Wilfrid Laurier University 5th Quarter Club From the Home of Golden Hawk Football
Volume 4, Issue 2 Alumni Invited President Tom Allen invites any alumni seeking to be actively involved in the 5th Quarter Club to a pregame reception on Saturday, September 3rd. The location will be at Lucinda House, which is located adjacent to University Stadium. Kick-off versus the Waterloo Warriors will be at 7:30 pm. For more information, please contact Roly Webster at (519) 8840710 ext. 3289
Corporate Tents Four corporate tents are available to be rented at each Golden Hawk home football game. There is limited availability. Cost is $1,500 which includes food, drinks, and game tickets for 24 people. For more information contact Roly Webster at (519) 8840710 ext. 3289 or email rwebster@wlu.ca.
Thank you Employers The Golden Hawks would like to thank the following people for their assistance in hiring a Golden Hawk. Your support is appreciated. • Fairway Lumber (Grady DeVrese) • City of Kitchener (Shelley Adams) • Gateman Malloy (Wayne Milne) • Mitchler Roofing (Gary Mitchler) • Coca Cola (Buddy Herold) • WLU Athletics (Sue Lindley) • WLU PP&P (John Campbell)
Fall 2001
Becoming a Team By Paul Caporicci Sports Information Director The Golden Hawk Football Team is coming off a highly successful season that saw them end with a 7-1 regular season record and Yates Cup finalists. With all-stars like Praamsma, Talbot, Ruiz and Millington moving on due to graduation, there are many holes to fill. However, the recent years of stellar recruiting classes are about to pay huge dividends. The new faces you will see on this year’s team are the guys who have always been working hard and learning from the all-stars. These players are now going to have the opportunity to prove that Laurier success is not a direct relation to being an all-star, but working together as a team. This past winter seventyfour players participated in workouts. The format was the same: two agility practices and a four-day strength training program each week. One important modification has been the purchase of the world-renowned Brigham Young strength and conditioning program. This curriculum offers a vast improvement in flexibility as it is specifically tailored to each person’s body type as well as their specific football position. This is a year round program and the results have already been realized during April testing with twenty-eight players making
This year's successes will come from tackling, scoring and winning together as a team.
the 300 lbs club and twentyseven players making 1000 lbs club. This is a significant improvement from last year when twenty-two made the 300 lbs club and only thirteen made the 1000 lbs club. The winter workouts ended with a 4-day spring camp. Seventy-two athletes participated in this year's camp, which began before final exams. The atmosphere was upbeat as many players were vying for vacant starting positions left due to graduation. Spring camp ended with a controlled scrimmage to observe how this new unit would work together. While winter workouts and spring camp were going on, the coaching staff was busy hosting over one hundred formal visits from recruits. The University’s commitment to Athletics was quite evident
as University President Dr. Rosehart personally met with fifty of those athletes and their families. In the end, forty-four athletes committed to wearing the purple and gold this upcoming season. Head Coach Rick Zmich commented, “Our two previous recruiting classes were simply outstanding. Which makes it hard to imagine, but this is the best class that we’ve had in the last ten years”. With only a few short weeks away from training camp, the excitement around the program continues to grow. A shortened fall training camp waits, along with a new Labor Day night game versus the Waterloo Warriors. I invite everyone to witness that though the torch has been passed, there is a team who is ready to take it.
