Guelph, ON – With the CFL's regular season set to kickoff tonight (June 25), we thought we would take a moment to highlight the former Gryphon football players who currently make a living in the CFL. Listed below are eight players and five front office staff members who have successfully carried their Gryphon Pride into the CFL ranks.
#6 ROB MAVER (K/P) – CALGARY STAMPEDERS
6-0, 200
Hometown: London, ON
Twitter handle: @rmaver6
AS A GRYPHON (2006 to 2009)
To this day, Rob Maver remains the Gryphons all-time leading scorer after having accounted for 290 total points during his outstanding 4-year career at U of G. Maver was named an OUA All-Star in each of his four seasons with the Gryphons, and was named a CIS All-Canadian in 2008 as both a punter and place kicker. In 2009 he was nearly perfect, connecting on 13 of his 14 field goal attempts (92.9%) while also leading the OUA with a 41.3 yard punting average. Following his university career, he was the only kicker in the country invited to the CFL's 2010 evaluation camp.
IN THE CFL (2010 to present)
Rob Maver was drafted 5th overall by the Calgary Stampeders in the 2010 CFL Draft. In his first season, he claimed the CFL scoring title with 185 points which remains a Stampeders record for points by a rookie. Maver has been named a CFL West Division All-Star Punter three straight seasons (2012, 2013 & 2014) and was a Grey Cup champion in 2014.
Article: Rob Maver's crazy 2014 offseason (Calgary Sun)
Youtube clip of his game-winning FG against Hamilton in his rookie season
#64 RYAN BOMBEN (OL) – HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
6-4, 305
Hometown: Burlington, ON
Twitter handle: @Rbomben
AS A GRYPHON (2006 to 2009)
At the University of Guelph, not only was Ryan Bomben one of the most talented players on the roster, he was also one of the hardest working. By his senior season with the Gryphons, Bomben had developed into a First Team OUA All-Star and was a big reason why CIS All-Canadian running back Nick FitzGibbon and OUA All-Star quarterback Justin Dunk were able to flourish.
IN THE CFL (2010 to present)
Ryan Bomben was drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes. Bomben is a player who is extremely athletic for his size (6-foot-4, 305 pounds). This athleticism was on display in 2012 when the big man
hauled in a touchdown pass from Anthony Calvillo in a game against the Edmonton Eskimos.
This off-season, Bomben was acquired by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in exchange for two draft picks (8th overall and 21st overall). The former Gryphon will start up front on the Ticats o-line in 2015 and is considered one of the top off-season acquisitions in the league.
Article: "
Ticats Get a Proven, Versatile Starter in Bomben" (The Hamilton Spectator)
Article: "
Bomben Solidifies Ticats O-line" (3downnation.com)
#62 JAKE PIOTROWSKI (OL) – MONTREAL ALOUETTES
6-4, 293
Shanty Bay, ON
Twitter handle: @JakePiotroski
AS A GRYPHON (2009 to 2013)
In his time at U of G, Jake Piotroski showcased his versatility on the offensive line by starting the 2010 and 2011 seasons at two different positions (right guard and left tackle respectively). After taking part in the 2012 East West Bowl, Piotroski would go on to become a Second Team OUA All-Star in 2013 with the Gryphons.
IN THE CFL (2014 to present)
Jake Piotroski was drafted in the 5th round of the 2013 CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes. After attending training camp, he returned to Guelph for his senior season. After re-joining the Als, he furthered his development during his rookie season in the CFL by learning under established Canadian-born veterans like Jeff Perrett and Josh Bourke.
#58 CAM THORN (OL) – B.C. LIONS
6-5, 290
Hometown: Midhurst, ON
Twitter Handle: @Thorny_97
AS A GRYPHON (2009 to 2013)
Cam Thorn burst onto the scene at Alumni Stadium in 2009 when he was named the Gryphons Rookie of the Year. After attending the East West Bowl in 2012 as a defensive lineman, Cam would switch over to the o-line in advance of the 2013 CFL combine. After being drafted in the 7th round of the 2013 CFL draft by the B.C. Lions, Cam returned to the Gryphons for his fifth and final season where he established himself as one of the top offensive lineman in the country as a Second Team CIS All-Canadian.
