of American Football under-19 world championship.

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Ten Questions with Stu Lang byMike Hogan

Over the last several seasons the Guelph Gryphons have become one of the most talked about teams in the country. OUA Uncovered's Mike Hogan sat down with Head Coach Stu Lang and asked him 10 questions.

1. How did a Queen's guy get involved with the University of Guelph in the first place?

I retired from the family business and had a chance to coach at my alma mater, Upper Canada College, and really caught the coaching bug. That opportunity to coach really rekindled that desire of being a teacher. I lived in Puslinch, just south of Guelph, and I thought it might be a good idea to improve my coaching talent and become a guest coach with (then head coach) Kyle Walters and the Guelph Gryphons. Coincidentally they had just lost their receivers coach, so rather than coming to training camp he asked me to join the staff. Kyle went on to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after that season and they had to replace him – I was actually on the search committee interviewing prospective coaches. After interviewing about two or three candidates I went home and asked my wife if she'd mind if I applied for the head coaching position because I thought I had some unique talents to help the program. So I spoke to the athletic director, Tom Kendall, and he bought into the strategy and went through the interview process and ended up getting hired. Nothing was planned, it just sort of fell into place.

2. What was the program's biggest need when you arrived?

I think it was more coaches. I looked at Laval, who probably had six on staff and obviously we couldn't approach that, although now I think we're there. There's no mystery or magic to it, the more coaches you have the better you can train your players and more importantly you can do a better job in recruiting, so the first step was to make sure we had more full-time coaches and we've built it over that time span.

3. Every program in the country would like more coaches, so how did you alleviate that problem in the budget?

To make it easy on the university and start quickly, I decided to use my salary to pay Kevin and ultimately Todd. They became the first two full-time coaches for me, so that's how it started.

4. You've won five Grey Cups as a player, as well as some big games while at Queen's, so where does last year's comeback win over the Gaels in the playoffs rank on a personal level?

It certainly ranks up high. I think whenever you win something for the first time it's always memorable, so my first Grey Cup (1974) was memorable. I think, although I've won five, the fourth (in a row) in '81 was really special because when I joined the Edmonton Eskimos everyone talked about the Jackie Parker days of winning three in a row, so to win four in a row was quite an accomplishment. That 1981 team was, I think, ranked seventh in the last century as the best Canadian team ever and the list included the Paul Henderson Team Canada and the Blue Jays. We were 20-1-1 including the pre-season, so it was a phenomenal team. As for the Queen's game, with me being a Queen's alumnus and coming back and going to the Yates Cup, which has always been our first goal, that was quite exciting and I'd probably rank that number three.

5. How has Guelph's recruiting strategy changed since you've arrived?

We now have more people on the ground. We also encourage our coaches to get involved coaching teams during the summer, so we can get a little closer with players because developing a relationship is always important. We fly our coaches from coast to coast and we've got recruits from Nova Scotia and Victoria, so we're quite active going out and finding players and not being limited to Ontario. Guelph is not a hot bed of football compared to London or the Hamilton/ Burlington area, so a lot of our recruiting has to come outside the city. One of our weaknesses is Quebec and we're developing a strategy for next year. We're not going to get a lot, but if we get one, two or three players a year it will definitely help.

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6. What was operating budget then and what it is now?

It hasn't changed really. The school provides us about $110,000 in operating budget and that doesn't include salaries. The school has a budget for two full-time salaries.

7. If I'm the parent of a recruit, tell me what makes your program stand out from the others?

I tell the parents that I believe in the concept of the student/athlete in that order of importance, student first and athlete second. I tell them that I know they'll be disappointed if we don't win the Vanier, but you'll be really upset if your son doesn't graduate. We probably put more emphasis on it than any other OUA team, and not just from the support the school provides in study halls and bounce back programs, but we have what we call 'Mental Mondays.’ Monday is a day off for the players, but all my coaching staff meets with every rookie and every veteran who is below 62.5% on their cumulative average for a personal one-on-one meeting to talk about his schedule for the week. Literally, it's a computer program, they have to put in when they get up, when they're going to class, when they're working out, when they're eating, so it's all laid out. Then we go through what's called an academic review so we know when every paper is due, and every exam and test is going, so can say ‘okay, we know you have a test next week, what is your plan?’ Then, when the test is written, they have to come back and give us their mark. Coaches also just randomly show up at class to make sure they're in class. We also provide tutors for them as well, which is phenomenal. We probably have 30 of our players being supported by tutors. The academic support is number one, I would say.

8. What the most important thing the relationship with the Hamilton Ticats brings to the program?

I think it's the publicity. We've been able to have their coaches and players talk to our players, which I think has been great, but just the fact that our stadium is on national television and you see the big gryphon and the unique end zones. We've got signage that the Tiger-Cats have been kind enough to put a gryphon alongside the Tiger-Cat logo, so the publicity is phenomenal. The little sleepy town of Guelph is now being shared throughout Canada, which makes recruiting easier. When I started I went out to B.C and not only did they not know where Guelph was, but they couldn't spell it! Now they know ‘You're the football team where the Tiger-Cats are playing.’

9. When, if ever, will Guelph host a Vanier Cup game?

I'd love to have done it this year obviously with the stands. In fairness it's a very big project for the university. Laval is fortunate because their team has become somewhat privatized, so their owner in the company that manages Laval is also a sports management company so they slide into it very easily. It would be a big project for any university to take on, but obviously we'd love to do it.

10. Is this your year?

We're building toward the ultimate success. We have a young team and if you look at, for example, (quarterback) Jazz Lindsey, he now has three years to do something special. We're continuing to recruit well each year, so we have a good window of three years to do something special.

Photo Source: Michael P Hall

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OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview

3. MCMASTER MARAUDERS

by Mike Hogan, Photos By Michael P. Hall

They were 30 minutes away from another dream season.

After rolling to an 8-0 regular season mark, followed by three convincing playoff wins, the Marauders entered the Vanier Cup final against Laval beaming with confidence. That confidence must have increased as they led the championship game 14-12 at the half and the team had not scored fewer than 30 points in any of its previous 11 games.

The dream quickly turned to a nightmare as the Rouge et Or scored 25 unanswered second-half points and the dream of back-to-back Vanier Cup championships was left unfulfilled. Now MAC will see if the old saying “two out of three ain’t bad” applies to national championship titles.

On the surface it might be asking a lot. Quarterback Kyle Quinlan, last year’s Hec Crighton winner, has left the playing field and has joined the Marauder coaching staff. That doesn’t mean the maroon and white aren’t poised to contend for another Vanier Cup. Quinlan may be gone, but there is some experience in place as fourth-year pivot Marshall Ferguson takes over. Ferguson may not have Quinlan’s mobility or accuracy on the deep routes, but according to Head Coach Stefan Ptaszek “he has a quicker release and is more accurate inside 20 yards than Kyle.” The new starter also received invaluable reps and film study in a pro environment with the Calgary Stampeders in their spring camp, learning from former CFL star Dave Dickenson. Last year the Kingston native completed an OUA best 70% of his 54 passes, while throwing three touchdowns against no interceptions.

It will also help the first-time starter when he sees Michael DiCroce at wide out. Perhaps the most dangerous offensive player in the country, DiCroce missed the entire regular season with an ankle injury sustained in training camp.

In his first game of the year, a playoff matchup against Western, he caught five passes for 139 yards and two TDs. He’s almost impossible to cover man-to-man.

Dahlin Brooks, Max Cameron and Ferguson’s high-school teammate Ben O’Connor return. Ben’s younger brothers Mitch and Danny Vandervoort from Barrie are among the newcomers to the group.

Running back Chris Pezzetta had a sensational freshman season before injuring his knee in training camp last year, forcing him to miss the entire season. Sadly, he’s unable to play this season either. Jimmy Hill will be the running back if he can stay healthy. He’s a dynamic player, but has had the injury bug thus far in his career.

Kasean Davis-Reynolds will also get reps, while Wayne Moore will get a look as well.

The offensive line has just one returning player, but what a player he is. Left tackle Matt Sewell was the Toronto Argos

first-round pick and also had an NFL tryout with the Tennessee Titans.

At 6’8”, 350 pounds he’s rock solid. The other four 2012

OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview 23 starters are gone, leaving spots open for a player like Bryce Hudson, who played a lot last year. Also expected to compete are Jordan Cozzi, Tyler Goldsworthy, 6’7” Sean Smith and Tom Sterling.