For more information please visit our website at
www.laurierathletics.com
Thank you for your continued support Contributions to the football program totaled $106,326.86 last year. Donations made go directly to enhancing the quality of the football program. If you would like any information on how you can support our football program please contact Tom Allen (416) 347-7185. We would like to thank the following people for their support of Golden Hawk Football in the past year: Richard Agro Anthony Ahmad Tom Allen Chris Amor Donald Archer John Arnoldi Bill Ballard Peter Batson Brian Breckles Gary Brohman Bill Burkart Stacey Coray Dennis Ewald Glenn Ferguson Mark Forsyth Wallace Gabler Paul Giannelia John Glassford Bob Goodman Garry Goodman Jon Graffi Murray Green Terry Harvey Tom Hazell Wayne Heslop Tim Hill Bill Hogan Cynthia Hwang Peter Izzio Peter Jamieson Rick Kalvaitis James Karn David Knight Douglas Knight John Kruspe Andrew Kuske Glen Leach David Leeming Paul Markle Michael McKenna
Mike McMahon Bradley McMillan Michael Milovick Murray Mitchell Paul Moffatt Bryan Monteith Matthew Morris Greg Newbrough Rich Newbrough Charlie Olver Rick Pajor Bill Parsons Rod Philp Les Protopapas Jeremy Rakowsky Jim Randle Terry Reidel Bryan Reiner David Robertson Robert Rosehart Dave Scharman Kyle Schilke R. Smerchinski Don Smith Ralph Spoltore Jr. Ralph Spoltore Sr. Arthur Stephen Gary Stockie Ed Strohack Gregg Sweeney Michael Sweeney David Tartaglia Ed Tyro Bernard Verbanac Michael Voisin Jeffrey Weddig John Weir Kenneth Will Dave Yurincich Richard Zmich
Time to Give Back What did Laurier Golden Hawk Football give to you during your playing years? My answer to that question is as follows: 1. Hard work ethics and discipline. 2. Determination to meet challenges and to succeed. 3. Gave a sense of belonging and formed life long friendships. 4. It taught me to make tough decisions and have the courage to take risks overcoming fears and selfdoubt. It gave me confidence. 5. Highlight of my university years. If you believe that Laurier Football gave to you, one or all of the above gifts, then it is time to give back to the current generation of Golden Hawk Football Players by joining the Golden Hawk Club. Entry level membership to The 5th Quarter Club starts at $20.00 / month or $200.00 lump sum. Our membership has grown and for those who haven’t joined, I encourage you to complete the pledge card enclosed. Besides your financial commitment, we need a Tom Allen, team of '68. few good men (no not the movie) to volunteer to be I can be reached at 416-347-7185 on the executive of The 5th Quarter Club. We need representatives to help coordinate your teammates, especially those who played 70-75, 76-80, 80-85. Help organize a reunion or get-together with your former teammates. The camaraderie at the pre/post game receptions is wonderful and I encourage all to become part of it. I hope to see you at games this fall, especially Homecoming on September 29 vs. McMaster. On Friday, September 28th, Hall of Fame Dinner, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Championship 1991 Vanier Cup. Sincerely,
Coach’s Corner Dear Friends of Golden Hawk Football: On behalf of the players, coaches and support staff allow me to thank you for your assistance in our success. Your dedication and pride in your Alma mater allows our athletes the opportunity to grow as both people and football players. 2001, marks a year in which our program is in transition. With the departure of fifty percent of our starters (ten Conference All-Stars, six All-Canadians), young players will be called upon to fill the void of these great athletes. In true Hawk fashion, look for an aggressive and athletic team that wears the purple and gold with similar pride that has been the signature of our program for over fifty years. Sincerely Yours,
2001 Hall of Fame This year’s Hall of Fame committee has selected Peter Gisborn and John Watson along with the 1991 Football Team to be inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame. The 16th Annual Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Friday, September 28th at the Waterloo Inn. The reception starts at 6:00 pm with dinner at 7:00 pm. The induction ceremony will follow dinner. Peter Gisborn started every game for the Hawks from 1989 to 1994. A highlight in his career was being named to the All-Canadian team in 1993. Peter was also team captain and an important member of the 1991 CIAU Championship team. Gisborn went on from Laurier to play in the CFL.
John Watson was a football player in the late 60s at Laurier. He was team captain on the 1968 team who won the Central Canada Intercollegiate Football Conference Championships and were College Bowl finalists. Impressively, John was an OUAA All-Star, OUAA Hec Creighton Nominee and Team MVP. John also found time to be an important member of the Lettermen’s Executive. In addition to the out-
standing players inductions, will be the induction of the 1991 Golden Hawk Football Team, Laurier’s first and only national championship in football. Ten years have passed by since that memorable season and now, it is time to pay tribute to this outstanding accomplishment. Tickets are on sale now, at the WLU Athletic Complex, or you can reserve by phone at (519) 884-0710 ext. 2184. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now.
