GUELPH – Alumni Stadium has been home to professional football in the past. But a preseason clash between the Toronto Argonauts and the Ottawa REDBLACKS on the evening of Thursday, June 7 will have a unique connection to the University of Guelph and the Gryphon football program. Five former Gryphon players, including four members of the Argonauts 2017 Grey Cup team, represent the two organizations set to do battle just off Lang Way.
 
 

For those who grew up as players wearing the red, black and gold – wide receiver Alex Charette, defensive lineman Jeff Finley, long snapper Jake Reinhart, defensive lineman Cam Walker (all of the Argos) and REDBLACKS' rookie offensive lineman Andrew Pickett – it's a special return to a place they have a deep connection with.

 
"It's a surreal experience coming back to Guelph," said Finley, who remains a resident of the city. "Looking back, I had no idea that my homecoming game versus McMaster in 2013 was going to be my final time suiting up for Guelph at home. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to come back with a few of the players that shared so many memories during our time at Guelph."
 
The four Argos are coming off the greatest moment in their professional careers, just six months removed from their amazing 27-24 comeback win over the Calgary Stampeders in the 105th Grey Cup. While Toronto players celebrated a team win for the ages, the cluster of Gryphons had a truly unique connection going from collegiate players to pros, and ultimately champions, together.
 
"It's mind boggling how the universe goes about its business," Finley said of the Grey Cup run last November. "It was a blessing to be a part of the journey with a bunch of fellow Gryphons. We will be forever bonded by that.
 
"That being said, the past is the past. What we did in 2017 doesn't matter anymore. It's a new team with new players and coaches. It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm excited to see where this team goes."
 
Former Guelph player Curtis Newton, who is now with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, was among the Grey Cup winners. When the five paid a visit to campus for the program's annual gala event, they toured the city with the Cup and were dubbed the Gryphon Argos.

 
"Five guys all on one U SPORTS school that won a Grey Cup – I don't know of that will happen again," interim Gryphon head coach Todd Galloway said following the gala last month.
 
Pickett is the most recent player to suit up for the Gryphons. The 6'4", 300-lb lineman from Kitchener, ON has a year of collegiate eligibility left but his substantial talent earned him a CFL shot. Pickett, a three-time OUA All-star and anchor of the Gryphon line, was ranked No. 12 by the CFL Scouting Bureau and ultimately chosen in the third round of the recent draft, 22nd overall.
 
There will be a large contingent coming to see Pickett, who recently played three quarters in an exhibition game with Montreal. His father John, mother Terri and big sister Megan, will be among a group of approximately 20-25 family members coming out to Alumni Stadium Thursday night.
 
John said that his son has been enjoying the experience with the REDBLACKS and that veteran players, coaches, and staff have all been very good to him as he starts the professional journey.

"We're ecstatic," John said of the opportunity to see Andrew again at his old stomping grounds. "We're very proud of Andrew and all of his accomplishments."