Following a whirlwind Legacy Game Friday, from the CFLOAA Golf Tournament to the Pre‑Game celebration and the Redblacks game itself, Saturday’s Alumni Lunch offered a welcome chance to slow things down. After a day packed with handshakes and recalling memories, the lunch became the quieter moment of the weekend. It was a space to reconnect, swap stories, and enjoy the easy camaraderie that always seems to fall back into place when alumni gather.
Hometown Sports Grill on Bank Street proved to be the perfect setting. As guests arrived, they were greeted warmly at the door by our own Dick Dinelle and his daughters, Lisa and Julie, who set the tone with their trademark hospitality. Name tags were handed out and it was a much appreciated touch that saved everyone from relying on memories that aren’t quite as sharp as they used to be! The room filled quickly, buzzing with conversation as teammates from different eras found one another.
A terrific group of mostly Rough Rider alumni and their partners joined us, representing decades of Ottawa football history. Among those in attendance were Bob McKeown, Dan Dever, Mike Graffi, Art Green, Mike Collymore, Ace Powell, Don Gilbert, Tom Pullen, Scott Racine, Jim and Pam Cain, Bruce Walker, Pat Stoqua, Jeff Avery, Steph Jones, Terry Wellesley, Stu Cameron, Jay Robertson, and others who helped make the afternoon lively and memorable. Stories from the field mixed with updates on family, work, and life after football, creating the kind of warm, easy atmosphere that defines CFLOAA gatherings.
By the time the pizza had disappeared (mostly) and goodbyes were exchanged, the lunch had done exactly what it was meant to do. People came together, old bonds were strengthened, and everyone was reminded why these alumni events matter. It was a fitting close to a Legacy Game weekend that celebrated not just Ottawa’s football past, but the community that continues to carry it forward.