IN THE CFL (2014 to present)
In his rookie season in the CFL, Cam Thorn dressed for all 18 regular season games for the B.C. Lions as the club's sixth offensive lineman. He saw action in short yardage situations as well as on special teams.
#49 JEFF FINLEY (DL) – MONTREAL ALOUETTES
6-3, 260
Hometown: St. Catherine's, ON
Twitter Handle: @Gryphons91
AS A GRYPHON (2010 to 2013)
Jeff Finley's rookie season with the Gryphons was cut short after suffering a dislocated elbow versus Concordia in a preseason game. After recovering from that injury, Finley would go on to become one of the most dominant players in the CIS at his position. Despite the fact that he was originally recruited to Guelph as a defensive end, Jeff was soon converted to defensive tackle. At approximately 250 pounds, he was considered to be somewhat undersized for the nose guard position, but proved week-in-week-out to be the most disruptive player on the field. Finley was also a highly respected player off the field and was named a team captain in his senior season of 2013.
IN THE CFL (2014 to present)
Jeff Finley was taken in the 3rd round of the 2014 CFL Draft by the Montreal Alouettes. During his rookie year with the Als, Finley landed on the 9-game Injured Reserve before dressing for his CFL debut later in the season. The St. Catherines native will start the 2015 CFL season on the 6-game Injured List but when healthy, remains a handful for opposing offensive lines.
Article from 2014: Rookie Finley Steps Up Under Trying Circumstances (Montreal Gazette):
http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/rookie-finley-steps-up-under-trying-circumstances
#58 JAKE REINHART (LS) – TORONTO ARGONAUTS
6-0, 220
Hometown: Guelph, ON
AS A GRYPHON (2008 to 2012)
Jake Reinhart played linebacker and long snapper for the Gryphons for five years. In 2010, he was named the recipient of the Gryphon Special Teams Award and in 2011 was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year. Aside from succeeding on the field, Reinhart also excelled in the classroom as he was named a CIS Academic All-Canadian in 2012.
IN THE CFL (2014 to present)
Jake Reinhart was signed by the Toronto Argonauts as a free agent on April 15, 2014. During the 2014 CFL season, Reinhart played in all 18 games as the team's long snapper. He has also become known for his trick-shot long-snapping abilities. From
atop Alumni Stadium, to accepting
the 'Crossbar Challenge' from the Canadian Women's Soccer team, there's not much this long snapping professional can't do!
Cam Walker (left) with Gryphons D.C. Kevin MacNeill (right)
#75 CAM WALKER (DE) – TORONTO ARGONAUTS
6-4, 235
Hometown: London, ON
AS A GRYPHON (2011 to 2014)
Cam Walker was the Gryphons Defensive Player of the Year in each of his final two seasons at Guelph. During his four year career at U of G, the London native was named an OUA All-Star on three occasions and showcased tremendous versatility by excelling on special teams, at linebacker and most recently at defensive end. In 2014, Walker recorded 37.5 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles.
IN THE CFL (rookie)
Cam Walker was drafted in the 3rd round (21st overall) by the Toronto Argonauts in the 2015 CFL Draft. As Argos G.M. Jim Barker notes, "Cam Walker has a great body-type and he reminds me of my former college roommate Clay Matthews Sr. He is in great shape, has a high motor, and we believe he will be an excellent special teams player." Aside from having the ability to contribute on special teams, Cam will also have the opportunity to be groomed at defensive end by one of the most decorated Canadian-born players in the entire CFL in Argos defensive end Rickey Foley. During training camp, Cam has been dealing with a minor injury and as a result he will start the 2015 CFL season on Toronto's 6-game Injured List. But the future looks bright for this former Gryphon great.
