Wilfrid Laurier University5th Quarter Club

From the Home of Golden Hawk Football

Rebuilding to Team Restoration

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

Volume 7, Issue 1 Offseason 2003

By Kenneth Tam & Mike Whitehouse

Optimism isn’t the firstthing that comes to mind when one thinks of a 1-7 season. On face, last season waslittleshortofadisaster,but upon closer inspection, one realizes that the Hawks had nothing to be ashamed of. Five games last season were lost by a total of only 11 points -- the squad fought hard, but came up just short each time. Few things make a team hungrier than being so close to triumph, only to have it stolen away by such a slim margin. This season sees some significant changes inthe Hawk lineup, and it will be marked by a major drive fortheplayoffs. The new Golden Hawks drive will still feature the same defensive core that has been with the team for the past two seasons. In addition, it will add several new recruits welcomed to the team after one ofthe best recruiting years Laurier Football has ever had. This year’s recruits,

such as Josh Maltin, Adam Scheerer, Andrew Baechler Tyler Felber and Anthony Maggiacomo add both skill and depth to both defense andoffense.VeteranplayerswillguidetheoffensefortheHawks again this season - the lineup charged with leading the points drives will be led by 3rd year quarterback Ryan Pyear and will include East West Bowl MVP Derek Medler. During the off-seasonthe player’s main goals were to increase strength and endurance in order to make a strong push for playoffsuccess. Under their new Head Coach and Manager of Football Operations, Gary Jeffries, a strong newformula has restructured the guidance on the sidelines, with the return of long-time Hawk coaches Wally Gabler Jr., Blaine Beck, Ron VanMoerkerke, Clarke Eady and Brain Canton and the introduction of newcomers Stefan Ptaszek, Bob Stacey, Jamie Hitchen, Barry Pyear, Bob Taylor and Brent MacFarlane. The new staff,

easily named one of the best assembled in this nation, has created a differentperspective for the players and a feeling of exciting and rejuvenation as they prepare for the upcoming season and their first game against theOttawaGeeGees. Golden Hawk fans should expect to be pleasantly surprised this year - the team is rejuvenating itself, building the skills of its young newcomers and taking to heart the hard-won experience of its veterans. Look for 1st year kicker/punter Brian Devlin, a transfer from SFU, to make an immediate impact while stepping into the place of departed kicker/punter Ed Becker. Josh Alexander and Justin Shakell will continue to hold down the defensive side of the ball while second year running back Derek Medler will carry the load onoffenceashepreparestofollow up his outstanding rookie season. Last season was rough on the Golden Hawks - this season will be rough on the competition.

News and Notes2002 Review

OUA All-StarsFirst Team

Justin ShakellRohan Thompson

Second TeamEd Baker

Ryan JefferyJosh AlexanderDerek Medler

Dates to RememberInaugural Alumni Golf Day &

Barbecue:Sept 19, 2003 at Rebel Creek Golf

Course

Hall of Fame DinnerSept 26, 2003 at the Waterloo Inn

and Conference Centre

2003 Schedule Sept1@Ottawa,2:00PM

Home Opener: Sept 6 vs Guelph, 7:00 PM

Sept 13 vs Windsor, 2:00 PM Sept 20 @ Waterloo, 2:00 PM

Homecoming: Sept 27 vs Western, 2:00 PM

Oct 4 @ York, 2:00 PM Oct 11 vs Queen’s, 2:00 PM Oct 18 @ Toronto, 2:00 PM

5th Quarter ClubAdopt-An-Athlete

Post Game Reception

Parents, players, and alumni are invited to attend the

reception to be held at Wilf's after each home football

game!

Everyone is welcome!

New recruits and veteran players, combined with a new coaching formula, promises good things for the coming season.

