The
5th Quarter
From
the home of
Volume 3, Issue 1
Golden Hawk Football News and Notes SEASON IN REVIEW Record 6-2 PLAYOFFS Record 1-1 CIAU ALL-CANADIANS First Team Don Ruiz, DB Andre Talbot, WR Kojo Millington, DE Dino DiMarino, LB OUA ALL-STARS First Team Andre Talbot - WR Dino DiMarino - LB Kevin Johnson - CB Kojo Millington - DE Donnie Ruiz - DB Alan Ruby - FS Second Team James Hitchen - OG Adam Lane - QB Justin Praamsma - RB Rob Vickers - OT Tom Longhurst - DT Eric Schwab - DE Ed Becker - P John Katsaouni - PK Andre Talbot - PR DATES TO REMEMBER
Spring Football Camp March 31 - April 8 WLU Coaches Clinic April 7 & 8 All-Canadian Camp June 29 - July 2
Golden Hawk Football
We’re
Club
Offseason 2000
going to win the vanier
Entering the 1998 OUA football season the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks had one clear goal to meet, which was getting back to the playoffs after missing them for the first time this decade. Led by Head Coach Rick Zmich the Golden Hawks broke camp with a solid mix of experienced veterans and a talented recruiting class. The season opened with the Hawks facing off against their cross-town rival Waterloo Warriors, who had defeated the Hawks twice in ‘97. Yet again the Warriors were too much for the Hawks to handle and the season opened much the way ‘97 had ended with a loss. Things didn’t get any easier from there though as the Hawks had to travel to London to face the Mustangs with the risk of falling to 0-2 and causing them to refocus on their early season goal of a post season spot. Despite jumping out to an early lead behind quarterback Adam Lane, who making his first career start the Hawks couldn’t hold on as Western dominated the second half to win 38-30 on a last minute touchdown. With the season in jeopardy and Lane on the shelf with a broken collarbone, the Hawks shifted the focus of their offensive attack to a pair of fellows named Justin. Strong and fast, big and tough took over as the Hawks ground game soared to new heights. In wins over Guelph, Windsor, and Toronto
United together, the Golden Hawks will look to use the 1998 season as a stepping stone to new heights.
in weeks 3, 4, and 5 Laurier racked up 985 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on the ground. With their record above the .500 mark, the playoffs were once again insight. A rematch with Guelph loomed large for the Hawks who cracked the CIAU top ten in the week leading up to the contest. Although it wasn’t pretty the Hawks managed to pull out a 26-15 win in front of a provincial wide ONTV audience. The season was then highlighted with a five game winning streak as the Hawks rolled over McMaster in week 7, by a 56-29 score on home turf. The win vaulted the Hawks to their highest national ranking of the season at number six, solidified a playoff spot and third place in the OUA. Results that qualify as a solid turn around from 1997. The season was not complete though as on the final week a trip to York was in the way of a playoff rematch with
Waterloo. Not only did the Hawks suffer a crushing 13-6 defeat to the Yeomen, veteran defensive back Alan Ruby suffered a severely broken thumb. With Ruby wrapped and ready the Hawks took to the field for their biggest game of the season and a rematch with their week one opponent. In front of a sold out crowd at University Stadium the Warriors jumped out to an early lead and the Hawks could not recover, ending their season with a first round playoff loss. Despite the early exit from the playoffs the Hawks still had a great deal to be happy about. A national ranking at #9 when the season ended and a very solid line-up that gives 1999 the chance to be one of the greatest ever for the Hawks.
Cast Your AllCentury Ballot All past and present Golden Hawks are invited to cast their ballots for the Golden Hawk AllCentury Team. To obtain a ballot, you may contact Paul Caporicci at (519) 884-0710 ext. 3888. You may also vote on-line from the varsity athletics site at www.laurierathletics. com The deadline for submissions is Aug. 1st 2000. Honoured members will be introduced at halftime of this year's Homecoming game versus the Western Mustangs on Sept. 30th at 2:00 pm.