Article from Mike Hogan on the Argos' War Room during the 2015 CFL Draft:
#84 ALEX CHARETTE (REC) – MONTREAL ALOUETTES
6-1, 200
Hometown: St. Catherine's, ON
Twitter Handle: @A_Charette
AS A GRYPHON (2011 to 2014)
In his four years as a Gryphon, Alex Charette developed into one of the most dynamic, play-making receivers in the entire CIS. By his third season at U of G, Charette was named the team's co-MVP and was able to carry that success into his senior season. In 2014, Charette led the Gryphons in receptions (62), receiving yards (742) and receiving touchdowns (7) en route to being named an OUA All-Star. Highlighting an impressive senior season with the Gryphons was Charette's performance against the then-No. 4 Western Mustangs in which he hauled in 13 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown in a thrilling 49-46 victory.
IN THE CFL (rookie)
Charette was selected by the Montreal Alouettes in the fourth round (36th overall) of the 2015 CFL Draft. The man who picked him (Montreal's V.P., G.M. & Director of Football Operations and Player Personnel, Jim Popp) had high praise for the former Gryphon saying, "I do think Alex has the ability to be a starter in the CFL and when that happens is a matter of time." As a rookie in the CFL, nothing helps with the learning process quite like being surrounded by established, successful veterans. Charette certainly has that in Montreal. S.J. Green, Fred Stamps and Nik Lewis are three of the most recognizable names in the CFL at receiver and between the three of them have combined for 17 1,000 yard seasons. Aside from picking the brains of Green, Stamps and Lewis, Charette will also receive coaching from one of the greatest quarterbacks in CFL history as Anthony Calvillo enters into his first season as the Alouettes receivers coach. With that talented veteran trio of receivers now in the twilight of their careers (both Stamps and Lewis are 33 years old while Green is 30) the future in Montreal at inside receiver could very well include a former Gryphon. In the meantime, Charette will look to utilize his great athleticism and make an impact on special teams.
Article: Charette Cracks Roster of Montreal Alouettes (St. Catherines Standard)
KYLE WALTERS – GENERAL MANAGER, WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
AS A GRYPHON (1992 to 1996)
During his playing career as a Gryphon, Kyle Walters won two Yates Cup titles (in '92 & '96), was a two-time OUAA All-Star as well as a CIAU All-Canadian. After his playing days, Walters would return to U of G as a coach, serving as Defensive Coordinator in 2004-2005 and Head Coach from 2006-2009.
IN THE CFL
Kyle Walters was drafted 10th overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 1996 CFL Draft. Playing safety and halfback, he helped the Ticats capture the Grey Cup in 1999. His 78 special teams tackles rank fourth all-time in Ticats history and he was named a team captain in each of his final three seasons in Hamilton. Following his CFL playing days, Walters held numerous titles before landing his current job as G.M. of the Blue Bombers in November of 2013.
2003 – Assistant Special Teams Coach (Hamilton)
2010-2012 – Special Teams Coordinator & Running Backs Coach (Winnipeg)
2013 – Assistant G.M. & Director of Canadian Scouting (Winnipeg)
Nov. 26, 2013 – General Manager (Winnipeg)
Article:
"Walters Can't Wait for Rookie Camp to Start" (The Carillon)
MIKE O'SHEA – HEAD COACH, WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
AS A GRYPHON (1989 to 1992)
Mike O'Shea was a star linebacker for the Gryphons from 1989-1992. To this day, he remains the Gryphons all-time sacks leader (19) and sits 4th in school history in total career tackles (310). In his senior season, he was named a CIAU All-Canadian and the OUAA's Defensive Player of the Year while leading his team to a Yates Cup title. That same year, Mike was also named the University of Guelph's Male Athlete of the Year and represented U of G in the East-West Shrine Game in California. He was inducted into the Gryphon Hall of Fame on September 21st, 2007.
IN THE CFL
Mike O'Shea was drafted in the 1st round of the 1993 CFL draft by the Edmonton Eskimos and immediately traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The North Bay, Ontario native played 16 seasons in the CFL, spending 12 seasons with the Toronto Argonauts and four with the Ticats. In 2006, he became the first Canadian-born player ever and just the third player overall in CFL history to post 1,000 career tackles. He retired as a three time Grey Cup champion (1996, 1997, 2004) and in total, appeared in 271 regular season CFL games – the most ever by a defensive player. He is second on the CFL's all-time tackles list (1,151) and was a five-time East Division All-Star. In 1999 he was named the league's Most Outstanding Canadian.