Laying TheFoundations

This past summer provided the Golden Hawk football program with an opportunity to plan for its future with events designed to pro-mote both the current players and coaches, and identify and develop future Golden Hawks. The 6th Annual All-Canadian Camp was held over the Canada Day long weekend and saw over 50 high school aged kids receive coaching from the Laurier staff in addition to some of the provinces best high school coaches. The campers were tested in the 40 yard dash, agility test and vertical jump and participated in two a-day prac-tices and a touch football league in the evenings in addition. A great time was had by all. On July 19th, the Laurier Football program partnered with Twin Cities Minor Football to host the 2nd Annual Golden Hawk Minor Football Jamboree. Over 70 kids aged 6-13 participated in two practices and were treated to a great day of football fundamen-tals taught by many of the Laurier coaches and players. The kids also received a free membership to the “Golden Hawk Kids Club” and will receive free admission to all WLU home games (all sports) among other great benefits. The Laurier coaches would like to thank all those who par-ticipated in both events and look forward to both events next year.

Coach’s CornerDear Golden Hawks, On behalf of the players, coaches and staff allow me to thank you for your continued support of Golden Hawk football. We certainly recognize the tradition you have created...we plan to con-tinue this tradition and at the same time make you extremely proud. We are very excited about the 2003 version of the football Hawks. We return a very strong vet-eran nucleus coupled with an excellent freshman class. The Hawks are poised and ready to take a run at the Yates Cup. It is comforting to know that you will be coming along with us. Hawks forever, Gary Jeffries Head Football Coach

The difference between being interested in something, and being committed to something, is that if you are interested, you will always have an excuse for not reaching your goal. While the author escapes my mind, the message certainly does not. Gentlemen,Icantellyoufirsthand,fromthehead coach to the water boys, the 2003 edition of the Laurier Golden Hawks are committed. The enthusiasm, organization and discipline of the coaching staff have certainly permeated the locker room and the practice sessions. The Golden Hawks signed a very lucrative program with reebok which required a signigicant financial commitment from the team.For thefirsttime in history, the Golden Hawks are raising money for themselves through adopt an athlete program and a sign-up program through e-bay. If you are solicted by one of our athletes, I strongly urge you to support the program. The adopt an athlete program is $300 for the year, while

the e-bay program simply requires you to register through the Golden Hawks web site for which the team will receive a $5.00 rebate. Their goal is to raise $20,000 through friends and alumni. Not only has the program gone under major restructuring so has the alumni support. Our banquet was a resounding success, raising over $60,000, and our plans for the upcoming year include: - Football Golf Day September 19, before the Waterloo Warrior Game (Overnight rooms arranged at Waterloo Motor Inn) - Parent and Alumni Program - Post Season Lunch - January Ski-Day - Homecoming Get Together There are great things happening and I encour-age all of you who played or were part of the purple and gold, to become involved, enjoy the camaraderie and GET COMMITTED!

Message From The President"New Game New Rules"

Adopt A Golden Hawk ProgramThe Golden Hawks invite everyone to play a role in the student-athlete experience by "adopting" an athlete. The Adopt-A-Golden Hawk program is more than a fundraiser; it is an opportunity for the commu-nity,alumniandcorporatesectortosupportaspecificteam,whileatthesametimebecominginvolvedwithaspecificstudent-athlete. Lastyearmarkedthefirstseasonoftheprogramwiththesuccessfuladoption of over 40 Golden Hawk athletes. Any contribution will help enhance the student-athlete experience and assist them in achieving their academic and athletic success. For more information on partici-pating in the Adopt-A-Golden Hawk program please contact Roland Webster at rwebster@wlu.ca

The Sixth Annual All-Canadian Camp brought 50 High School

Football Players under the expe-rienced instruction of the Golden

Hawk coaching staff.

