The
5th Quarter
From
Volume 2, Issue 1
WANTED
Golden Hawk Football Alumni to become part of talent identification
network, and assist the
Golden Hawk Coaching Staff in recruiting efforts. If
interested,
please contact:
Tuffy Knight
(519) 576-4485 (519) 884-0203 (Fax) -or-
Wally Gabler
(519) 884-1970 ext. 3428 (519) 884-0203 (fax) email - wgabler@wlu.ca with your area of interest.
Alumni Touch Game Homecoming Saturday Hawks vs. McMaster. Call Wally Gabler at (519) 884-1970 ext. 3428 to confirm your spot. Kick-off is 10 a.m.
prior to the
the home of
Time
Club
Golden Hawk Football
for the
When the Golden Hawk training camp opens on August 26th there will be an excited group of young football players battling it out on the turf at University Stadium. The reason; 21 of 24 starters from last year’s team that finished the season ranked ninth in the nation will return. Couple that with a great recruiting class and it is easy to see why heading into the season the Hawks know they will be able to contend for top spot in the OUA. Aside from the returning starters and the strongest recruiting class in years the Hawks will also have 4 new coaches on the sidelines when the season begins. The group includes former Golden Hawk player and assistant coach Jon Graffi, former CFLers John Williams and Lawrence Fisher, and former Guelph Gryphon pivot Wally Gabler. Another former Hawk, Stefan Ptaszek was also supposed to join the staff however he is currently playing with the Toronto Argos of the CFL and has had to relinquish his coaching duties. “We have a great mix of experienced veterans, and young talent,” noted Head Coach Rick Zmich. “And the new additions to the staff will help bring these two groups together and form a very competitive football team.” The biggest question heading into camp is the one that may be the toughest to answer for Zmich and his staff, that being who will start at quarterback? Injuries and a lack of consistency last season didn’t allow for a true number one quarterback to emerge from the group of Adam Lane, Kevin
Summer 1999
Hawks
to fly
Praamsma (7) will look to lead the Hawks ground game in 1999, and give WLU a well balanced offensive attack.
Taylor, and Drew White. Add into the mix freshman Chad Ousley who at 6’2 225 lbs. will challenge for a spot and the Hawks have an interesting scenario on their hands. The running game, which made significant inroads last season will again be a key component of the offensive attack. “We showed last season that we have the ability to run the ball and have a well balanced attack,” commented Zmich. “We have one of, if not the best offensive lines in the country so we will use that to our advantage.” The ground attack should be led by third year man Justin Praamsma, who gained a career high 843 yards in 1998. Rookie fullbacks Clarence Talbot and David Kamenar should be ready to play immediately, while rookie tailback Alex Torrey who played his senior year of high school football in Virginia, should be an
excellent compliment to Praamsma. Converted linebacker John Lowe will also see plenty of action at the full back spot, giving the Hawks a deep and well-rounded backfield. Whoever is running the ball for the Hawks this season will be doing it behind one of the biggest and best offensive lines in the CIAU. The line will be anchored by 1998 OUA All-Star Rob Vickers, who will be joined by 300-plus lb. giants Jamie Hitchen, Alf Lebar and Ed Palasz. Look for fourth year veteran Trevor Salway to get the nod at centre while Tom Havorka, Steve Skells, Chris Worden and Scott Rawcliffe will all battle for the three backup spots on game day. Some capable rookies including, Ian Duff - Tytler, Ryan Nagy, and
continued inside
Former
Hawks
give
back to the program Recent fundraising initiatives by the Athletic Department and Alumni and Development Office have focused on raising money to support the Laurier Football Program. Donations made will go directly to enhancing the quality of the football program. Thus far in 1999 the following individuals have made a donation to the Golden Hawk Football program.
Tom Allen John Arnoldi Bill Ballard Brian Breckles Stacey Coray Glenn Ferguson Mark Forsyth Bob Goodman Jon Graffi Peter Izzio Jim Karn Paul Markle Bruce Martin Rich Newbrough Bill Parsons Rod Philp Jeremy Rakowski Ed Strohack Brent Stucke Mike Sweeney Dave Tartaglia Ken Will Rick Zmich If you would like any information on how you can support our football program, please contact Tom Allen (905) or Brian Breckles (519) 884-1970 ext. 3864.
