The
5th Quarter
Club
From the home of Golden Hawk Football Volume 4, Issue 1
News and Notes Regular Season Record: 7-1 Playoffs Record: 1-1 CIAU All-Canadians First Team Jamie Hitchen - OG Justin Praamsma - RB Donnie Ruiz - DHB Andre Talbot - WR Second Team Kojo Millington - DE Kevin Taylor - FS OUA All-Stars First Team Jamie Hitchen - OG Chad MacAvelia - IR Kojo Millington - DE Justin Praamsma - RB Donnie Ruiz - DHB Andre Talbot - WR, PR Kevin Taylor - FS Rohan Thompson - LB Second Team Ed Palasz - OT Ed Becker - P Dates to Remember Spring Football Camp Thurs., April 26 - Sun., April 29 All-Canadian Camp Thurs., June 28 - Sun., July 1 Friends of Golden Hawk Football Dinner and Reception Wed., April 25 Fall Training Camp Thurs., August 23 Sun., September 2
Offseason 2001
Good Time to be a Hawk By Paul Caporicci Sports Information Director Going into the 2000 football campaign the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks had one clear objective: the Yates Cup. This was perfectly understandable as the Hawks were within grasp of this prize until the Waterloo Warriors snatched it away from them in 1999. Led by Head Coach Rick Zmich, the Hawks broke camp with a returning roster of 3 AllCanadians, 12 Conference AllStars and a horde of talented recruits. The season opened with a trip down to Guelph that not only saw a Hawk 29-17 victory over the Gryphons, but also receiver Andre Talbot break the CIAU record for receptions in a game with 19. The next week the Hawks showed great poise and character in a 17-13 come-frombehind victory over the York Yeomen. Week 3 was a major blemish on the record as the Hawks took a solid 47-15 thrashing from the McMaster Marauders. This black memory was soon washed away during Homecoming 2000, which was host to one of the most exciting games in Golden Hawk history. With the score 31-37 in favor of the Western Mustangs and 2 seconds left on the clock Laurier needed a miracle. Their prayers were answered as quarterback Adam Lane found secondyear receiver Matt Babel in the
Receiver Matt Babel makes the “homecoming reception” on the last play of the game to put the Hawks ahead of the Mustangs 38-37
end zone for the tie. A successful Ed Becker convert later and this writer still has not descended from this elated victory. The Hawks coasted through weeks 5 to 7 with a 27-3 victory over the Windsor Lancers, 51-1 beating of the Toronto Varsity Blues and a 67-7 thrashing on the Queen's Golden Gaels. The season was rounded off with Laurier looking to exert punishment on the Waterloo Warriors for their last season's sins. All who viewed this provincially televised game saw the Hawks emerge with a 26-18 win. Thus ended the regular season with an impressive 7-1 record and a rematch with the Western Mustangs. Most of the nay-Sayers proclaimed Laurier would never overcome the curse of being able to beat Western twice in the same season, as they had not since 1973. The
Hawks answered these critics with a defense-dominated 30-6 victory. Thus, setting up a rematch in Hamilton. The end of the second quarter of the Yates Cup had the Hawks with a 13-10 advantage. The second half started with the Marauders capitalizing on their momentum as they cruised to a 48-23 victory. The 2000 campaign was an improvement from 1999 in all facets. The Hawks had a better record than the previous season and finished with a final CIAU ranking of fifth. Players enjoyed individual recognition as six were named to the All-Canadian Team and eleven were acknowledged as Conference All-Stars. Alumni support amplified in both a physical and financial turnout. If Laurier can continue to build on these successes, the future looks quite bright for Golden Hawk football.
For more information please visit our website at
www.laurierathletics.com
11th Annual Golf Tournament
The 11th Annual Golden Hawk Alumni Golf Tournament is slated for July 7th 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) 884-0710 ext. 3289.
Athletics looking for a Slogan
The Department of Athletics is looking for a slogan, philosophy or vision statement, which best describes what Golden Hawk Athletics represents and stands for. We are asking for submissions from which a winner will be chosen. This statement may be a phrase that a former WLU coach used, or a personal philosophy that suits Golden Hawk Athletics. The winning statement will be displayed permanently in the new Golden Hawk Lounge. This contest is open to all former and current Wilfrid Laurier University students, coaches, staff, faculty and friends of athletics. Please submit your suggestions to Wally Gabler (wgabler@wlu.ca) by Sept. 14, 2001. On Homecoming weekend a ceremony will be held to unveil the winner and to unveil the new slogan. Good Luck.
