Football returns to the Nation’s Capital
It was terrific for Ottawa football fans and the CFL Ottawa Alumni Association (CFLOAA), after being without an active CFL team for 13 of the last 17 years, to have CFL football back in Ottawa in 2014.
It was an exciting evening when the RedBlacks defeated the Argonauts 18-17 in their first home game at the revamped TD Place in front of a sellout crowd of 24,326.
CFLOAA
The Alumni Association has developed an excellent working relationship with the RedBlacks. They have provided former Ottawa CFL players, who are paid up alumni members, with discounted season tickets and 40% off team merchandise.
The RedBlacks also provided paid members with access to Pinty’s Lounge under the north-side stands where food and drinks were available before games and at half-time. There are on-going discussions about how to improve this arrangement for 2015.
In 2014 the Association had 111 paid members; these included former Ottawa CFL players, some Ottawa-based ex CFL players from other teams, plus others who have had a past close relationship with Ottawa football. ‘Monthly Huddles’ are held on the first Tuesday of each month plus monthly newsletters are emailed to all those on our contact list.
CFLOAA gear was also ordered that included both the CFLOAA logo as well as a RedBlacks logo to tie the past with the present. Golf shirts in both red and black and black jackets were sold to members
Our 3rd annual luncheon with RedBlacks coaches, the GM plus other senior staff was held on April 15, 2015 at the Cedarhill Golf and Country Club. It was a big success with over 50 in attendance.
The 2014 golf tournament held on Friday August 1, 2014 at the Hylands Golf Club was a success with 115 golfers up from 99 in 2013. Many other alumni attended the luncheon. Some of the proceeds go to the Christie Lake camp and Prostate Canada. Many of the golfers also attended the RedBlack game on August 2.
Maurice (Moe the Toe) Racine was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in Montreal on September 20, 2014. Many former teammates were there to share in his induction. Moe’s son Thom Racine has written a book about his Dad (Never My Dream).
The RedBlacks and Canada Post unveiled a commemorative Russ Jackson and a RedBlacks stamp on June 19, 2014. These stamps were issued to celebrate Ottawa’s rich football history and welcome the new franchise. Russ Jackson spoke eloquently at the unveiling saying that it was his image on the stamp but that he was representing all the Ottawa CFL players from 1886 to the present.
The RedBlacks unveiled a statue of Frank Clair at TD Place on September 5, 2014. Frank won 5 Grey Cups with the Riders; three as the Head Coach in the 60s and two as the General Manager in the 70s. Many alumni including Russ Jackson were there for the ceremony.
Contact Information: Jeff Avery
Phone: (613) 792-3352 ext. 104
Email: javery@coltonaverydeacon.com