Coach Ptaszek wrapped up his CFL playing career with the Argos in 2000, missing the chance to play with Kevin Eiben by just one season. The two will now be teammates of a different kind at McMaster as the five time all-star was named defensive coordinator in July. Eiben wrapped up his CFL career with the Tiger-Cats last year and, while he’s inexperienced as a coach, he blew Ptaszek away in the interview process and has the ability to draw from a wealth of CIS knowledge on his staff.

As a former linebacker Eiben will love what he sees from the dynamic duo of Nick Shortill and First Team All-Canadian Aram Eisho. Shortill is a wrecking ball at the Sam linebacker position, while middle linebacker Eisho is a force against the run. Among the candidates to be the third starter are Dylan Roesch-Crane and Kyle Fitzsimons.

Photo Source: Michael P Hall

24 OUA UNCOVERED: Season Preview Adam Dickson is solid at defensive tackle.2013 He’s oneFootball of the better players in the CIS and is good enough at nose tackle to

allow Eiben the flexibility to play in a 30 front if he wants. Zack Intzandt is poised for a breakout season next to Dickson.

The Marauders will have to see who emerges in camp as the edge players.

If you’re a fan of another OUA team you might not want to read this section of the preview because it’s bad news...very bad news. For the last two seasons the Marauders have led the country in interceptions and all five starters are back for another season. Steven Ventresca and First Team All-Canadian Joey Cupido are the corners, Allan Dicks and Stephen Dennis are the half backs and Mike Daly is back at safety. The Second-Team All Canadian has some pro experience now after attending the Tiger-Cats camp. Simply put, it’s an awesome group.

First Team All-Canadian kicker Tyler Crapigna is back for another season. He was 18/18 in field goal attempts during the regular season with a long of 46 yards, while going 3/4 in the playoffs. His punting average wasn’t spectacular, but he was very good at getting the ball inside the 20.

The presence of DiCroce as a returner is dangerous and so is the addition of a new special teams coordinator. Coach Ptaszek considers Gary Jeffries as his mentor and his best friend and the two have been reunited in Hamilton. Jeffries was the head coach and Ptaszek the offensive coordinator when Laurier won the 2005 Vanier Cup. When ‘Coach Jeff’ was relieved of his duties after last season, the student was quick to pounce to get the teacher on his staff. Ptaszek told OUA Uncovered “The hardest thing to do on special teams is to make all of the players accountable”, before adding with a grin “and that’s Gary’s specialty.”

The combination of talent and coaching makes this a very dangerous team.

Key veteran: Matt Sewell Fab freshman: Danny Vandervoort Stefan Ptaszek says: “We don’t have a second Kyle Quinlan, we have a first Marshall Ferguson.”

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing K. Quinlan M. Ferguson

Comp Att 162 235 38 54

Yds % 2457 68.9 482 70.4

TD 19 3

Int 2 0

Rushing Att Yds Avg TD K. Davis-Reynolds K. Quinlan 55 550 10.0 7 J. Hill 62 336 5.4 2 Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD R. Babic 51 679 13.3 3 B. Fochesato 27 561

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return Ret Yds Avg Lng J. Vandeweerd 8 155 19.4 27 A. Masotti 5 96 19.2 28

Punt Return Ret Yds Avg Lng A. Masotti 26 255 8.7 34

Kickoffs Att Yds Avg T. Crapigna 35 1922 54.9 S. Dennis 10 488 48.8 Punting T. Crapigna M. Ferguson

Att Yds Avg 61 2128 35.5 6 189 31.5

Field Goals T. Crapigna

Att 18

DEFENCE

Tackles A. Eisho N. Shorthill S. Beaton

Tot Solo Ast 52.5 50 5 33.5 32 3 29 25 8

Sacks Sack B. D’Aguilar 12.5 N. Shortill 4 S. Beaton 4 Interceptions Int

S. Ventresca 4 M. Daly 3 J. Cupido 2 T. Abraham 2

Made % Lng 18 100.0 46

Did you know… All-Canadian cornerback Joey Cupido is also a

professional lacrosse player with the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League and was named to the NLL All-Rookie team for the 2013 season.

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4 . western mustangs

by Mike Hogan

The changing of the guard is now complete at Western.

Donnie Marshall has graduated and the offensive reins have been passed to the most highly touted young quarterback the OUA has seen in years. Second-year pivot Will Finch will be under centre for the Mustangs this season after not one, but two CFL camps. Two years ago he learned from Henry Burris at the Tiger-Cats training camp, while this season he worked out with Ricky Ray and the Grey Cup champion Argos. It's given him a world of confidence as he takes control of the offence for the first time. He showed signs of great promise when he got the opportunity to play in 2012, but also showed there's room to grow. He completed 55% of his passes, but threw as many interceptions (five) as he did touchdowns. He's a work in progress with a remarkably high upside.

A year ago phenom Tyler Varga left London to play at Yale. The decision came late in the recruiting season and left a hole atop the Mustangs depth chart, but Garret Sanvido filled that void as well as could be expected. He ended up leading the CIS in rushing and was the only back to break the 1,000 yard mark, earning him First Team All-Canadian honours. Joining him in the backfield will be OUA Rookie of the Year Yannick Harou, who filled in admirably for Sanvido when given the opportunity averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

Head Coach Greg Marshall has coached at the CIS level for a long time and has been incredibly successful at both Western and McMaster. That said, this comment about his wide receiving corps makes one's ears perk up.

"This is as good a group as I've had at Western and may be the best group I've ever had."

Heady praise indeed for a group that's led by his son Brian and Matt Uren. They'll be the main targets for Finch, with the diminutive, but speedy, Uren being someone that's quickly moving up the draft boards of CFL teams. He had an incredible playoff game against Windsor where he accumulated 403 yards of total offence and caught four touchdown passes. The tough as nails Marshall was third in the conference in receiving yards a year ago. Garret Sanvido's younger brother Justin will also be featured prominently in the aerial attack.

In Coach Marshall's words, the offensive line "took a beating" with the loss of four starters from last year's group. It's not only the on-field loss, but the leadership in the locker room that accompanied it. Eric Armitage is the lone returning starter after spending training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This opens the door for veterans like Joe Circelli, Kane McEwen and Matt Van Praet to seize an opportunity. Eddie Meredith is a transfer from Boston College who also should fit into the mix.

With returnees like Finch and Garret Sanvido, coupled with the accolades the coach had for his receivers, it's somewhat sur that Marshall called his OUA UNCOVERED: Football Season prising defensive line "the strength of2013 the team.�

However, when you look atPreview the group it should come 29 as no shock as to why he's so excited.

First Team All-Canadian Daryl Waud returns along with Hall of Famer Rod Connop. They'll man the interior of the

Rory Connop, son of Canadian Football line while Dylan Ainsworth and Ricky

Photo Source: Michael P Hall

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Osei-Kusi will come off the edge. Veterans Brent Wheeler and Rupert Butcher will also be part of the rotation.

The linebacking corps is laden with fourth- and fifth-year veterans. The best of the bunch is Beau Landry. but Pawel Kruba and Sean Blake will also be featured prominently. There is a wealth of veterans ready to step in if one of the starters falters or is injured.

Western's top recruit will vie for a spot in the starting secondary.

Jesse McNair is a hometown product who chose to stay at home instead of leaving for Laurier, Guelph or Carleton, the other schools he had narrowed his choices down to. Simon Bahru, Kalvin Johnson and Trevor Lass are veterans who should see the most playing time.

The reliable veteran Lirim Hajrullahu is back to assume the kicking duties. He was 19/25 in his regular season field goal attempts last season was 4/4 in the playoffs. He averaged over 40 yards a punt.

A season ago the 'Stangs went 5-3 in the regular season before giving up three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a playoff loss to McMaster. By Western's standards that's not good enough.

This season the OUA is as deep and as competitive as it's ever been. That said, there is liitle doubt that Western will be around in November to have its say as to who the best of the bunch is.

Key veteran: Beau Landry Fab freshman: Jesse McNair Greg Marshall says: "Will Finch is an easy kid to coach and he's a lot more confident this year."