It’s Time to Close the Gap
Being competitive and staying competitive in CIAU football is financially demanding. The purpose of the 5th Quarter Club was to raise funds specifically for the enhancement of the football program at Laurier. Our mandate from the beginning was to get a level of commitment of $110,000.00 $125,000.00 per year in order to maintain an enhanced and consistent program. I have reviewed with Peter Baxter the 1999 and 2000 football financial statements as well as the charitable donation statements and I can assure you all monies raised by the 5th Quarter Club have gone directly into the football program. The following summary should help clarify the magnitude of running a major intercollegiate program at a competitive level. As I mentioned to you before, the success of any athletic program especially football, depends on the success, commitment and interest of their alumni. As you can see, we have a deficit that needs to be rectified and as a result, I’m asking you to join our current membership group with a monthly or yearly contribution of $30.00/month or $350.00/year. Both options are tax
5th Quarter Commitment April 30/99 - May 1/00 April 30/00 - May 1/01 Expenses Travel/Recruiting and Part time Video Equipment -$7,254.00 Coaching Support -$52,656.00 Computer -$3,161.00 Audio Visual -$2,500.00 Football Helmets -$17,530.00 Dedicated Therapist -$10,000.00 Uniforms -$10,600.00 Sports Info Web Site -$10,000.00 Dedicated Therapist -$10,000.00 Football Helmets -$6,000.00 Douglas Shoulder Pads -$8,980.00 Ice Machine -$5,000.00 Strength Resistance -$1,060.00 Total ($86,156.00) Apparel -$2,708.00 Helmet Certification -$1,118.00 Recruiting -$16,000.00 Advertising / Printing -$24,400.00 Meals -$27,895.00 Total ($130,706.00) Revenue Donations $62,098.00 Donations $89,809.00 Banquet $15,000.00 Total $77,098.00 Total $89,809.00 Balance ($9,058.00) Balance ($40,897.00) Proceeds of 2nd Annual Friends of Football should exceed $20,000.00 overall after 2 years we have a net deficit of $25,000.00 Department of Athletics - WLU Football April 30/99 - May 1/00 April 30/00 - May 1/01 Expenses Dedicated Staff, Benefits -$118,000.00 Dedicated Staff, Benefits -$163,567.00 Transportation / Meals -$39,159.00 Transportation / Meals -$41,545.00 Part Time Coaches -$30,200.00 Part Time Coaches -$24,500.00 Associate Membership -$1,000.00 Associate Membership -$1,000.00 Advertising / Printing -$23,000.00 Advertising / Printing -$23,505.00 Athletic Supplies -$26,800.00 Athletic Supplies -$26,800.00 Training Camp Meals -$25,000.00 Training Camp Meals -$25,000.00 Total ($263,159.00) Total ($254,117.00) These expenses are in excess of the budget approved for football. Both the University and Student Council are becoming less lenient on budget overruns. Additional Sources of Revenue applied to these expenses are: Late Receipts, High School Camp, and Coaches Clinic: $50,118.00 In future, our contributions and efforts will focus on the following areas: 1. Recruiting and Coaching Supports - 25% 2. Dedicated Therapist - 10% 3. Website Supports / Advertising & Sports Information - 25% 4. Student Athletic Development - 20% 5. State of the Art Equipment - 20%
deducible and retractable if the program does not meet your expectations. Your support will certainly not go unnoticed and our membership looks forward to seeing you at a game. Our goal of $110,000.00 per year along with the net proceeds of the Football
Banquet will insure the quality and integrity of the program in order to compete at a high level. Tom Allen ‘68
Coach’s Corner Dear Friends of Golden Hawk Football: 2000, once again provided Laurier fans with exciting and competitive football. It marked the second consecutive season that the Golden Hawks reached the conference final. Posting an 8-2 overall record with 6 Hawks being named CIAU All-Canadians proved to be one of the most successful years in our school’s history. The team’s success and
individual accomplishments are directly related to your support and generosity. It is your loyalty and support that affords our athletes the opportunity to enjoy their collegiate career at WLU I hope you and your family are enjoying good health and happiness in 2001. Sincerely,
Free Agents sign in CFL Defensive Lineman Kojo Millington signed with the Toronto Argonauts on December 20, 2000. Kojo begin his career with WLU in 1997 where he started every game. The next season he was named named First-Team AllStar. In 1999 Kojo was named First-Team All-Canadian, nominated for CIAU Lineman of the Year and invited to the NCAA East-West Shrine Bowl game. Kojo was drafted in the 4th round (26th pick overall) by the Toronto Argonauts. Last season Kojo was a Second-Team All-Canadian. Defensive Back Donnie Ruiz signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on March 20, 2001. Ruiz transferred from Minnesota to WLU in 1997 where he played only one game due to ineligibility. In 1998 he broke the WLU single season interception record with 7 picks and was named First-Team AllCanadian. The next year he led the OUA in tackles with 97, named FirstTeam All-Canadian and nominated for CIAU Best Defensive Player. Ruiz signed with the Blue Bombers, but a broken collarbone sent him back to WLU. In his final season, Ruiz was again a First-Team All-Canadian. Offensive Lineman Rob Vickers signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on February 2nd, 2001. Rob started his career as a fullback and was named WLU Rookie of the Year. He rebounded after an injury plagued second year to be named First-Team OUA All-Star and nominated for CIAU Lineman of the Year in his third year. In 1999, Rob was named Second-Team OUA AllStar and was drafted in the 5th round (33rd pick overall) by the Edmonton Eskimos. Last season Rob finished his career as team captain.