Golf Tournament Update The 10th Annual Golden Hawk Alumni Golf Tournament is slated for July 9th 2000 at Doon Valley Golf Club in Kitchener. Golden Hawk alumni are encouraged to order tickets as soon as possible in order to ensure your spot. Tickets and related information can be obtained by calling Roly Webster at (519) 8840710 ext. 3289.
Coaches Clinic The Wilfrid Laurier Football program is pleased to host the Golden Hawk Coaches Clinic April 7th and 8th at University Stadium. Those wishing to attend should contact Gary Jeffries at (519) 8840710 ext. 2180. Alumni are encouraged to pass the word along to high school and amateur coaches in your area.
Message
from
President
The 5th Quarter’s first complete year was most successful. The pre-game parties in the backyard and the post game receptoins at McGinnis’s Landing rekindled many friendships. In the area of fundraising for the football team, I’m pleased to confirm the following results: 1. Over $17,000 per annum committed by way of monthly contributions 2. Over $60,000 by of lump sum contributions. Our goal is to “make a difference” to the football program at Laurier and to that extent our plans for 2000 are as follows: 1. To increase monthly contributions to $40,000 per year. 2. Combined with lump sum contributions donate $100,000 to the football program. While the current roster of contriubutors is small compared to the total number of former players, I believe over time and through special events such as homecoming and the football dinner we’ll be able to reach out to all of you. Regardless of the size of your contribution we welcome all football alumni to come back and be involved in the “new spirts” at Laurier. For further information, please call: Tom Allen Office: (905) 681-8335 Cellular: (416) 347-7185
Coaches Corner GOLDEN HAWK FOOTBALL. The opportunity for success that we are afforded at Laurier would not be possible without your loyalty and dedication to our team.
Rick Zmich Head Coach
Dear Golden Hawks: Allow me to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of
Why
I personally, and certainly our coaches and players realize as well, that the parameters of "team" at WLU extends far beyond the walls of our locker room. The administration, alumni, faculty, staff and student body are all major contributors to our program. I believe our support level is unparalled in Canada.
not hire a
I look forward to meeting with you at one of the many events that we have planned in 2000 and encourage you to drop by campus and say hello. All the best in the New Year. Best Wishes,
Rick Zmich Head Coach Golden Hawk Football
Golden Hawk?
Anyone who has opportunities for long term or summer employment and would be interested in hiring a current member of the Hawks is asked to call Rick Zmich at (519) 884-0710 ext. 2185.
Millington Represents WLU at East-West Shrine Bowl When Kojo Millington was asked to play in the East-West Shrine Game back in December, the 4thyear defensive end had some big shoes to fill. Not that taking one of the two roster spots allotted to Canadians is anything to sniff at, but the truth is, there really wasn't a better candidate Canada-wide than Millington and his size-15 feet. Millington took his massive dogs out west to Paolo Alto, California to play for the East squad along with fellow Canuck Kevin Lefsrud, an offensive lineman from the University of Saskatchewan, who suited up for the West. "The level of experience of the players and their athletic ability (at the game) was nothing I've seen up here," said Millington upon his return from California. "It took some adjusting, but after my first practice everything was fine." Millington earned the ticket west after enjoying one of the finest seasons ever by a defensive player from Laurier. The Scarborough native recorded six sacks, two interceptions, 34 tackles and one fumble recovery in leading a defence that produced three First Team All-Canadians. Still, the Shrine Bowl wasn't even in his radar screen when he reported for training camp in August or after the season.