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing D. Marshall W. Finch

Comp Att Yds % TD Int 64 116 1023 55.2 5 3 49 89 818 55.1 5 5

Rushing G. Sanvido Y. Harou W. Finch D. Marshall

Receiving B. Marshall M. Uren J. Sanvido M. Brazier

Att 155 73 34 32

Yds Avg TD 1001 6.5 13 493 6.8 4 286 8.4 3 233 7.3 1

Rec Yds Avg TD 40 765 19.1 6 24 334 13.9 2 20 290 14.5 2 18 249 13.8 0

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return Ret Yds Avg Lng Y. Harou 9 204 22.7 61 M. Uren 7 184 26.3 85 Punt Return Y. Harou M. Uren J. Sanvido

Ret 40 10 13

Yds 293 129 111

Avg 7.3 12.9 8.5

Lng 28 29 32

Kickoffs L. Hajrullahu

Att Yds Avg 44 2726 62.0

Punting L. Hajrullahu

Att Yds Avg 48 1948 40.6

Field Goals L. Hajrullahu

Att Made % Lng 25 19 76.0 37

DEFENCE Tackles P. Kruba D. Waud B. Landry S. Blake

Tot Solo Ast 32.5 26 13 32 25 14 29 23 12 27 24 6

Sacks Sack D. Ainsworth 9.5 R. Osei-Kusi 4.5 M. Babic 4

Interceptions Int P. Kruba 2 H. Mutabola 1 D. Waud 1

Did you know‌ Second-year quarterback Will Finch has attended CFL training camps for the past two seasons. First with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2012 and with the Toronto Argonauts in 2013.

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Top 10 Linebackers of the 2000’s

by Bryan Crawford

Over the past two years OUA Uncovered has looked at the Top 10 Quarterbacks and Running Backs of the 2000`s. This year we line up on the defensive side of the ball and count down the Top 10 Linebackers of the 2000’s. These exceptional athletes patrolled the OUA gridiron and put fear in to the hearts of quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. There’s no question that two OUA schools can lay claim to the title of Linebacker U. Wilfrid Laurier University and McMaster University have turned out the most defenders on this list, taking up seven of the 10 spots.

10. Mark Pretzlaff – OLB – Ottawa – 2001 6’2” / 225 lbs Fortunately for OUA offences at the beginning of the 2000’s Ottawa only made a handful of trips into southern Ontario, as the Ottawa Gee-Gees spent the end of the 90’s dominating the RSEQ. However, when they returned to play in the OUA in 2001 they brought Mark Pretzlaff with them and he dominated the league from his OLB position. By the end of 2001 he collected the OUA President’s Trophy, First Team OUA All-Star and First Team CIS All-Canadian honours.

9. Anthony Maggiacoma – OLB – Laurier – 2003-2008 6’2” / 222 lbs Nicknamed “Maggic” the 6’2”, 222 lb tackling machine was the prototypical linebacker that made up one half of a fearsome duo with Yannick Carter. This aggressive run-stopper limited main potential gains during his time at Laurier, where he led the OUA in total tackles (60.5) in 2007 and was named the OUA President’s Trophy winner, First Team OUA All-Star and a Second Team CIS All-Canadian. Maggiacoma developed a winning pedigree and was a two-time Yates Cup winner (2004, 2005) and Vanier Cup champion in 2005. After a stint in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2008, Maggiacoma went on to play for Sr. Team Canada at the 2011 World Championships in Vienna, Austria.

8. Yannick Carter – OLB – Laurier – 2003-2006 6’1” / 212 lbs Yannick Carter was a unique blend of athletic ability in the OUA during his time at Laurier. Half defensive back, half linebacker Carter could cover receivers in the passing game and then step in the box to stop the run. However Carter’s ability to rush the passer was what made him a premier defensive player in the OUA. In 2006 he recorded 9.5 QB sacks, which led the league and tied the former OUA single season record. By the end of his OUA career Carter was named a Second Team OUA All-Star (2005), First Team OUA All-Star (2006) and First Team CIS All-Canadian (2006). Carter, a two-time Yates Cup champion (2004, 2005) and Vanier Cup champion in 2005, was drafted in the third-round (20th overall) by Saskatchewan in 2007, where he spent one season before playing on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2009-2012. He currently plays for the Calgary Stampeders.

7. Giancarlo Rapanaro – OLB – Laurier – 2006-2010 5’11” / 197 lbs Continuing the tradition of great Golden Hawk linebackers, Giancarlo Rapanaro lands at number seven on our list. Rapanaro was a true hybrid defender, as the 5’11” / 197lb speedy outside linebacker was one of the most versatile defensive players to ever line up for Hawks. When Yannick Carter graduated to the CFL, it was thought to be virtually impossible to replace him, but Rapanaro did so in every possible sense. In 2007 he finished tied for second in the CIS recording 8.0 sacks. The smallest linebacker on our list played big his entire career and was named a First Team OUA All-Star in 2008, 2009, 2010, a Second Team

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CIS All-Canadian in 2009 and a First Team CIS AllCanadian in 2010. In his final season, Rapanaro took home the President’s Trophy before suiting up in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

6. Ryan Chmielewski – MLB - McMaster – 2007-2011 6’0” / 220 lbs Not many players start and end their careers in as impressive a fashion as Ryan Chmielewski. The 2007 OUA Rookie of the Year was an instant impact player upon stepping onto the McMaster campus. A versatile linebacker that lined up at both outside and middle over the course of his career, the Marauder team captain led a stingy McMaster defence for five seasons culminating with a Vanier Cup championship in 2011.

In addition to his rookie of the year award Chmielewski was named a First Team OUA All-Star in 2009, 2010, and 2011 and won the OUA President’s Trophy in 2011.

5. Jesse Alexander – OLB – Laurier – 2002-2006 6’1” / 225 lbs One of the most decorated linebackers on the list, Jesse Alexander led a Golden Hawks defence that captured the 2004 and 2005 Yates Cups and the 2005 Vanier Cup. In addition to the team accomplishments he was named the President’s Trophy winner in 2006, when he led OUA in total tackles (56.5). The relentless linebacker was named a First Team OUA All-Star twice (2004, 2006) and was selected as a First Team All-Canadian (2006) and a Second Team All-Canadian in 2004. He is, without question, one of the best defensive players to ever represent Laurier he was inducted into Golden Hawks Hall of Fame in 2011.

4. John Surla - MLB Western – 2007-2010 5’10” / 225 lbs John Surla was the heart and soul of a wildly successful Mustangs program that took home three Yates Cup Championships in four seasons and also appeared in the 2008 Vanier Cup. An absolutely fearsome opponent, Surla won the 2009 President’s Trophy, was a First Team OUA All-Star for three straight years (2008-2010), a First Team CIS All-Canadian (2009) and a two-time Second Team CIS All-Canadian (2008, 2010). Following his OUA career Surla went onto play stints with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Montreal Alouettes in 2011.

3. Thaine Carter – MLB - Queen’s – 2005-2008 6’0” / 230lbs The 2008 CIS President’s Trophy winner had one of the most dominant seasons of any defensive player during the decade. Thaine Carter was a commanding presence in the middle on the leagues’ top-ranked defence. Carter punished the

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...CONTINUED

opposition during the Gaels undefeated season in 2008 en route to being named a First Team OUA All-Star and All-Canadian. He was also a First Team OUA All-Star in 2007. Unfortunately, untimely injuries cut his OUA career short and hampered his time in the CFL after being drafted in 2009 by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. However, Carter eventually returned to the gridiron as a member of the Sr. Team Canada World Championship Team in 2011.

2. Ray Mariuz – OLB – McMaster – 1999-2002 6’3” / 228 lbs The tallest linebacker on the list, Ray Mariuz had a nose for the ball that was unparalleled at the OLB position. The 2002 President’s Trophy winner was a two-time OUA All-Star in 2001 and 2002 and a First Team CIS All-Canadian in 2002. An essential piece of the one of the most dominant teams of the decade, Mariuz claimed three straight Yates Cup championships.

Mariuz then followed up his impressive OUA career with an equally impressive CFL career. A fourth-round pick of the Toronto Argonauts in 2003, he spent three seasons with the double blue, winning a Grey Cup in 2004, before signing with Hamilton in 2006 where he eventually finished his career in 2011.

1. Jason Pottinger – MLB – McMaster – 2002-2005 6’2” / 240 lbs The top linebacker on our list was an absolute beast for four seasons in the middle of the McMaster defence. Jason Pottinger was one of the most aggressive players to ever step on Les Prince Field. At 6’2” 240 lbs, Pottinger’s size was intimidating, but his athletic ability made him terrifying. Pottinger had a special ability to not only control the box, but also extend from sideline to sideline to hunt down the ball carrier. The two-time Presidents Trophy winner (2004, 2005) was a First Team OUA All-Star and First Team CIS AllCanadian during both seasons and a Second Team OUAAll-Star in 2003. Following his senior season, Pottinger was drafted in the first-round by B.C Lions and went on to win two Grey Cup Championships, one in 2006 with the Lions and the other in 2012 with the Argonauts.