A
President Quarter Club
message from the of the
It is with great pleasure that I write to you as President of the Golden Hawk Football 5th Quarter Club. I am pleased to report that we have solidified the Executive Committee for 1999-2000, and we as a group look forward to providing you with a means for becoming involved in the success of Golden Hawk football. Those who have joined me on the executive are ready to make the 5th Quarter Club a very successful organization. At this time I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the first Executive Committee of the 5th Quarter Club, and highlight the contribution of Brian Breckles, ‘89 for getting this organization started and moving in the right direction. President Tom Allen ‘67 Vice-President Peter Izzio ‘90 Secretary Brian Breckles ‘89
5th
Members at Large : David Tartaglia ‘71 Ralph Spoltore Jr. ‘95 Stacey Coray ‘73 Bob Schmidt ‘66 Paul Markle ‘68 Terry Reidel Ex-Officio Rick Zmich Honorary Patrons: David “Tuffy” Knight Rich Newbrough
Throughout the next year this group will be hard at work looking for ways to serve you as Golden Hawk football alumni, and make you part of the winning team that we have developed. One way of enhancing our communication is through this newsletter, and we will also be hosting a variety of social gatherings throughout the football season, which are highlighted on the schedule of events
on the back page of this issue. Finally, I am pleased to report that the fundraising activities that have been initiated over the past 6 months have been successful and have allowed the 5th Quarter Club to make a solid contribution to the growth and success of Golden Hawk Football. With the formation of our executive the efforts of the club will now be enhanced and we will be able to have even more of a positive effect on the program in the near future. If you have any questions about the club, or how you can become involved please do not hesitate to contact a member of the executive committee. I look forward to seeing all of you at a Golden Hawk Football game in the near future. Sincerely, Tom Allen President, 5th Quarter Club
1973 Golden Hawks find place in Hall of Fame
It is a team that many feel was one of the best ever assembled in CIAU football history. If measured on performance many may argue against that statement, but if measured on the number of players moving on to play professional football few could disagree. The 1973 Laurier Golden Hawks had an astounding 30 members that either played for or were
drafted by CFL teams after their tenure in the Purple and Gold. The team pictured below, won the Yates Cup before being defeated in the Atlantic Bowl against the eventual College Bowl Champion St. Mary’s. On September 24th the team will be recognized for their accomplishments when they take their place in the Golden Hawk Hall of
Fame. Joining the 1973 team will be two members of the 1991 Vanier Cup Champion Hawks, Stefan Ptasek and Bill Kubas, and Terry Harvey who played for WLU from 1969-71. The Hall of Fame Dinner will take place on September 24th. Reserve your tickets by calling (519) 884-1970 ext. 2184.
Glassford
takes winning
attitude into business
When John Glassford left Wilfrid Laurier University in 1975, he did so as one of the best to ever wear the Purple and Gold. After coming to Laurier as a big kid with all the tools to be a good football player Glassford quickly turned himself into a great football player with a never say die attitude and a desire to be the best day in and day out. After a stellar four year career with Laurier that landed him a place in the Golden Hawk Hall of Fame, Glassford went on to have a solid seven year career in the CFL that was highlighted by winning the defensive MVP Award in the 1981 Grey Cup as a member of the Ottawa Rough Riders. Glassford’s desire to compete and his winning attitude that allowed him to excel at the game of football, is the same philosophy that now makes him a successful businessman as the owner of Glassford Motors.
After a career ending knee injury at the start of the 1983 football season Glassford settled into the family car business and became the owner of a pair of local Dairy Queen’s. “You can’t play football for life,” commented Glassford. “I was fortunate enough to realize this during my playing days and prepare for life after football.” Nowadays Glassford looks back on those days as a player and thanks those around him at Laurier for their contributions to his career. “I was fortunate to end up John Glassford, the 1981 Grey Cup at Laurier,” added Glassford. Defensive MVP and Golden Hawk Hall of “It was there that Tuffy Fame member. Knight and the coaching staff succeed both on and off the field. made me a CFL player, and it was “You learn a lot as a football just a great place to go to school.” player, and my time at Laurier As modest as he may seem, helped prepare me for what I do John’s hard work has helped him today.”