2003 Hall of Fame Inductee

This year's Hall of Fame com-mittee has selected Tim Bisci to be inducted into the 2003 Hall of Fame. Tim Bisci started for the Golden Hawk football team an

impressive fivestraight sea-sons, his last as team Captain. An OUA First and Second Team All-Star, as well as a CIAU Second Team All-Canadian,

Bisci was well regarded for his excellent defensive work, and contributed significantly to thefootball team's success in their victory in the 1991 Vanier Cup Championship. The 18th Annual Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Friday September 26th at the Waterloo Inn & Conference Centre. Tickets will be on sale in September at the WLU Athletic Complex, or you can reserve by phone at (519) 884-0710 ext. 2184.

eBay Supports The Hawks

You may already know that eBay is the world’s most success-ful online marketplace. eBay offers an efficient and cost-effective way for people to buy and sell just about anything. You can find buyers and sellers for items such as sporting goods, computers, fur-niture, out-of-date equipment or collectibles. What you may not have know is that, starting this summer, if you sign up with ebay.ca throughwww.laurierathletics.com/football,$5 will be donated to the Golden Hawks Football team -- as long as your account remains active for 3 months. Go to laurierathletics.com or contact Roly Webster at rweb-ster@wlu.ca for details.

Tim Bisci

Your Ticket to Golden Hawk News!

Up-to-date ScoresGame Schedules

News ArticlesAlumni News

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Golden Hawk News

Laurier Hawk Talk, a unique sports radio show focusing on student athletes, coachesandofficialsatWilfrid Laurier Univer-sity, debuted August 23rd on 570 News - the No. 1 station for news and information in the region. “While Laurier is well known across Canada for offering quality education and developing out-standing students, we are absolutely delighted to now have a news and sports information radio show that can highlight achievements of our stu-dent-athletes,coaches,alumni,andofficials,”saidRobert Rosehart, Laurier’s President and Vice Chancellor. Laurier Hawk Talk is the only 60 minute sports magazine show on public radio in Canada devoted to a university. The Saturday morning showfirstairedat8:00a.m.onAugust23rd,2003,

was heard on 570 AM as well as on the station’s web site www.570news.com. Peter Baxter, Laurier’s Director of Athletics and Recreation, and Al Gibson, 570 News Opera-tions Manager, had been working on the concept for a show that focused not just on scores and highlights of various sports, but also the issues and challenges that often confront the amateur sports scene. Veteran award-winning radio and newspa-per journalist David Grossman hosts the Laurier Hawk Talk. Baxter said the show, which will include a variety of interviews with current and past stu-dents, alumni andofficials,will also incorporateperiodic sports highlights and activities of vari-ous high schools through a working relationship with high school coaches as well as amateur sport clubs. As the season begins for 2003, follow the Men's Football team with the weekly Hawlk Talk Broadcast -- tune in to 570 News, or to www.570news.comeverySaturdayat8:00AM!

"Hawk Talk" Radio Show Launched

On Friday, September 19th the 5th Quar-ter Club in conjunction with Laurier Football and Rebel Creek Golf Course will hold their Inaugural Football Alumni & Friends Golf Day and BBQ. Tee off times will be from 11am to 1pm. Golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to attend this event. More information on Rebel Creek Golf Course can be found at www.rebelcreek.com. The cost for the day is $125 and includes balls for the driving range, green fees, golf cart, BBQ, prizes, a Laurier Football T-Shirt and a Laurier Alumni Hat. For those coming from out of town, a block of rooms at the Waterloo Inn have been reserved for this occasion, and can be occupied for $109 a night. There will also be a shuttle bus

from the hotel to the golf course that will leave at 10am. Following the BBQ, there will be a shuttle that returns to the hotel. In addition to the Golf Day, Laurier Football will invite Alumni & Friends and their families to attend the Football game versus the University of Waterloo on Saturday, September 20th. There will also be a pre-game reception at Lucinda house for the families. If you would like to attend the reception and game please put in a request for complimentary tickets. We encourage all past Laurier football players and coaches from every era to come out to this social event. You will reconnect with old team mates and coaches and help continue Lau-rier’s proud football tradition of excellence estab-lished in the60’s,70’s, 80’s and90’s.Formoreinformation, contact Bob Stacey at bstacey@wlu.ca,orat519-884-0710,ext3181.

