By Paul CaporicciSports 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 All-Canadians, 12 Conference All-Stars 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 char-acter in a 17-13 come-from-behind 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 excit-ing 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 second-year receiver Matt Babel in the

end zone for the tie. A suc-cessful 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 sea-son 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 previ-ous 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 turn-out. If Laurier can continue to build on these successes, the future looks quite bright for Golden Hawk football.

News and NotesRegular Season Record: 7-1

Playoffs Record: 1-1

CIAU All-CanadiansFirst Team

Jamie Hitchen - OGJustin Praamsma - RBDonnie Ruiz - DHBAndre Talbot - WR

Second TeamKojo Millington - DE

Kevin Taylor - FS

OUA All-StarsFirst Team

Jamie Hitchen - OGChad MacAvelia - IRKojo Millington - DEJustin Praamsma - RBDonnie Ruiz - DHB

Andre Talbot - WR, PRKevin Taylor - FS

Rohan Thompson - LB

Second TeamEd Palasz - OTEd Becker - P

Dates to RememberSpring Football Camp

Thurs., April 26 - Sun., April 29

All-Canadian CampThurs., June 28 - Sun., July 1

Friends of Golden Hawk Football Dinner and Reception

Wed., April 25

Fall Training CampThurs., August 23 - Sun., September 2

The

5th QuarterClub

From the home of Golden Hawk Football

Receiver Matt Babel makes the “homecoming reception” on the last play of the game to put the Hawks ahead of the Mustangs 38-37

Volume 4, Issue 1 Offseason 2001

For more information please visit our website atwww.laurierathletics.com

Good Time to be a Hawk

Being competitive and stay-ing competitive in CIAU foot-ball 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 commit-ment 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 pro-gram. The following summary should help clarify the mag-nitude of running a major intercollegiate program at a competitive level. As I mentioned to you before, the success of any ath-letic program especially foot-ball, 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 con-tribution of $30.00/month or $350.00/year. Both options are tax

deducible and retractable if the program does not meet your expectations. Your sup-port will certainly not go unnoticed and our member-ship 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 qual-ity and integrity of the pro-gram in order to compete at a high level.Tom Allen ‘68

April 30/99 - May 1/00ExpensesDedicated Staff, Benefits -$118,000.00Transportation / Meals -$39,159.00Part Time Coaches -$30,200.00Associate Membership -$1,000.00Advertising / Printing -$23,000.00Athletic Supplies -$26,800.00Training Camp Meals -$25,000.00 Total ($263,159.00)

April 30/00 - May 1/01

Dedicated Staff, Benefits -$163,567.00Transportation / Meals -$41,545.00Part Time Coaches -$24,500.00Associate Membership -$1,000.00Advertising / Printing -$23,505.00Athletic Supplies -$26,800.00Training Camp Meals -$25,000.00 Total ($254,117.00)

11th AnnualGolf 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, philoso-phy or vision statement, which best describes what Golden Hawk Athletics represents and stands for. We are asking for submissions from which a win-ner will be chosen. This state-ment may be a phrase that a former WLU coach used, or a personal philosophy that suits Golden Hawk Athletics. The winning statement will be dis-played 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 ath-letics. Please submit your sug-gestions to Wally Gabler (wga-bler@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.

April 30/99 - May 1/00ExpensesTravel/Recruiting and Part time Coaching Support -$52,656.00Audio Visual -$2,500.00Dedicated Therapist -$10,000.00Sports Info Web Site -$10,000.00Football Helmets -$6,000.00Ice Machine -$5,000.00 Total ($86,156.00)

RevenueDonations $62,098.00Banquet $15,000.00 Total $77,098.00

Balance ($9,058.00)

April 30/00 - May 1/01

Video Equipment -$7,254.00Computer -$3,161.00Football Helmets -$17,530.00Uniforms -$10,600.00Dedicated Therapist -$10,000.00Douglas Shoulder Pads -$8,980.00Strength Resistance -$1,060.00Apparel -$2,708.00Helmet Certification -$1,118.00Recruiting -$16,000.00Advertising / Printing -$24,400.00Meals -$27,895.00 Total ($130,706.00)

Donations $89,809.00

Total $89,809.00

Balance ($40,897.00)

Dear Friends of Golden Hawk Football:

2000, once again provided Laurier fans with exciting and competitive football. It marked the second consecu-tive season that the Golden Hawks reached the confer-ence 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,

Coach’s Corner

It’s Time to Close the Gap

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%

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

5th Quarter Commitment

Department of Athletics - WLU Football

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

Tentative2001 Golden

Hawk Schedule

September 3York at Laurier - 2 pm

September 8Laurier at Windsor - 2 pm

September 15McMaster at Laurier - 2 pm

September 22Laurier at Queen’s - 2 pm

September 29Guelph at Laurier - 2 pm

October 6Laurier at Western - 2 pm

October 13Laurier at Toronto - 2 pm

October 20Waterloo at Laurier - 2 pm

October 27Ottawa at Laurier - 2 pm

November 3Quarter-Finals - 1 pm

November 10Semi-Finals - 1 pm

November 17Yates Cup - 1 pm

November 24CIAU Semi-Finals - TBA

December 1Vanier 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.

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 All-Star. 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.

By Roland WebsterMarketing & Promotions

After posting back-to-back trips to the Yates Cup and completion of another suc-cessful season, Golden Hawk Football proved once again that it is one of the top pro-grams 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 All-Canadian team and finished the regular season ranked 5th in the country. With a number of all-stars 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 com-mitment 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 afore-mentioned 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 athleti-cism and speed. The compo-sure 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, broth-er 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 excite-ment when asked about his newest Golden Hawk: “Ryan

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 quick-ness 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 train-ing camp on August 23rd, 2001.

Pyear commits to Hawks

Free Agents sign in CFL

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 All-Star and was drafted in the 5th round (33rd pick overall) by the Edmonton Eskimos. Last season Rob finished his career as team captain.

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 All-Canadian. The next year he led the OUA in tackles with 97, named First-Team 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.

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 pro-ceeds 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 pro-cess 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 fantastic silent auction with many 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 '84Corporate SalesFriends of Golden Hawk FootballReception and Dinner

Second Annual Football Dinnerto build on 2000 success

Paul Giannelia2000 Keynote Speaker

WLU President, Dr. Robert Rosehart launched the Inaugural Annual Friends of Golden Hawk Football Dinner and Reception last year