At every CFLOAA Huddle, on the first Tuesday of most months at Local Heroes, Jim McAuley the Ottawa Sports Historian entertains everyone with his research into what happened on a day in that month in Ottawa Football History. Since we always meet on the first Tuesday of the month, Jim has started to select dates later in the month, so he does not duplicate what he has presented at earlier Huddles.
1969 (55 years today)
Ottawa Rough Riders announced that they had received signed contracts from three of last season’s players, namely, Dan Dever, Bill Van Burkleo and Tom Schuette.
1972 (52 years today)
Homebrew fullback Geoff Hamlin admitted he’s “dying” to get a shot at some ball-carrying this season with the Ottawa Rough Riders. “In college, the last couple of years at University of North Carolina, I was used chiefly as a blocker”, says Hamlin. “I got a little more chance to be a ball-carrier in my senior season and like it.” The former Brookfield High School star weighs 215 pounds and stands, 6’-1”. Head Coach Jack Gotta likes Hamlin’s style and says, “As a Canadian, he’s a big asset. Geoff will get a big shot in camp.”
1976 (48 years today)
Offensive guard Tufuli Uperesa decided to retire from football. He announced his retirement in a telegram to Ottawa Rough Riders’ Head Coach George Brancato just prior to the opening of training camp. Also retiring was centre Bob McKeown, who has decided to concentrate on his television job.
Note: -It was a good decision as Bob is still doing ‘his TV job’ some 48 years later. Bob has been recognized with major journalistic prizes, including two Emmys – for the Gulf War and Dateline—two Geminis, two Edward R. Murrow awards, two National Headliner awards and a National Press Club award, and, in 2021, was named a member of the Order of Canada.
1982 (42 years today)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 11 Ottawa Rough Riders 5 in a pre-season game before 11,906 at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton. Jordan Case played the first half going 9-for-18 for 99 yards. Kevin Starkey played the second half completing 11 of 25 passes for 151 yards, but giving up four interceptions, two in the end zone. Bruce Walker caught seven passes for 113 yards. Tiger-Cats’ Tom Clements played only the first half completing three of eight passes, including a 64-yard TD pass to Keith Baker. Carl Brazley and Larry Brune each picked off Hamilton passes.
1992 (32 years today)
Loyd Lewis and Andre Francis were at odds with Ottawa Rough Riders’ General Manager Dan Rambo and owner Bernie Glieberman. Lewis and Francis refused to take pay cuts and they were banned from taking part in the Riders’ workouts. Without attending training camp, they were unable to collect substantial reporting bonuses. They feel their existing contracts should be fully honoured. Commissioner Larry Smith will rule on the dispute. Lewis’ salary is in the $130,000 range, while Francis earns about $120,000.
2002 (22 years today)
Toronto Argonauts 18 Ottawa Renegades 11 in a pre-season game before 19,213 at Frank Clair Stadium. It was the first game ever played by the Renegades. Ottawa took a 7-0 lead on a 22-yard touchdown pass from Dan Crowley to Eddie Brown. Jim Ballard went 7-7 for Toronto including a touchdown pass to Deronn Finley.
2014 (10 years today (June 14)
Saskatchewan Roughriders 21 Ottawa Redblacks 17 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina in the first-ever game played by the Redblacks. It was actually a Redblacks’ home game, but construction work on the stadium at Lansdowne Park was still on-going. Jamill Smith had a 77-punt return the first time the Redblacks got their hands on the ball. The return resulted in the first-ever touchdown scored by Chevon Walker. Thomas DeMarco directed a 108-yard drive with a 26-yard completion to Fred Rouse. He also tossed a 60-yard TD pass to Travon Patterson. No. 1 quarterback, Henry Burris, played only two series. Marshay Green returned a kickoff for a 75-yard touchdown for the Roughriders.
2016 (8 years today)
Ottawa Redblacks 18 Winnipeg Blue Bombers 14 before 17,947 at TD Place Stadium. It was the first pre-season game of the season. Henry Burris connected to Brad Sinopoli for the Redblacks only TD. Burris also completed a two-point convert to Ernest Jackson. Chris Milo kicked three field goals.
BIRTHDAYS (June 13)
1950 (74 years today)
Claude Pilon, Ottawa Rough Riders’ defensive tackle in 1977, born at Ottawa, Ontario.
Note: -Claude is the father of CFLOAA Board member Marc Pilon who played 8 years in the CFL including the 2005 season with his hometown Ottawa Renegades. Marc’s brother Jeff also played in the CFL with Calgary for 10 years.