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5. windsor lancers

by Mike Hogan, Photos By Michael P. Hall

The problem with high expectations is that more often than not they fail to be met. That certainly applies to the 2012 edition of the Lancers, who stumbled to a 3-5 record and a first-round playoff loss at Western where they surrendered 56 points.

This year Head Coach Joe D’Amore will lead his team into the season with perhaps the best quarterback in the conference. With the graduation of Kyle Quinlan at McMaster, Austin Kennedy may be the most important player in the OUA. The conference’s Second Team All-Star QB will be a little healthier as he played with a sprained MCL all season long which cut down on his mobility, one of his strongest attributes.

He more than made up for it in the air, leading the CIS with 2,637 passing yards. The down side of that was that he also led the country with 15 interceptions. He needs to cut down on that number substantially and spending time at the Edmonton Eskimos camp should help. The amount of video work alone should make him see the game a little differently.

What will make things a lot tougher for Kennedy is that his main target is gone. Jordan Brescacin graduated as the OUA all-time receptions leader. He was the QB’s security blanket, but his absence may make Kennedy better by forcing him to look for other options. It may be a more explosive group of receivers as a whole led by Evan Pszczonak and prized recruit Beau Lumley. Lumley is a local product from Herman Secondary who was the CJFL Rookie of the Year.

Running backs Gilbert Stewart and Mitch Dender will compete for playing time. Rushing the football was the primary focus of the spring workouts and the addition of fullback Nathan O’Halloran should help. He’s a converted linebacker and D’Amore called him “our best player at spring camp.”

All eyes will be on the offensive line this season. It’s a unit that underachieved a year ago, but with four of the starting five returning it will be a far more experienced group this time around. The towering twosome of Randy Beardy and Daniel Benson return as do fifth-year players Nick Corrado and Jared Olsen. Travis Durocher will start at right tackle. The Lancers are also excited about another freshman, 6’5, 285 pound Brett Boersma from Sarnia.

Donnavan Carter is the new defensive coordinator. He moves over from the University of Toronto and has experience working with Coach D’Amore with Team Ontario.

‘DC the DC’ will like what he sees on the line of scrimmage. Every starter is back from a year ago. Tai Pham, Taras Potopilnyi, Stephan Miller, Garrit Post return and Andrew Bakos comes back after missing last year with a torn ACL.

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There’s no doubt Akeem Whonder will be one of the linebackers, but will he play the middle or Sam position? Frank Renaud starts at the Will spot. Fifth-year player Chris Deneau is the favourite to be the third starter. It’s a young group that sees eight freshmen join the program. The Lancers were particularly happy to land Marcel Ugoh from Brampton.

Josh Burns will play safety and will be a leader both on and off the field. Austin Crumb will be on one corner, Jordan Deneau started as freshman and will be back. Dave McDuffie could play Sam LB or could be in the secondary. Mike Dubuisson is a transfer from U-Montreal and will likely start at halfback. Freshman Richard Veenstra is another local product who could see playing time, as could Lester Ross from Mississauga.

Dan Cerino is solid and back for a fifth season as the kicker. He was the OUA Second Team All-Star averaging 40 yards a

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punt. His field goal accuracy wasn’t as good as he was 9/13 including the playoff game.

On paper this team shouldn’t be able to compete with the top three or four teams in the conference, but the arm and legs of Austin Kennedy could take this team a long way offensively, while an interesting mix of veterans and youth on the defensive side make the Lancers a potential dark horse this season.

Key veteran: Evan Pszczonak Fab freshman: Beau Lumley Joe D’Amore says: “We must get a better performance from our offensive line.”

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing A. Kennedy

Comp Att Yds % TD Int 184 306 2637 60.0 18 15

Rushing Att Yds Avg TD J. Darius 59 320 5.4 0 A. Kennedy 58 291 5.0 2 M. Dender 44 285 6.5 2

Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD J. Brescacin 68 979 14.4 8 E. Pszczonak 33 698 21.2 6 D. Whitfield 30 377 12.6 2 M. Riggi 9 141 15.7 1

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return G. Stewart M. Dender A. Crumb Punt Return K. Jones A. Crumb

Kickoffs D. Cerino

Punting D. Cerino

Field Goals D. Cerino

DEFENCE

Ret 10 6 3

Yds Avg Lng 211 21.1 36 204 34.0 105 108 36.0 53

Tackles B. Adams T. Pham F. Renaud A. Whonder

Ret 25 15

Yds Avg Lng 201 8.0 35 111 7.4 25

Sacks Sack T. Pham 7.5 G. Post 4

Att Yds Avg 38 2007 52.8 Att Yds Avg 66 2675 40.5 Att 12

Tot Solo Ast 48 36 24 36.5 32 9 32.5 28 9 30 25 10

Interceptions Int M. McGarva 2 U. Nwaesei 2

Made % Lng 8 66.6 35

Did you know… There are two Jordan Deneau’s currently heading into their second year of eligibility with the Lancers. Both are 6’2” and play on the defensive side of the ball. However they are not related.

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6. ottawa gee-gees

by Mike Hogan

Ottawa fans wish it was the year that never happened.

The Gee-Gees were optimistic heading into the 2012 season. The club had a talented roster and a new head coach. Let’s just say things didn’t work out as planned. Gary Etcheverry was fired after the team went 0-5 under his command, running a bizarre base offence and giving up an average of 44 points per game.

Former Gee-Gees quarterback Jamie Barresi returns to the capital to run the program after 20 years coaching in the NCAA and the last decade in the CFL. There may be an adjustment, having to simplify things from the pro level, but he’s eager to begin and has quite a bit of talent to work with.

Aaron Colbon is back at quarterback. Ignore any of his 2012 stats because it was such a strange situation. In a more conventional offence after ‘Coach Etch’ was fired the Gee-Gees scored 34, 61 and 29 points. Colbon showed leadership through a tough season and had the opportunity this summer to learn from the legendary Anthony Calvillo at the Montreal Alouettes camp. It will be interesting to see what he does under Barresi’s tutelage.

The club will get more leadership from running back Brendan Gillanders. He’s healthy again after injuring himself at the CFL combine. Despite the offensive woes of a year ago he finished seventh in CIS rushing and is poised to have an even better season.

The Gee-Gees top receiver is back, also having the benefit of a CFL camp. Simon Le Marquand had the opportunity to attend Ticats camp after being selected in the fourth round of the draft. Also returning for another season in garnet and grey are Ian Stewart, Vincent Campbell and Nic Dagher.

Everyone in football will tell you everything begins up front and the

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Gee-Gees could have a pretty good offensive line. Taylor Servais is back after being drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos.

Shavin Fernando will be the center, while veterans Joe Adebiyi-Adesina and Devon Millar will also start.

Ottawa native and former Gee-Gee player Devin Murphy joins the team as defensive coordinator. He’s got some work to do when it comes to identifying talent because there are jobs open on that side of the football. High-energy end Ettore Lattanzio will be fun to watch and Corbin Maxwell will be back again, but things are wide open on the front four, though Barresi really has been impressed with freshman Hayden Hughes.

Coach Barresi likes the athleticism of his linebacking corps, but quickly notes that there will be a lot of competition for playing time. Kevin Hanson is one player that has impressed the new head coach.

The group that stood out in spring camp was the secondary, but not for the reason you may think. There’s some talent, but a lot of players missed the camp due to injuries. Matt Bond Lapointe is the leader of the pack, but he was hurt. Randy Williams missed the East/West Bowl with an ankle injury. Soonbum Cha was hurt too, as was Dustin Wilson. That allowed some other players the chance to catch the coaching staff’s attention and two players certainly did. Ty Cranston and Zach Wilkinson were both singled out for their fine play. Jordon Maxim is a newcomer who played QB in Niagara

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Falls, but will begin his OUA career competing for a spot in the secondary. There’s no doubt this is a position with solid depth.

The Gee-Gees take a major hit on special teams as Matt Falvo has wrapped up his career. His 51-yarder was the longest field goal in the CIS and he hit on 80% of his attempts. Two players will compete to fill that void, Domenic Bellardini and Lewis Ward.

Everyone involved with the program is trying to put last season in the rearview mirror. Barresi has talked to his players about commitment and accountability. Everyone is all in, but will it be enough to secure a playoff spot is the big question.

Key veteran: Brendan Gillanders Fab freshman: Hayden Hughes Jamie Barresi on the players’ thoughts on 2012: “I think they were a little bit embarrassed and are eager to straighten things out.”