Inaugural Alumni Golf Day & BBQ

I am looking forward to the 5th Annual Friends of Golden Hawk Football Reception and Dinner. It is an honour to be the chairman of this very important event. It is equally an honour to have worked with a committee of outstanding individuals who have demonstrated untiring dedication and commitment to Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawk Football. The committee members for this year’s event include: Wally Gabler, Roly Webster, Kevin Webster, Fred Nichols, Greg Newbrough, Tim Fox, Rick Pajor, Shawky Fahel, Mike McKenna, Gary Jeffries and Peter Baxter. This year’s event will be held at the Waterloo Inn, and is tentatively scheduled for Thursday May 6th, 2004. The Friends of Golden Hawk Football through the 5th Quarter Club, raise funds to enhance the football program at Wilfrid Laurier University. The organization looks to follow last year’s success of raising $53,000. All revenues generated from this event go directly to the foot-ball program and provide our student-athletes with the necessities to compete on a national level. Funds will be allocated to: academic tutoring, athletic therapy, equipment and uniforms, video technol-ogy, training facilities, and a coaching upgrade program. The Golden Hawks of today and those of tomorrow graciously thank all those contributors, individuals and corporate sponsors who have not only made this evening an outstanding success, but who have provided these student-athletes the opportunity to develop life-long skills from the ‘Laurier football experience’.

- Dr. Rich Agro

Fifth Annual Friends of Golden Hawk Football Dinner

Mark BablackLinebackerSt. Catherines, OntarioSt. Francis

Andrew Baechler RecieverAyr, Ontario Southwood

Yanick Carter Defensive BackPickering, Ontario St. Marys

Ian Culbert Wide RecieverLondon, OntarioCentral

Brian Devlin Kicker/PunterSarnia, OntarioSt. Patrick’s/Transfer SFU

Andrew DietrichOffensiveLineWaterloo, Ontario KCI

Tyler FelberOffensiveLineWaterloo, Ontario Bluevale

Mike Gmaz Defensive BackWelland, OntarioNotre Dame

Josh Golding Running BackWindham Center, Ontario Delhi

Don Gooding Defensive BackSarnia, OntarioSarnia Northern

Rob Green ReceiverWaterloo, Ontario Athens DHS

Brent Hickey Defensive BackBurlington, Ontario Notre Dame Burling-ton

Matt Horvath QuarterbackYork, Ontario Cayuga

Nathan JarrettRunning Back Ottawa,OntarioSacred Heart

Scott JoseyRunning BackBrantford, Ontario North Park CVS

Jeff KadoguchiReceiverRichmond Hill, Ontario Richmond Hill

Dylan KochDefensive Back Kitchener, Ontario Bluevale

Joe LabenskiDefensive Line Welland, Ontario Notre Dame

Peter MaddocksQuarterbackChatham, Ontario Chatham Kent

Anthony Maggiacomo LinebackerCambridge, Ontario Jacob Hespeler

Josh MaltinRunning Back Sarnia, Ontario Sarnia Northern

Andrew McLeanReceiverLondon, Ontario AB Lucas

Chris MurrayOffensiveLineWaterloo, Ontario KCI

Justin PhillipsDefensive BackKitchener, OntarioSacred Heart

Adam ScheererReciever Stratford, Ontario Stratford Central

2003 Incoming Class

Being apart of the Golden Hawk Football program is an accomplish-ment offering many internal rewards. Qualities such as hard work ethics,discipline,determination,andconfidenceareonlysomeoftherewards that are gained through one's commitment and dedication to the team. As current Golden Hawks are working hard in preparation for the 2003 season, you have the opportunity to assist them in their endeavours. Many opportunities exist allowing you to give back to the pres-ent football generation. We invite all alumni to play a role in the student-athlete experience by “adopting” an athlete. The Adopt-A-Golden Hawk program was initiated last year and presently has over 40 football players adopted. Our goal for this year is to have all foot-ball players adopted through the program. For only $25.00/month or $300/year, you can make an immediate impact on the student athlete experience. Financial support is not the only method of giving back to the Golden Hawk program. Volunteers are always needed to assist in various athletic events including our Friends of Football Reception and Dinner, Hall of Fame Dinner Committee and 5th Quarter Club Members. See you at the games!

Roly Webster Wally Gablerrwebster@wlu.ca wgabler@wlu.ca

Golden Hawk Athletic Alumni Message