Depth at Quarterback Best in Years
Continued from cover Mike Yacisu all of whom are in the 300 lb. range will provide the Hawks with depth on the o-line that will be the envy of the conference. The receiving unit will be hurt by the loss of wideout Corey Grant now with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and former captain Anthony Ahmad. The battle to replace Grant will be staged by veteran Luke Ware and three second year Hawks, Chad MacAvelia, Joe Vernon, and Adam Petersen. The other three receiving spots seem locked up by returnees Harvey Stables, Mat Flemming and Andre Talbot all of who will handle greater roles in 1999. On the defensive side of the ball 11 of 12 starters return from last season’s unit that was one of the best in the CIAU. OUA All-Stars Kojo Millington and Eric Schwab will anchor both of the end positions on the line, while Jeff Pettican, and Tom Longhurst should start at the tackle. Zoran
Jelisavec, and Andrew Frydryk will battle for time at the tackle and end spots. Rookies Josh Alexander, David Love and Justin Shakell will bolster the defensive line and should have the chance to make an impact early on. At linebacker all three starters return, including 1998 OUA AllStar Dino DiMarino who will return for a fifth season in Purple and Gold. Second year Hawks Terrence Murray and Rohan Thompson will line up beside DiMarino at what will be one of the Hawks’ strongest positions. Returnees Lee Cond, Frank Carey, Paul Chiviera, Darryl Samay, and rookies Russel Borden, Kevin McNeil, Michael Boyd, and Chad Dawe all have the ability to step in and play immediately. The defensive backfield again will be the strong point as the Hawks will start All-Canadians at three of the five positions. Last season’s team MVP Alan Ruby, will play his fifth season for the
Hawks and be joined by Donnie Ruiz and Kevin Johnson. Second year Hawk Kevin Moogk will return to play Rover, while their will be a great battle for the second corner back spot where rookie Carvelle Johnson and transfer Duane Cameron will fight for the starting role. Special teams will be bolstered by the return of OUA All-Stars Johnson and Ruby, however neither may have the impact of a young kicker by the name of John Katsaouni who will give the Hawks the best place kicker in the conference. OUA All-Star Ed Becker will handle the punting duties. Overall the outlook of this years team has the capability to make some noise in the OUA, as they have incredible depth and experience at all positions. Don’t forget the season starts on September 11th when the Hawks entertain the Guelph Gryphons in a 4 p.m. start. at University Stadium.
Hawks
to
name team of the century The winning tradition and exciting history associated with football at WLU makes it seem fitting that the Golden Hawks should recognize their greatest players of all time by choosing a “Team of the Century.” The team will be announced in the Spring of 2000 at the 1st Annual Golden Hawk Football Dinner. It will consist of a first and second team, each made up of 12 offensive, 12 defensive and 2 special teams players. Voting for the team will begin with former Hawks having the chance to fill out the ballot that has been sent to you with this newsletter. Voting will continue throughout the season at all home football games, and on the WLU athletics website at www.athletics.wlu.ca. The player who receives the most votes at each position will be named to the first team, while the second place finisher in the voting will be named to the second team. The process for picking your team of the century is simple. Just choose the player that you feel was the best at each position during their tenure at Wilfrid Laurier, Waterloo Lutheran or Waterloo College. Please remember that your vote should be based upon the accomplishments of the player during their time spent at WLU. Anyone can vote for the team and you are not limited to one ballot, however excessive voting is discouraged. If you have any questions please contact Mike McKenna at (519) 884-1970 ext. 3888.
The
class of
Josh Alexander - DL - 6’4 303 - Kitchener One of the most highly recruited linemen in Ontario, Josh is committed to continuing his football career with the Hawks, while studying Honours Business. Josh combines size, quickness, and an 85.5% GPA. John Katsaouni - P/K - 5’11 220 - Kitchener Three time All-Star in the Great Lakes Football League, John combined a 44.8 yard per punt average with an 80% field goal proficiency rating, including a league record 57 yard field goal. Alex Torrey- RB - 5’11 197 - Owen Sound Alex will return to Canada after playing his senior year of high school football in Virginia. While at Lynchburg Academy he averaged 9.7 yards per carry. Alex is able to combine a 400 lb.. bench press with 4.6 40 yd. speed. He brings a 90% average into Honours Kinesiology and Physical Education. Russell Borden - LB - 6’1 210 - Brantford Excelled as a 3 year starter in high school with the North Park Trojans. Russell is an impact player who will contribute early in his career. Justin Shakell - DL - 6’2 255 - Belleville One of the most sought after defensive linemen in the province, Justin was recruited by numerous schools across the nation. Justin’s athleticism allowed him to excel in football, basketball, and track and field. Ian Duff-Tytler - OL - 6’5 250 - Lennoxville, QC A former Montreal Midget League All-Star Ian has the capability to contribute on either side of the ball. He spent 1998 as a starter for Champlain College in what has been recognized as the premier league in the country. Carvelle Johnson - CB - 6’1 190 - Lennoxville, QC Started at corner and shut down many of the premier receivers in the Quebec CEGEP AAA loop. Carvelle will compete for the starting corner position in training camp. Ryan Nagy - OL - 6’3 340 - St. Thomas Tremendous size and power best characterize this offensive tackle. Ryan will be a force on the Golden Hawk offensive line for years to come. David Kamenar - FB - 6’0 252 - Tillsonburg A multi sport athlete, David combines a 350 bench with an 11.5 100m. Kamenar excels at football, track and baseball. Greg Simmons - DB - 5’11 170 - Haliburton This 3 sport athlete provides speed and physical toughness as part of his repertoire. Played the last 3 seasons for Golden Hawk alumnus Gary Brohman, and Tim Davies. Kevin McNeil - LB - 6’2 225 - London Played last season with the London Beefeaters Jr. team. A true middle linebacker with great range, Kevin possess a very tenacious attitude.