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing A. Colbon Z. Lesko

Comp Att Yds % TD Int 80 167 1324 48.2 6 4 7 20 84 35.0 0 0

Rushing Att Yds Avg TD B. Gillanders 123 768 6.3 9 A. Colbon 47 328 7.0 4 M. Tommy 54 254 4.7 2

Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD S. Le Marquand 28 464 16.6 2 V. Campbell 15 333 22.2 3 B. Gillanders 9 65 7.2 1

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return V. Campbell

Ret 37

Yds Avg Lng 269 24.5 107

Punt Return Ret Yds Avg Lng V. Campbell 37 269 7.3 28 Z. Raynor 10 80 8.0 26 Kickoffs Att Yds Avg M. Falvo 33 1666 50.5 Punting M. Falvo A. Colbon

Att Yds Avg 62 2201 35.5 3 66 22.0

DEFENCE

Tackles T. Sawyer C. Daly R. Griffiths

Tot Solo Ast 43 36 14 37.5 32 11 37.5 31 13

Sacks Sack E. Lattanzio 8 T. Sawyer 3 T. Seal 3

Interceptions Int R. Williams 2

Field Goals Att Made % Lng M. Falvo 25 20 80.0 51

Did you know‌ Last season Vincent Campbell scored a 100-plus yard touchdown on the opening play of two separate games last season.

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Top CFL Prospects

by Justin Dunk, Sportsnet Photos By Michael P. Hall

Fifteen OUA athletes were selected in the 2013 Canadian Football League draft, the highest total of all four CIS conferences.

This season sees another strong class of Ontario draftees on its way to the 2014 CFL talent grab. Professional personnel will travel across the province evaluating players during the OUA season. OUA Uncovered assembled (in no particular order) the top draft-eligible OUA prospects that will be under the scouts’ microscope as the season unfolds: Andrew Lue, Queen’s, DB: Lue has some of the physical tools CFL teams look for in a non-import defensive back like: size, length, athleticism and natural movement skills. However, pro personnel evaluators want to see a more physicality in his game in 2013, as well as improvement on special teams.

Dylan Ainsworth, Western, DE: Ainsworth rang up eight sacks in 2012 and is a very good athlete.

He wins with speed and uses his hands well, but scouts want to see him develop a countermove and get stronger. Ainsworth needs to take the next step as a defensive end in the OUA and become more consistent as a pass rusher. The 6’3” 225 lbs defensive end needs to show he can “get home” and win in one-on-one pass rush situations with more regularity. No question Ainsworth has the physical tools, he just needs to put it all together and be a player the offence has to Western’s DB Beau Landry and Queen’s DB Andrew Lue account for on every snap.

Beau Landry, Western, DB: Landry is a physical player with good instincts and has improved every year in a Mustangs’ uniform. Landry has the potential and body type to be drafted as a special teams player. However, scouts want to see him develop into a dominant special-teamer at the university level and show more consistency in man coverage. Also, he needs to improve his explosiveness, speed and lateral movement to be a special teams player in the CFL. Evan Pszczonak, Windsor, REC: Pszczonak has deceptive speed and athleticism and has shown the ability to get open consistently. He has good hands, solid athleticism and understands how to play receiver (33 rec., 698 yards and six majors in 2012). At 6’0” 185 lbs., scouts want to see him get a little bigger in both his upper and lower body and play a more physical run and specials game.

Tyler Crapigna, McMaster, K/P: Crapinga has kicked in big games and pressure situations and has performed well.

He is a better field goal kicker - a perfect 18-for-18 last season - than punter at the moment. He earned a spot at the CIS

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East West Bowl last season and was a consistent in both kicking and punting. Despite punting well directionally at the East West Bowl, scouts want to see his leg strength improve during the 2013 regular season. If he continues along the path he is on, Crapinga will be a good candidate for a CFL team looking to draft a versatile, reliable kicker.

Matt Uren, Western, DB/REC: Matt Uren has a smaller body type, but is a quick, smooth, shifty route runner, who can separate and has good hands. He shows a good compete level on every down and it’s obvious the game means something to him. Uren came on strong at the end of last season, finishing the regular season with 24 receptions, 334 yards and two scores. Building on the strong finish, Uren was lights out in the playoffs, catching five majors in two games against Windsor and McMaster. Pro talent evaluators want to see him take the next step as a CIS receiver, which means staying healthy and putting up consistent numbers over a full OUA season.

Derek Wiggan, Queens, DL: To sum up Derek Wiggan, he’s a good-looking player physically who shows effort and pass rush ability. Wiggan is a durable, consistent performer for Queen's who plays hard and physical, but scouts want to see him take his game to the next level and truly become a dominant force in the OUA. No doubt Wiggan possess the skill set to do it and he showed that at the East West game. He needs to work on his pass rushing technique to reach that level.

Brian Marshall, Western, REC: Technically Marshall is a sound receiver and recorded 40 catches for 765 yards and six touchdowns last season. Marshall suited up in the 2013 East West Bowl, but did so with an injured hamstring that hampered his play. Despite the injury, he found his stride and surprised outside observers with his explosiveness, ability to get open and catch the ball. It’s clear that Marshall has been coached and can pluck the ball out of the air with his hands – he is not a body catcher. Marshall needs to show some consistency in the 2013 season, play lower to the ground and get out of breaks quicker to prove to CFL teams that he is a viable draft candidate at the receiver position. Demonstrating the ability to be a cover man on special teams would help his cause too.

Alec Pierzchalski, Toronto, REC: At 6’5”, Pierzchalski is a big receiver with good hands, but needs to get faster and use his size more effectively. He had a sneaky good year in 2012, catching 39 passes for 402 yards and one touchdown, but must show the ability to dominate defensive backs and win in one-on-one situations more consistently in 2013.

Sam Sabourin, Queen’s, LB: Sabourin is a smart, high motor player who makes plays inside and outside the box. To wow CFL scouts he must show more explosive ability, play more downhill and be a bit lighter on his feet. If Sabourin wants to be a pro, he will have to continue to develop on special teams.

Toronto Rec Alec Pierzchalski

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...CONTINUED Garrett Sanvido, Western, RB: Sanvido led the entire CIS with 1,001 rushing yards last season, so it’s no surprise to hear his name in scouting circles. He is a strong runner who displays good vision and workhorse capabilities, but in 2013 he needs to show improved pass catching skills out of the backfield and dominate in pass protection.

Aram Eisho, McMaster, LB: The 2012 OUA President’s Trophy winner, for most outstanding stand-up defensive player, is as instinctive as linebackers come.

Eisho was highly productive last season, 50 solo tackles and three sacks, proving he has the knack for finding the football. Pro scouts want to see him be stronger at the point MAC’s LB Aram Eisho of attack, do a better job in coverage and hit the weight room to improve his overall size and strength.

Justin Dunk is a former CIS quarterback who played five years for the University of Guelph Gryphons and his passion for football will always run deep. He works as a full-time Broadcast Associate for Rogers Sportsnet and is a featured columnist for the Canadian Football League's website, CFL.ca. You can follow Justin on Twitter to get all of his OUA and Canadian football reporting. @JDunk12.

Welcome to Growing the Gridiron!

Growing the Gridiron is a new youth football initiative/program to help grow the sport of football at the grassroots level in Ontario. Set to begin in the fall of 2013, Growing the Gridiron will offer Ontario youth between the ages of 7‐14 a safe and fun introduction to football.

Growing the Gridiron is organized, operated and facilitated by Ontario University Athletics (OUA) with the support of its current and future volunteers to ensure all Ontario youth have the opportunity to participate in all levels and disciplines (touch, flag and tackle) of football.

The Growing the Gridiron program is based off of four guiding principles:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Create a safe environment where children and adults can have fun with football Teach football skills, rules and strategy.

Model and teach competitiveness with an emphasis on good sportsmanship.

Promote active living and positive self‐esteem to participants and volunteers of the program.

Participants will be introduced to football, and receive skill development sessions, derived from Football Canada’s LTAD model, which will help build positive self‐esteem, confidence, and a new love for the game of football. Each participant will engage in and progress through the Growing the Gridiron program, advancing through the levels and the skills associated with each level. Upon completion of each level the participants will receive a different coloured OUA football jersey symbolizing they have passed that level, which they can wear with pride!

Growing the Gridiron has been made possible thanks to the funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canada’s leading charitable grant making foundation. The Trillium Foundation works with not‐for‐profit and charitable organizations to help create vibrant and healthy communities in Ontario.

By engaging Ontario youth in a fun, safe and challenging way, Growing the Gridiron aims to increase youth participation in football to ensure that more Ontarians are associating fun with football. As a result Growing the Gridiron will lead to more players choosing to stay in Ontario to pursue their academic and athletic careers in the OUA, and continue to be active with football for life!

