As 2025 winds down, we're taking a look back at the moments that defined an unforgettable year for Gryphon Athletics — the achievements, milestones, and stories that resonated across our campus and beyond.
From the debut of an evolved Gryphon brand to championship performances on the national and international stage, these highlights showcase the passion, pride, and excellence that shaped the year. Here are the moments that made 2025 one to remember.
No. 10: A record-breaking season for Track athlete, Max Davies
Max Davies delivered one of the most dominant seasons in Gryphon history in 2025. He broke his own U SPORTS record in the 1000m (2:20.22), was named U SPORTS Track Athlete of the Year, and earned Men's Athlete of the Meet at the U SPORTS Championships after winning gold in the 1000m, 1500m, and 4x800m relay.
No. 9: Gryphon community comes together to support the United Way
This year, the Department of Athletics proudly contributed $3,718 to the University of Guelph United Way Campaign through a series of community-focused events — including Varsity United Way Weekend, a dance recital, football game, Halloween fitness class, Pilates reformer class, and a staff chili cook-off lunch.
No. 8: The 15th annual Frosty Mug sells out - again!
It has become one of the biggest University of Guelph events over the last decade. And the 15th edition of the Frosty Mug delivered yet again. On January 23, 2025, a Frosty Mug record-tying crowd of 4,942 fans filled the Sleeman Centre to cheer on the Gryphons men's hockey team. The annual event has now sold-out in each of the past three years, with the next edition of The Frosty Mug just around the corner, with the 16th edition set for January 22, 2026.
No. 7: Olivia Rizakos named first-ever Women's Soccer U SPORTS Player of the Year
November 5, 2025, Olivia Rizakos made program history by becoming the first Gryphon women's soccer player to take home the Chantal Navert Memorial Award as the U SPORTS Player of the Year. It marks the first time in the 30-year history of the award, which dates back to 1995, in which a University of Guelph student-athlete has been named the top player in the country in women's soccer.
No. 6: Football knock Western out of the playoffs with a walk-off rouge
Only in Canada.
On October 25, 2025, the Gryphon football team defeated the Western Mustangs in the OUA quarterfinals in the most memorable fashion possible, using a walk-off rouge on the game's final play to edge the Mustangs by a score of 18-17. It marked the first time in a decade in which the Gryphons had defeated the Mustangs in the OUA football playoffs.
No. 5: She's Got Game campaign raises over $40,000 in support of women's student-athlete scholarships
Now in it's 9th year the She's Got Game (SGG) initiative continued to raise awareness and vital support for women's student-athlete scholarships. Led by our signature event, the She's Got Game Gala presented by RBC and others like Gryphon Pizza Day sponsored by Domino's Guelph, more than $40,000 was raised.
No. 4: Men's lacrosse wins a national championship for the first time since 2014
Only thing better than winning a national title, is winning a national title during an epic snow game!
On November 9, 2025 in blizzard-like conditions in Brampton, the Gryphons men's lacrosse team capped off a sensational season by defeating Nipissing, 16-5, to capture the sixth national title in program history as 2025 Baggataway Cup champions!
No. 3: Men's Rugby wins their first national championships
On November 16, 2025 in Montreal, the Gryphons men's rugby team earned the program's first national title, taking home gold at the 2025 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championships.
No. 2: Three Gryphons represent Canada at the Women's Rugby World Cup
Gryphons women's rugby represented on the world's biggest stage!
In August and September of 2025, three Gryphons (one current student-athlete, and two alumni) earned a spot on the Team Canada roster for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England.
Taylor McKnight (Gryphon from 2021-present), Julia Schell (Gryphon from 2015-2020) and Brittany Kassil (Gryphon from 2011-2016) were all part of an unforgettable run, with the Canadian women's rugby team reaching the World Cup final for just the second time ever, and first time since 2014.
No. 1: Gryphon reborn! The new Gryphon logo is unveiled.
Our top moment of 2025 – for the first time in 40 years the Department of Athletics launched an evolved Gryphon logo. A symbol of pride, belonging, and the future of our Gryphon community.
The evolved look includes refreshed typography and logo assets designed for both digital accessibility and lasting impact, while retaining the artistic spirit of the original Gryphon. Developed in-house and shaped by extensive consultation with students, alumni, athletes, faculty and staff, this new emblem embodies who we are — bold, proud, and united.