Pyear commits to Hawks
By Roland Webster Marketing & Promotions
After posting back-to-back trips to the Yates Cup and completion of another successful season, Golden Hawk Football proved once again that it is one of the top programs in the country. While posting a regular season record of 7 wins and 1 loss the Hawks also named 11 players to the OUA All-Star team and 6 to the CIAU AllCanadian team and finished the regular season ranked 5th in the country. With a number of allstars already in their line-up the Hawks hope this announcement will add one to their list in the future. From Belleville Centennial where he led his team to a National Capital Bowl Championship the Golden Hawks are very pleased to announce the commitment of Ryan Pyear who will attend Laurier in the Fall of 2001. Ryan is a Quarterback who has been listed as the #1 Ontario Football recruit to graduate high school this
year. During his success of leading his team to the aforementioned championship, Ryan also put up impressive individual statistics. During the 2000 football campaign, Ryan threw for 1638 yards with 22 touchdowns and a 60% completion rate. At 5’11” and 175 pounds, his success is gained through his athleticism and speed. The composure and leadership that he has shown in the “pocket” have allowed him to lead his team(s) to success in the past. Ryan’s football experience is something he has been exposed to all his life with his father Barry as a coach, brother Kyle who presently plays running back for McMaster and twin brother Tobin who the Hawks hope will join them as a defensive back. With these qualities and experience already under his belt at a young age, Coach Rick Zmich hopes these will provide Ryan and the Golden Hawks the foundation to add to his successful resume. Zmich expressed his excitement when asked about his newest Golden Hawk: “Ryan
Tentative 2001 Golden Hawk Schedule September 3 York at Laurier - 2 pm September 8 Laurier at Windsor - 2 pm September 15 McMaster at Laurier - 2 pm September 22 Laurier at Queen’s - 2 pm September 29 Guelph at Laurier - 2 pm October 6 Laurier at Western - 2 pm October 13 Laurier at Toronto - 2 pm October 20 Waterloo at Laurier - 2 pm October 27 Ottawa at Laurier - 2 pm November 3 Quarter-Finals - 1 pm November 10 Semi-Finals - 1 pm
joins Laurier with an already impressive resume and has the ability to be an impact player early in his career. He combines a strong passing arm and tremendous quickness that will provide the future Golden Hawk offense with a diversified attack.” Ryan Pyear is cast in the mold of many former Golden Hawk “Greats” at the pivot position such as Wayne Allison, Gord Taylor, Rod Philp, Mike Wilson, Bill Kubas and Kevin MacDonald. Pyear will take the field for the first time when the Golden Hawks open for training camp on August 23rd, 2001.
November 17 Yates Cup - 1 pm November 24 CIAU Semi-Finals - TBA December 1 Vanier Cup - TBA
Why Not Hire A Golden Hawk?
Anyone who has opportunity for long term or summer employment and would be interested in hiring a current member of the Hawks is asked to contact Rick Zmich at (519) 884-0710 ext. 2185.
Second Annual Football Dinner to build on 2000 success
The Second Annual Friends of the Golden Hawk Reception and Dinner is fast approaching and will be held once again at the Four Points Sheridan Hotel in Downtown Kitchener on the evening of April 25th. Last years inaugural event was a great success, with over 360 tickets being sold, including 38 corporate tables with net proceeds toping the $15,000 mark. The money was put to good use last year with the purchase of 38 new pairs of Douglas shoulder pads, the top pad on the market today. Despite the success of last year, the committee is continuing to fine-tune the event in order to make it as enjoyable as possible for all those who participate. Some things we are working on this year include; less people at each table; insuring that the registration process moves quickly; and shortening the evening program portion, allowing people more time to meet and greet fellow Golden Hawk supporters. We will continue to have a WLU President, Dr. Robert Rosehart launched the Inaugural Annual fantastic silent auction with many Friends of Golden Hawk Football Dinner and Reception last year outstanding items available for bid throughout the evening. This year's keynote speakers include Golden Hawk Football Alumnus Paul Giannelia, President and CEO of Straight Crossing Group, a world renowned Construction company best known for the Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick. In addition, TSN sports personality and former CFL great Glen Suitor will be addressing the group. A response card is enclosed and we hope that you will support one of the best university football programs in the country, and help us achieve our goal this year of net proceeds inexcess of $30,000. John Arnoldi '84 Corporate Sales Friends of Golden Hawk Football Reception and Dinner
Paul Giannelia 2000 Keynote Speaker