1999
Tony Brettany - LB - 6’2 230 - Scarborough A two sport athlete in rugby and football at Malvern Collegiate Tony was one of the premier Linebackers at the Vanier Cup Combine Test Camp. Alan Adamusiak - IR/P - 6’4 215 - Toronto Al is returning to Canada to study at Laurier. He has the physical capability to play on either side of the ball as well as punt. Originally out of Northern Collegiate Al spent last season at Lindonwood University in Missouri. Zach Edgecombe - IR - 6’5 205 - Woodstock Zach played the last three seasons for WLU alum Mike McMahon at St. Mary’s High School in Woodstock. This blue chip athlete was a two way player in high school who will show his athleticism from the first time he steps on the field in August. Mike Yacisu - OL - 6’4 295 - Hamilton Mike is a former member of the Ontario under 19 Canadian Championship Team, a graduate of Barton Mike has all the tools to excel in the OUA. Jeff Melis - DL - 6’3 265 - Oshawa Jeff has tremendous strength and power which should enable him to contribute early in his career as a Golden Hawk. Jeff has played the last two seasons for former Hawk Mike Wilson at Paul Dwyer. David Love - DL - 6’4 230 - Burlington David played with Alderschot High School in Burlington. He was the number one ranked Defensive Lineman at the recent Hamilton Tiger Cats High School Camp. Michael Boyd - LB - 6’1 205 - Owen Sound Michael excelled at 5 different positions in high school, his strength and athletic ability are his greatest assets. Coupled with his desire to compete, Mike will challenge for a job on the Hawks roster this fall. Chad Dawe - DL - 6’3 215 - Kitchener Chad is presently playing with the Tri City Vipers. He combines tremendous strength with 4.6 40 speed. This Kitchener product has played for former Hawk Ed Dietrich. Clarence Talbot - FB - 6’1 235 - London A bruising full back Clarence will be one of the toughest Hawks on opening day. His hard nosed attitude will allow him to make a tremendous impact in his first year with the Hawks. Mike Harnock - IR - 6’0 205 - Waterloo Mike has a great natural ability to get open and make catches in the middle of the field. His size and quickness will allow him to challenge for a spot this season. Steve Boileau - RB/IR - 6’1 180 - Thunder Bay Somewhat of an unknown quantity Steve possess great speed and all-around athletic ability. Could be one of the training camp surprises. Paul Bennet - QB - 6’2 205 -Peterborough A former High School All-Star, Paul’s size and athleticism put him in the mix for the QB job.
1999 G olden H awk
S chedule September 11 Guelph at WLU 4 p.m. Pre-game reception at 79 Seagram Dr. Starts at 2 p.m.
September 18 WLU at York 2 p.m. Pre game reception at The Blade in the Beatrice Ice Gardens Ice Gardens at York University. Starts 12 noon.
September 25 McMaster at WLU 2 p.m. (Homecoming) Pre-game reception at 79 Seagram Dr. and additional Homecoming events including Budweiser Interactive Rig. Pre-game reception starts at 12 noon.
October 2 WLU at Western 2 p.m. Pre-game reception at McGinnis Landing on Wonderland Rd. in London. Starts at 12 noon.
October 9 WLU at Windsor 2 p.m. October 16 Toronto at WLU 2 p.m.
Pre-game reception at 79 Seagram Dr. Starts at 12 noon.
October 23 WLU at Ottawa 1 p.m. Pre game reception at........ Starts 11 a.m.
October 30 Waterloo at WLU 2 p.m. Pre-game reception at 79 Seagram Dr. Starts at 12 noon.
November 6 OUA SEMI-FINAL1 p.m. November 13 YATES CUP 1 p.m.