After his playing days in the CFL, O'Shea moved into the coaching ranks. After spending four seasons as the Special Teams Coordinator for the Argos, Mike took over as the Head Coach of the Blue Bombers on December 4th, 2013.
PAT TRACEY – SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR, WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
AS A GRYPHON (1981 to 1985)
In his five year playing career as a Gryphon, Pat Tracey established himself as one of the top defensive players in school history. The Belleville, Ontario native was a standout defensive back for the Gryphons and helped lead U of G to the school's only national title in 1984. Tracey was selected to the Gryphons 1980's Team of the Decade. Immediately after his playing days at Guelph, Pat joined the Gryphons coaching staff as the Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator. In 11 seasons on the Gryphons coaching staff, he coached 40 conference All-Stars, nine All-Canadians and helped U of G capture two more Yates Cup titles in 1992 and 1996.
IN THE CFL
While spending over a decade as the Defensive Coordinator at Queen's (2000-2013), Pat Tracey established himself as one of the top coaches in the entire CIS. In January of 2014, he decided to make the jump to the CFL when he was hired by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as the club's Special Teams Coordinator. While the bulk of Tracey's prior coaching experience comes from the CIS, he does have previous experience in the CFL ranks, including serving as the Special Teams Coordinator for the Eastern Division Champion and Grey Cup finalist Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1998.
CURTIS RUKAVINA – DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, TORONTO ARGONAUTS
AS A GRYPHON (2009-2012)
Curtis Rukavina came to U of G as a transfer student from Erie Community College in Buffalo. In his rookie year at the University of Guelph, he not only earned a dress spot but was starting at Linebacker in just his second game in the CIS. After an injury riddled sophomore year in which he suffered a broken leg versus Ottawa followed by off-season shoulder surgery, Curtis worked hard in rehab and re-captured a starting spot in his third year. By his senior season, Rukavina was part of a Gryphons team that advanced to the Yates Cup thanks to a thrilling 42-39 victory over Queen's in the OUA semi-finals.
IN THE CFL
Following his CIS playing career, Curtis was able to translate his passion for the game of football into several coaching and front office positions within both the OUA and CFL. In the Spring of 2013 he worked within Community Relations for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In 2014, Rukavina returned to Guelph to serve as the Gryphons Assistant Linebacker Coach. Midway through the 2014 season, he was offered a position with the Toronto Argonauts as Player Personnel Assistant. Currently, Rukavina's title with the Argos is Director of Player Development. In this role, amongst other duties, he works tirelessly in preparation for the CFL Draft, while also traveling across the continent (CIS, NCAA, NFL) to scout prospective talent for the Argos.
JARRYD BAINES – DEFENSIVE QUALITY CONTROL COACH & FOOTBALL OPERATIONS ASSISTANT, SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Jarryd Baines (right) pictured with Roughriders G.M. Brendan Taman (left)
AS A GRYPHON (2008 to 2012)
Jarryd Baines started in four of his five years at the University of Guelph and was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. During his career, the Ottawa native racked up 129 tackles and 4.5 sacks. During his time at U of G, the Gryphons were known for having a "ball-hawking" defence, and nobody better embodied that than Jarryd Baines. His seven forced fumbles and four interceptions were an example of his knack for getting to the ball carrier and creating turnovers.
IN THE CFL
After his playing career as a Gryphon, Jarryd Baines worked as an intern in the CFL's league office. Over the last few years, Jarryd's list of football-related jobs has grown quite large: he has worked with Football Canada on building a website and instructional videos on safe contact; he co-managed the 2014 CFL's regional combine in Toronto; and has also worked as a replay technician in the CFL's command centre. In his current role with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Jarryd works alongside defensive staff and head coach Corey Chamblin in preparation for both practices and games. Jarryd reviews film for data insertion and contributes to the analytical breakdown of future opponents.