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capital growth

By Tyler McLaren - House Edge Media Co.

This is the dawn of a new day. Football in our nation’s capital is growing at the community, collegiate and professional levels and Ottawa football is poised to only get stronger and reach new heights It all starts with the kids! The National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA), Ottawa's city wide football league, is one of the largest in Canada. With over 5,000 members playing tackle, touch and flag football, the quality of players and coaches and depth of the league is unrivaled. With their new Mite program, NCAFA is building the base of Ottawa football at the grassroots level, allowing kids as young as five to develop a passion for the wonderful sport of football.

Steve Dean, the president of NCAFA, teamed up with Jesse Card and his company, House Edge Media Co., to develop NCAFA.tv, an online football network for the league. The channel is modeled after the NFL network and will highlight marquee matchups and produce original programming for the league. This ambitious feat is what sets NCAFA apart from other amateur sports leagues and it’s based in Ottawa. Few amateur leagues in North America have their own online channel and NCAFA is now one of them.

Ottawa also boasts the best OVFL program in Ontario. The Myers Riders played in all three championship games (varsity, junior and bantam) this season and won two of them. All the kids are products of NCAFA and many of them have their sights set on playing in the CIS.

Carleton Ravens Marley Patterson

Photo by Michael P Hall

One of those players is quarterback Nick Gorgichuk, of the Myers Riders varsity team. He has committed to the Carleton Ravens for next year and will be a part of the revitalized program.

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Photo by Scott Grant

There’s a buzz around Ottawa and words cannot express how excited the city is to have the Ravens back.

It’s been far too long since Ottawa had a collegiate football rivalry and fans have sorely missed the Panda Game over the past 15 years. With the University of Ottawa GeeGees revamping their coaching staff, Carleton courting three Ottawa coaches and the sheer frustration from a lost year last season for the GeeGees, you can bet this rivalry will be heated.

Ottawa REDBLACKS will play their inaugural CFL season in 2014 With all of these amazing things happening in the Ottawa, football is the talk of the town. What else could make it even better… how about the CFL spiraling back onto the scene?

The Ottawa REDBLACKS will play their inaugural CFL season in 2014 at the newly constructed Lansdowne Park. The hype surrounding the project is astonishing. REDBLACKS president Jeff Hunt and his team should be commended for their patience and perseverance in bringing the CFL back to the nation’s capital.

Ottawa has a rich football tradition and the people of Ottawa play recreational and competitive football from the ages of five through 50. Ottawa has the online sports network solely dedicated to a community association, the best OVFL program in the province, two storied schools competing in the CIS, and will be a getting a brand new football stadium to go with a brand new CFL team. This is a truly unprecedented time for football in Ottawa. Ottawa football fans should strap up, get excited and watch as Ottawa starts its journey to bring home a Vanier Cup and Grey Cup in the not too distant future.

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7. laurier golden hawks by mike hogan Photos by michael P. hall

The Laurier program is coming off one of its most memorable seasons in recent memory, but for all of the wrong reasons.

In 2012 the Hawks had the worst offence in the OUA, scoring just 109 points.

Gary Jeffries, the face of the franchise, was relieved of his duties after a 3-5 record and a 34-0 playoff loss at Queen's, the third time the Hawks were shut out last season.

Enter Michael Faulds. The leading passer in CIS history was the offensive coordinator at York last season and somewhat surprisingly led the Lions to the seventh slot in the CIS in terms of total offence. He's now the head Hawk who will also take on the OC title. He's not messing around when it comes changing the fortunes of the program.

"There are no safe jobs. It's going to be a training camp where guys have to give it all,� Faulds told OUA Uncovered. "It's a clean slate, fifth year, second year... it's wide open. Every coach has to have that mindset. Vets have been working so hard with a mindset of they're not going to let kids take their jobs."

The most important position on the field was wide open as camp began. Travis Eman has transferred to a junior college in Arizona after one year, while Steve Fantham graduated. That means that one of three returning, but inexperienced players will likely be under centre when the season begins. Julian John, James Fracas and Eric Morelli, have the upper hand, but will be challenged by newcomer Michael Knevel.

Another unknown is who will be the primary ball carrier. Tyrrel Wilson and Dillon Campbell are the favourites to win the job. The Hawks have a pair of pretty good fullbacks returning. Isaac Dell was Laurier's best offensive player a year ago and he will be joined by Rashad LaTouche.

Alex Anthony has another year of eligibility left, but has caught on with the Saskatchewan Roughriders so he won't be back. That leaves Greg Nyhof as the top returnee. Braden Sartori, Kelvin Muamba and freshmen Anthony Powless and Marcus Arkarakas will vie for playing time as part of a receiving corps that sees 20 players in camp.

Coach Faulds best recruit this off season may not have been a player, it may have been offensive line coach Irv Daymond. The 10-year CFL veteran will have his work cut out for him as he takes over a unit that was problematic a year ago. First-year players will be competing for starting jobs, with Edward Cadougan and Luke Reeves being two players to watch.

OUA UNCOVERED: 2013 Football Season Preview

Once again the Hawks strongest unit will be the defensive line. Ese Mrabure-Ajufo will have CFL scouts watching his every move this season. He'll be joined by Asante Mizan, who had an outstanding spring camp. Tommy Griffiths is also back after battling injuries. In total, 16 linemen will compete for a spot on the dress roster. Faulds said his most success in recruiting came on the D-line, so the present and future look good here.

Defensive Coordinator Ron VanMoerkerke has a young, athletic group of linebackers. All of the starters are gone, including the program's alltime leading tackler, Mitchell Bosch. This year Sam Montazeri should be one of the starters, but after that the Hawks have no idea who will line up in their 4-3 on opening day.

Tanner Philp will lead the secondary on and off the field.

Felix Odum has a cornerback job locked up, while Chris Ackie is back for a third season. Taylor Calverley is likely to win one of the other spots in the secondary.

Ronnie Pfeffer was inconsistent last season but had a great spring camp. His punting will have to improve after averaging just 34.7 per punt last season. He was 12/17 on field goal attempts.

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To say Faulds is a 'hands on' football coach may be an understatement. He went so far as to hand deliver season tickets to subscribers in the Kitchener/Waterloo area. It will take that kind of commitment to turn Laurier's fortunes around in such a deep conference.

Key veteran: Ese Mrabure-Ajufo Fab freshman: Edward Cadougan Michael Faulds says: "I'm really excited. There's a new energy around the program."

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing S. Fantham T. Eman J. Fracas

Comp Att Yds % TD 50 95 780 52.6 7 40 99 488 40.0 2 11 26 166 42.3 0

Rushing T. Eman L. Freeman T. Wilson

Receiving G. Nyhof A. Anthony I. Dell

Att 47 50 49

Int 6 7 0

Yds Avg TD 228 4.9 1 183 3.7 0 166 3.9 0

Rec Yds Avg TD 18 317 17.6 0 21 300 14.3 0 16 226 14.1 0

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return K. Beney F. Odum

Ret 9 7

Punt Return A. Anthony D. Campbell

Ret Yds Avg Lng 23 227 9.9 31 10 68 6.8 12

Kickoffs R. Pfeffer

Att Yds Avg 23 1252 54.4

Punting R. Pfeffer

Field Goals R. Pfeffer

Att Yds Avg 72 2499 34.7

Yds Avg Lng 201 22.3 52 125 17.9 24

Att Made % Lng 17 12 70.5 44

Did you know‌

DEFENCE

Tackles D. Galphin M. Bosch A. Mizan

Tot Solo Ast 59 47 24 34 28 12 32.5 29 7

Sacks M. Bosch A. Mizan E. Mrabure-Ajufo

Sacks 4 4 3

Interceptions A. Petrucci C. Ackie F. Odum

Int 1 1 1

Wilfrid Laurier ranks seventh among Canadian universities for the number of players drafted to the CFL since 2000 with 23, including two this past season.

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8 . toronto varsity blues

By Mike Hogan

It started out with a 19-0 win over Laurier, but after that the 2012 season didn't go as planned for Greg Gary's Varsity Blues. They would win just one other game the rest of the way and would be held to single-digit points in four of their last seven outings.

The offence will get a boost with the return of Chris Jugovic at quarterback. He was injured in the third game of the season and missed the remaining five. Back for his second season and coming off a good spring camp, he'll get most of the snaps at centre, but don't be stunned if you see a lot of third-year pivot Richard Quittenton as well. Jugovic is more of a pocket passer who reads coverages well, while the strong-armed Quittenton likes to get outside the pocket a little more. It will be interesting to see how Coach Gary employs the duo.