The Great Balancing Act By Paul Caporicci Sports Information Director Ask any past or present Laurier football player about their hardest experience at this University. The answer you will certainly find is attempting to balance precious time between football and school. However, there are two current Laurier football players who seem to excel at this task. Both Offensive Lineman Jeff Melis and Defensive Tackle Josh Alexander started every game for the Hawks last year. In addition, both individuals were named Academic All-Canadians for their excellent academic standings. Josh, an Honours Business Administration student explains, “The key is time management. Sometimes you have to balance the practice time and work”. Jeff is an Honours Kinesiology and Physical Education student. I guess we can now throw out that stereotypical “dumb linemen” notion?
Goal setting is a common tool used by the coaching staff to allow players to achieve on the field as individuals and collectively as a team. Most of us do not think of using this program in the classroom though. It is no surprise that goal setting theory transferred quite nicely to the classroom for Alexander. “Actually, being named Academic All-Canadian was a goal that I set before the season started”, Josh reveals. “It shows that you can compete at a high level on the field and excel in the classroom”. This proven success is used as an important selling point to recruits by the coaching staff at Laurier. This past year Golden Hawk football endeavored to assist athletes through a study hall program, which was supervised and monitored by Head Coach Rick Zmich. “The purpose of this program is to provide all the necessary tools for the students to harness their full academic
potential,” Zmich clarifies. Seminars, tutors and mentors are all available under the program. This upcoming year will see it expand to four different weekly times drawing for ongoing development between the players, coaches, athletics administration as well as various academic departments. Zmich explains, “To remain a highly competitive program, you have to have football players who are here over the long haul; not just one year wonders”. Alexander agrees. “This football program is taking great strides in developing student-athletes, not just athletes. It is also important to enjoy what you are doing. If you don’t love the sport you play and program you are in, then it can’t happen.” This being said, Alexander and Melis have proved to be intimidating individuals to go up against both on the field and in the classroom.
Olympic Track Coach works with Hawks At the end of spring camp, some of the players separated for summer, but many stayed in Waterloo. These players had the opportunity to work with Brent McFarlane, who was the Head Coach of the Olympic Track Coach. Brent graciously assisted two nights a week for the entire summer with track workouts. Emphasis at practices was on agility, speed, and endurance. Anywhere from 20-30 players were in attendance at each session. Each Sunday the players would take a break from the drills and take part in a pass skeleton.
Attention 1972 Hawk Team This year at the Vanier Cup all players from the 1972 matchup of Laurier versus Alberta are to be honoured. Each player will receive two tickets to the 2001 Vanier Cup and you will be able to purchase all additional tickets at a discounted rate of $20. You will also receive two tickets to the pre-game luncheon and will be able to purchase additional tickets at $15.00/person. Be sure to take advantage of the special hotel room rate at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Please contact Mike McKenna at (416) 343-9974 for more info. The activities of the day will be as follows: • Pre-game luncheon at Vinnie’s (1:00 pm) • Procession from reception to SkyDome (5 minute walk) • On-field procession during pre-game ceremonies • Prime seating for 2001 Vanier Cup (4:30 pm kickoff)