"It wasn't anything I was expecting," said Millington when asked if he was surprised about his selection. "When I was setting my goals for the season before the year, it was really nothing I ever expected to do." As for the game itself, Millington wasn't disappointed in his effort but did acknowledge that some nerves and unfamiliarity with the nuances of the American game hurt him a little. He made light of one missed opportunity: "The one time I got air time on ESPN was when I barely missed a sack," he said in jest. In the end, he was credited with two tackles during the game, won by the East 35-21. Of course, the questions
from his American teammates - their complete lack of knowledge about their northern neighbours was felt at every turn by Millington. When he said he was from Canada, it was often met by blank stares of bemusement. Many of his teammates were unfamiliar that Canadians even played football. The game was the 75th annual edition of the event designed with the duo purpose of raising money for Shriners' hospitals specializing in the care of burn patients but also to provide graduating seniors one last chance to shine in front of scouts from all levels of pro football. The opportunity was extended to Canadians back in the 70's and has often foreshadowed a Canuck's entry into the CFL. Past participants include current CFLers Mike O'Shea of the Toronto Argonauts and Chris Morris of the Edmonton Eskimos. For his part, Millington is still waiting to see where his playing future may lie. He has one more year of eligibility remaining at the CIAU level and recently started the process of marketing himself to CFL teams ahead of this spring's Entry Draft. "Right now, I'm just training and trying to bring myself to the next level," he said. "From there, let the chips fall where they may."
Millington is the first player in WLU history to be selected to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl at Stanford in Paolo Alto, California.
2000 G olden H awk S chedule September 9 Laurier at Guelph 2 pm September 16 York at Laurer 2 pm September 23 Laurier at McMaster 2 pm September 30 Western at Laurier 2 pm (Homecomming) October 5 Windsor at Laurier 7:30 pm October 14 Laurier at Toronto 2 pm October 21 Queens at Laurier 2 pm October 28 Laurier at Waterloo 2 pm November 4 OUA Semi-Final 1 pm November 11 Yates Cup 1 pm November 18 CIAU Semi-Final 1 pm November 25 Vanier Cup 1 pm
Hawks Honored
The All-Canadian Gala held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto had a distinctive hue of purple and gold back in November. The annual event saw four Golden Hawks honoured with a First-Team All Canadian selection, plus another three WLU nominations for a major award. Wide receiver Andre Talbot, defensive end Kojo Millington, linebacker Dino DiMarino and safety Donnie Ruiz all took home AllCanadian honours after stellar seasons for the Golden Hawks in 1999. Millington, Ruiz and another Hawk, rookie kicker John Katsounia, also picked up the OUA nomination for lineman of the year, defensive player of the year and rookie of the year respectively. Although no one walked away the winner, it is believed to be the first time ever that one school has supplied three of the four nominations available per league. In addition to the aforementioned quintet, 10 other Golden Hawks earned all-star selections, a new WLU school record. Andre Talbot - WR 1st team All Canadian 36 recs for 720 yrd. & 10 TDs; 20.0 yd av. 1 punt return for TD Dino DiMarino - LB 1st team All Canadian 54 solo tkls, and 69 total tkls. & 2 forced fumbles Team Captain
at
CIAU Awards
The Hawks received three out of a possible four OUA player awards. Pictured from left to right is Gary Jefferies (Defensive Co-Ordinator), Kojo Millington (J.P. Metras Trophy Nominee), Donnie Ruiz (President’s Trophy Nominee), John Katsaouni (Peter Gorman Nominee) and Rick Zmich (Head Coach).
Kojo Millington - DE 1st team All Canadian OUA nominee for J.P. Metras Trophy (outstanding down lineman) 1st WLU player to play in East-West Shrine Game 34 tkls. 6 sacks, 2 Ints, 1 fumble recovery and 2 forced fumbles Donnie Ruiz - Safety 1st team All Canadian (1998 & 99) OUA nominee for President's Trophy (out-
standing defensive player) 51 solo tkls and 79 total tkls. and 3 ints Team Captain John Katsounia - K Peter Gorman Nominee (Outstanding Rookie in OUA) 2nd team OUA All Star 14 of 18 on FG's, including 10 for 10 inside 40 yards 77 scoring points ranked him third in CIAU