Like Jugovic, 5'7" running back Alex Malone returns after battling knee and shoulder injuries. He'll likely be the feature back in a fairly deep group. Aaron Milton is back after rushing for over 500 yards two seasons ago. Also in the mix are 225-pounder Lukas Gavac and Laurier transfer Ashton Rochester.

Veterans Alex Pierzchalski and Paul de Pass will be the main targets in an improving group of receivers. The 6'5" Pierzchalski was the OUA's fifth-leading pass catcher a year ago with 39, while de Pass averaged over 17 yards per reception, the fifth highest average in the CIS. Also expected to contribute are freshman Llevi Noel of Etobicoke and Queen's transfer Boris Isakov, who two seasons ago returned a blocked punt for the winning touchdown at Varsity Centre in a 13-6 Gaels victory over the Blues.

If you'd like to see Coach Gary smile then just mention the name Danny Sprukulis. The 6'4" true freshman out of Oakville already tips the scales at 300 pounds and will, in all likelihood, end up at right tackle. Aaron Wheaton is back at left tackle after an appearance in the East West Bowl.

Others who will see action on the offensive line include Chris Kelly, Jason Harrison, Lawrence Hopper and Kevin Williams.

An even more important recruit for the Blues program was new Defensive Coordinator Greg Knox. The former CFL All-Star and two-time Grey Cup

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winner with Calgary moves to Varsity after seven incredibly successful years in as the DC at McMaster. Why the move?

"He lives in Peterborough so this is a family decision," said Coach Gary. "My son (Trevor) played for him last season and I got to know Greg. As a coach he's an OUA guy as opposed to a CFL guy and in our conversations I asked him if this would be a fit. We're excited to have him and he's excited to be a part of the rebuild here."

Coach Knox's biggest challenge will be to sort out playing time along the defensive line. The good news is that the players in that group have high motors and play very fast. The bad news is there's not much size. Zack Lukings will see time at tackle, the other members of the front four will be determined at camp and as the season progresses.

Dylan Gordon led the Blues in tackles last year and is back to anchor the linebacking corps. Harrison Beeforth and Chris Johnson will also see a lot of playing time this season. Beeforth has been a special teams captain and will see more playing time at Sam in this, his fifth season.

Fifth-year defensive back Kevin Kinahan moves to free safety this year. The secondary is a veteran group with John Connors returning along with Jaiden McBride and Jimmy Ro, who started as a freshman last year.

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Eric Hewitson will perform the place-kicking duties for the Blues this year while Marcus Hobbs will once again do the punting.

There's no doubt the rebuild is continuing and there have been some important pieces added. There will also be growth at some key positions where some very young, very raw starters will get additional, invaluable game experience.

A playoff team? It will be tough, but if the youngsters play well it's possible.

Key veteran: Paul de Pass Fab freshman: Danny Sprukulis Greg Gary says: "We have good athletes, but we need more big guys."

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing S. Nassar R. Quittenton

Comp Att Yds % TD Int 59 111 740 53.2 4 3 45 97 543 46.4 1 5

Rushing A. Nelson R. Quittenton L. Gavac S. Nassar

Receiving P. de Pass A. Pierzchalski S. Boroniec T. Inkila

Att Yds Avg TD 122 643 5.3 2 36 180 5.0 3 37 162 4.4 0 6 36 6.0 2 Rec Yds Avg TD 30 521 17.4 2 39 402 10.3 1 10 136 13.6 0 8 91 11.4 1

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return K. Bradfield R. Comish

Ret 30 6

Yds Avg Lng 698 23.3 49 145 24.2 47

Punt Return K. Bradfield R. Comish

Ret 36 4

Yds Avg Lng 355 9.9 47 39 9.8 13

Kickoffs A. Lomasney M. Hobbs

Att Yds Avg 17 810 47.6 1 50 50.0

Punting M. Hobbs

Att Yds Avg 86 2918 33.9

Field Goals A. Lomasney

Att 12

DEFENCE

Tackles D. Gordon J. Connors A. Olusoga D. Green

Tot Solo Ast 45 37 16 33.5 29 9 29.5 28 3 25 21 8

Sacks Sack

J. Bodanis 4 A. Olusoga 3 O. Lahnalampi 3

Interceptions Int K. Kinhahan 2

Made Avg Lng 8 66.7 40

Did you know…Varsity Blues head coach Greg Gary won the Grey Cup as a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1986.

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9. york lions

by mike hogan

For most CIS teams the biggest loss in the off season is due to graduation.

For York it was a defection that hurt the most.

Offensive Coordinator Michael Faulds left the Lions to become the head coach at Laurier. York’s benchboss , Warren Craney, knew that day was coming, it was just a question of when. Taking over from Faulds will be Mike Comeau, who played for Craney for five years at Concordia before coaching with him for four more.

“His passion for the game is something else,” Craney told OUA Uncovered. “I had to make him take a three-week vacation this summer.”

The new look, more balanced offence will again be run by Myles Gibbon.

He was seventh in the country in passing yards, falling just shy of 2,000 for the season, but he threw 14 interceptions against just nine touchdowns. He’ll once again be a part of the York ground attack, as he averaged almost 60 yards a game rushing. Gibbon may also have something to prove to CFL teams, who did not invite him to a pro camp.

The main man in the running game will be Newmarket’s Conner Anderson, a transfer from NCAA Division 2 West Virginia Wesleyan via Guelph.

The receiving corps may be the Lions strong suit. William Austin was a Second Team OUA All-Star, Ryan Dunaway is 6’5” 215, and Craney went back to Quebec to grab CEGEP stars Jerrett Carson and Jason Charland. The Lions say they’re three deep at every receiver position.

Max Sullivan will play one of tackle spots and anchor an improving offensive line. He’s on CFL radar screens, but may move to the right side because of a newcomer that York is thrilled to get. Craney regarded Trevor King as one of the top three O-line recruits in the country. He’s played some junior ball out west and been to a Saskatchewan Roughrider camp, but still has three years of eligibility left. He may play left tackle this year. Jordyn Moore will play left guard.

Craney’s defence will be pretty young, especially up front. Kellen Aiken and James Tuck will be the ends, while new players will play the tackles with big, quick, Cole Austen from Barrie having a chance to impress early.

Another former NCAA player, Hussein Hazime, will play one of the linebacker spots. This is an area that must improve and Craney admits that some of the veterans will be pushed hard by the incoming class.

As a group the defensive backs are really young. The very talented Josh Small is penned in to start the boundary corner.

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The versatile Jordan Nugent could play the corner or could line up at halfback depending on what some of the newcomers bring to the table.

Two first-year Lions will battle it out for the kicking duties. Nick Naylor had been playing junior football in B.C. and comes equipped with a very strong leg. He’ll be challenged by Kevin Kitamura, a transfer from Bishop’s.

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Over the last few seasons the words ‘York football’ and ‘optimism’ haven’t been used in the same sentence very often, but that isn’t the case now. There’s a lot of work to be done, but those around the program are convinced they’re heading in the right direction.

Key veteran: Max Sullivan Fab freshman: Trevor King Warren Craney says: “Losing Michael Faulds is a huge loss, even more than as a coach. He started this with me and he’s a good friend.”

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE

Passing M. Gibbon D. Sevdin

Comp Att Yds % TD Int 129 240 1992 53.8 9 14 12 32 235 37.5 1 2

Rushing K. Exume M. Gibbon R. Rowe

Receiving W. Austin J. Tolbert D. Hobbs

Att Yds Avg TD 151 691 4.6 9 86 457 5.3 2 14 57 4.1 0 Rec Yds Avg TD 34 587 17.3 1 35 396 11.3 6 16 317 19.8 1

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return J. Nugent K. Exume C. States

Ret 10 5 5

Punt Return J. Nugent C. States

Ret Yds Avg Lng 19 97 5.1 17 23 96 4.2 24

Kickoffs R. Lambert H. Dervishi

Att Yds Avg 20 1027 51.4 13 592 45.5

Punting H. Dervishi

Att Yds Avg 58 1763 30.4

Field Goals

Att

Yds 178 105 105

Avg 17.8 21.0 21.0

Made %

Lng 23 30 45

DEFENCE

Tackles H. Hazime J. Tuck P. Russell J. Nugent

Tot Solo Ast 38.5 32 13 33 29 8 29 19 20 26 22 8

Sacks Sack J. Tuck 6.5 P. Russell 4 H. Hazime 3.5 Interceptions C. States J. Small B. Small

Int 4 3 2

Lng

Did you know…

Quarterback Myles Gibbon’s 1,992 passing yards in 2012 represented the most in one season by a pivot at York University

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10. waterloo warriors

by mike hogan photos by Steve brooks

Figuratively speaking, 2012 was a no-win situation for the Warriors.