The Class of 2001 Andrew Agro - WR - 5’10 160 - Burlington Andrew’s athletic talent allowed him to excel on both sides of the ball as receiver and defensive back. He was named most outstanding receiver at both the 1999 and 2000 All-Canadian camp. Jeff Austin - LB - 6’2 250 - Oakville He combines 4.7 speed and an appetite for contact at the linebacker position. Jeff was recruited heavily by many schools north and south of the border. Ryan Brown - DB - 5’10 190 - Cambridge Sat out 2000 season after starting all eight games for Windsor in 1999. Ryan was an AllStar defensive back in Kitchener-Waterloo as well as for the Brantford Bisons in the OVFL. Nick Cameron - RB - 5’10 205 - Fenelon Falls Nick is one of the premier athletes to come out of the Cawathra area. There have been comparisons drawn to previous Haliburton standout Mike Bradley. Connor Healey - DB - 5'11 180 - Cambridge Played both tailback and defensive back for Guelph in the OVFL. Connor has tremendous speed that will be an asset in the secondary and special teams. Gabriel Hemmingway - RB - 6’0 190 - Beverly Hills, Michigan Led his team in rushing and was awarded Second-Team All-State. Gabriel has recently transferred from Northern Michigan. Bryon Hickey - SB - 6’2 190 - Burlington Bryon’s punishing rushes helped lead the Fightin’ Irish to a Halton Championship and Metro Bowl final. He was named Notre Dames most outstanding male athlete for the 2000-01 year. Ian Logan - DB - 5’8 175 - Waterloo He is one of the fastest players clocked in Kitchener-Waterloo area. Ian is a thrilling kick returner who can play on both sides of the ball. Mike Maurice - WR - 6’4 180 - Mississauga Helped lead the Spartans to a Metro Bowl victory and undefeated season. Mike is a transformed basketball player who exhibits high level of competitiveness and athleticism. Reid Parker-Beletz - RB - 5’8 175 - New Hamburg Smart, elusive and quick, best describe this athlete out of Waterloo-Oxford. Reid was a twoyear starter with the Tri-City Vipers and helped lead them to a GLFL championship in 2001. Andrew Piticco - DB - 5’11 185 - Mississauga
Andrew was a two-sport athlete at Lorne Park. He was instrumental in Metro Bowl Championship as well as Peel Rugby Championship Alex Piticco - DB - 5’11 190 - Mississauga Along with his brother Andrew, Alex combines natural athleticism along with a dominant physical presence. Pierre-Denis Plante - LB - 6’0 220 - Sarnia Plante is considered one of the top players coming out of Lambton County. Pierre is a physical presence who can play on either side of the ball Ryan Pyear - QB - 5’11 175 - Belleville In 2000, he led the Chargers to a National Capital Bowl victory and undefeated season. Ryan is the premier quarterback to come out of Ontario this year. Ernie Scalczi - LB - 5’10 228 - Ann Arbour, MI This transfer from Eastern Michigan University played both outside linebacker and fullback. In high school, Ernie led his team in yards and touchdowns. Jeff Smeaton - DB - 5’10 180 - Brantford Jeff has a balanced combination of speed and strength at the free safety spot. He helped lead the Bisons to the OVFL final. Owen Thompson - OL - 6’3 315 - Scarborough After sitting out the 2000 season, this former Yeoman is eligible to play immediately for the Hawks. A former Toronto Thunder and Cedebrae Collegiate star, Owen is tremendously quick and strong. Juan Willison-Scott - REC - 5’10 170 - Plainsboro, NJ This Sunshine Football All-Conference selection combines outstanding receiving skills with an electrifying kick return ability. Juan should contribute immediately to the Golden Hawks. Michael Zack - DL - 6’2 270 - Welland He is one of the top linemen to come out of the Golden Horseshoe. Mike demonstrates tremendous athletic ability. It was his size that caught the eyes of the Junior A Hull Olympics who invited him for a tryout. Mitch Zappitelli - OL - 6’4 300 - Ottawa Mitch is one of the most impressive big men out of Eastern Ontario. He combines quick feet with impressive size, which allowed him to play Quebec Major Junior A Hockey in 1998.
2001 Golden Hawk Schedule September 3 Laurier at Waterloo - 7:30 pm Reception @ Lucinda House 12:30 Pregame BBQ September 8 Windsor at Laurier - 2 pm Partnered with the Laurelwood Optimist Club and participants of the 2001 Golden Hawk Summer Sports Camp September 15 Laurier at Western - 2 pm London Alumni Chapter will be hosting a pre-game reception for all Laurier Alumni. Please call Christy Niven (519-884-0710 ext. 3180) September 22 Laurier at Toronto - 2 pm 5th Quarter Club invite all alumni to the Duke of York prior to the game September 29 Homecoming McMaster at Laurier - 2 pm Bud Big Rig Tailgate Party 12:00 Noon Contact Agnes (519-884-0710 ext. 2184) for Hall of Fame tickets For all of your other Homecoming needs, call Christy Niven (519-884-0710 ext. 3180) October 6 Queen’s at Laurier - 1 pm City of Kitchener Day where a percentage of sales go as a donation to youth programs 11:30 Pre-game BBQ October 13 Laurier at Ottawa - 2 pm October 20 Guelph at Laurier - 1 pm United Way Day Donations from gate sales to the United Way Campaign