Waterloo fielded an incredibly young team that featured only one fifth-year player, two fourth years and seven third years.

With that said, Waterloo’s 2-6 record probably wasn’t all that bad, but it has to get better. That’s the challenge for head coach Joe Paopao who says he’s expecting better things this year.

“We only lost three starters from last year and this year we should be smarter, wiser and more consistent with our execution,” said Paopao. “We have bigger, stronger kids and you can see in their eyes they have a ‘want to’ attitude.”

Brian Chris will be the Warriors starting quarterback this season, but will have to improve his passing numbers. His completion rate was just under 50% and he threw twice as many interceptions as touchdowns, six to three. As a third-year player his experience and physical maturity should be greatly advantageous this time around. Ben Hall and Jamie Cook also saw game action last season and give the team some veteran depth at the position.

There will be some depth at running back this year as well. Ryan Di Risio will get most of the work and Danny Silvestri will back him up. Both have some experience as backups.

Despite the growth expected from the QB and RB positions, there is one standout player on the Warriors that opponents will have to be prepared to play against. Wide receiver Nick Anapolsky had an incredible season when you consider that opponents knew he was the Warriors’ most dangerous player and was still able to post outstanding numbers. In the entire CIS only Windsor’s Jordan Brescacin had more catches or receiving yards than the diminutive Anapolsky. The 5’9” receiver isn’t the biggest or the fastest receiver in the country, but he may be the toughest and the most fearless. He hauled in 63 catches for 871 yards and will have a better group surrounding him this year as Paul Cecile, who had a mind-numbing 246-yard game against Windsor, Christian Lewis and Harrison Thomas return.

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There’s also good news with the return of Matt Vonk. He’s from the Saskatchewan Roughriders camp and will anchor a very young offensive line, most of who will be in their second or third year. The returnees will be pressed by recruits Matt O’Connor and Ben Brown of Hamilton and Burlington’s Mark Janozeski.

Djordje Gavrilovic, a 6’6” 275 pounder, is back to anchor an improving front seven. Defensive Coodinator Rob McMurren’s front four is athletic, if not a bit on the small side, while the linebacking corps could be a pleasant surprise this year. Greg Zaitz will be the man in the middle and will be flanked by Pabek Gany. The team is also thrilled to have been able to recruit hometown product Braden Southern. This group could take a major step forward this year.

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Teams should think twice before throwing at Waterloo. Christian Mahler led the CIS with seven interceptions, while Harrison Mair was second in the CIS with five. Mair came to Waterloo on a basketball scholarship but has switched sports; Paopao and company are sure glad he did.

A pair of veterans are back to kick for the Warriors. Jake Fiorucci will perform the place-kicking duties, while Alex Cowle will punt. He only averaged 34 yards per punt last season and must be more consistent. Fiorucci was only good on six of eleven FG attempts a year ago and that has to get better.

Physical maturity and football knowledge alone should make the Warriors a better team this season. Whether that will translate into more wins is anyone’s guess.

Key veteran: Nick Anapolsky Fab freshman: Braden Southern Joe Paopao says: “(The exceptionally young team) is just part of the growth progress. The key is to be patient and to be consistent with the message.”

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2012 TEAM LEADERS OFFENCE Passing J. Cook B. Chris B. Hall

Comp Att Yds % TD 66 117 810 56.4 5 60 121 752 49.6 3 31 54 433 57.4 3

Rushing M. Visentin J. Cook R. Di Risio B. Chris

Att Yds Avg TD 63 226 3.6 1 34 220 6.5 0 29 74 2.6 1 12 21 1.8 0

Receiving N. Anapolsky P. Cecile M. Robson H. Thomas

Rec Yds Avg TD 63 871 13.8 5 18 381 21.2 4 11 174 15.8 2 8 137 17.1 0

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kickoff Return G. Ganza D. Silvestri

Ret 14 12

Yds Avg Lng 243 17.4 38 243 20.3 36

Punt Return N. Anapolsky G. Ganza D. Silvestri

Ret 19 14 7

Yds 128 104 32

Kickoffs J. Fiorucci

Att Yds Avg 29 1655 57.1

Punting A. Cowle

Att Yds Avg 74 2534 34.2

Field Goals J. Fiorucci

Att 6

Avg 6.7 7.4 4.6

Lng 19 20 10

Int 6 6 3

DEFENCE

Tackles C. Dawson G. Zaitz B. Corelli Y. Sinan

Tot Solo Ast 36.5 27 19 35 27 16 33 20 26 32 20 24

Sacks Sack

D. Gavrilovic 7 C. Dawson 2.5

Interceptions Int

C. Mahler 7 H. Mair 5 C. Good 2

Made Avg Lng 11 54.5 38

Did you know‌ Fourth-year offensive lineman Matt Vonk attended the Saskatchewan Roughriders 2013 training camp and is on their current practice roster.

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11. CARLETON RAVENS by mike hogan photos by michael p hall

It's been 15 years since the Ravens flew the coop.

To those who remember the days of Carl Coulter or Ace Powell, the CIS hasn't seemed right since the Carleton program folded after the 1998 season.

Given the green light to play football again in July 2011, the Ravens have pulled a page from the book of their avian cousins, the Phoenix, and risen from the ashes.

The longest off-season in recent football history is now complete and head coach Steve Sumarah is ready for these birds to take flight, albeit a bumpy one at the beginning.

"The experience factor is a huge one," said Sumarah. "You win with fourth-year and fifth-year veterans. Our average age is about 18 and a half. We'd like to keep as many of these guys together until they're 22."

That will give ample time for a quarterback to grow into the leadership role. The most likely starter is a redshirt Jesse Mills, who followed Sumarah from St. Mary's. Local QB Nick Gorgichuk from the Ottawa OVFL entry has impressed with his leadership skills and will compete with Mills for playing time, while Tyler Callahan will be in a developmental role this season.

There is an array of players competing for snaps at running back for offensive coordinator J.P. Asselin. Marley Patterson is perhaps the favourite, while Keith Graham of the Ottawa Sooners juniors will be in the thick of things as well. Fullback Matt Barkovich has transferred to the Ravens from Laurier.

Sumarah is happy with his group of incoming receivers saying "It's as good a recruiting job as we could have done. We're deep, we have size and we have speed." While mentioning Wilson Birch, Malcolm Carter and Dexter Brown as players with potential, the coach then dropped this bombshell about a London product named Nathaniel Behar. "He could be the best receiver I've ever coached, and I coached Dave Stala."

The offensive line will be Carleton's most experienced group, which isn't saying much. That experience comes in the form of Matt Lapointe, who moves north from Queen's. Bobby Thompson has also transferred from Manitoba. Tyler Young, Kwabena Asare and Eric Fowler are also players the Ravens will look at.

Defensively the Ravens may play a 30 front or a 40 front. "Who knows?" joked Sumarah, but the person who will know is defensive coordinator Ryan Bechmanis.

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He will have some size up front to work with Emmanuel Adusei, Dylan Shervill likely to start at the tackle positions.

Highly recruited Zach Annen will be one of the ends.

One of the prized recruits is linebacker Elliott Nelson from Burnaby, BC. Sumarah hopes that he'll be the prototype of future Ravens. "He can be a great player, he's a 95%-plus student and has a high sense of community involvement," his head coach said. Other players in the linebacking mix include Leon Cenerini, Connor Picco and Spencer McIntosh.

The Ravens are also happy with the recruiting job they've done in the secondary. Youngsters Dsean Thelwell, Thomas Knapp, A.J. Thompson, Nathaniel Hamlin, Daniel McNicoll and Lucas Brenton will all have a chance to start.

Coach Sumarah says that five years from now the definition of Raven football will be "Well disciplined, hard hitting, physical and a no b.s. kind of team." This year Raven fans are just happy there's a team.

The Panda Game will be played Oct. 5 at Gee-Gees Field.

Key veteran: Matt Lapointe Fab freshman: Nate Behar Steve Sumarah says: "January 2012 is when we got moving on this. We've been going crazy to

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Comments, Questions or Ideas Please ContactSamantha Magalas 1119 Fennel Ave. East, Suite 230 Hamilton, ON, L8T 1S2 Phone: 905-870-9773 Fax: 905-574-2840 E-mail: samantha.magalas@oua.ca