GUELPH – It was a night to recognize the many faces that make Gryphon Football the special program that it is. Coaches, players, staff, supporters and members of the Guelph community came out to the University of Guelph's Creelman Hall on Saturday night (Jan. 26) for the Wildman Dinner, the annual awards night for the Guelph Gryphons football team.
Fifth-year linebacker Luke Korol took home the two biggest trophies of the evening, with the Dundas, Ontario native being named the recipient of both the Ted Wildman Memorial trophy (athletics, academic and community service), as well as the Donald Forster award as team MVP.
During the 2018 season, Korol became just the 19th defensive player in U of G history to earn All-Canadian status, as he was named a 2nd Team U SPORTS All-Canadian. Korol led the entire country in tackles (9.3 per game) and served as the heart and soul of a dominating Gryphon defence that limited opponents to just 21.9 points per game (3rd-ranked scoring defence in the OUA).
Luke Korol with the Ted Wildman Memorial award
Korol's 74.5 tackles during the regular season not only was the highest total in all of U SPORTS, it also established a new single-season school record for the Gryphons. The Dundas native recorded three sacks, 8.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and an interception, while helping lead the Gryphons to the 111th Yates Cup where they fell to the top-ranked Western Mustangs. Aside from his accomplishments on the field, the Leadership and Organizational Management major also emerged as one of the team's leaders in the community, taking part in the Gryphons annual Bowl for Kids' Sake event while also dedicating his time to volunteering at the Guelph Food Bank, local elementary schools and Gryphon football camps. Following the 2018 OUA football season, Korol was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and will attend the team's CFL training camp this spring.
Fifth-year defensive tackle Greg Corfield was named the Tom Dimitroff Sr. Defensive Player of the Year, while fourth-year receiver Kade Belyk took home the Stu Lang Offensive Player of the Year honours. Two-time All-Canadian kicker Gabe Ferraro wrapped up his decorated Gryphon career by being named Special Teams Player of the Year, while standout freshman defensive back Brendan Murphy took home team Rookie of the Year honours.
Wildman Dinner Award Winners
Ted Wildman Memorial Trophy: Luke Korol
Donald Forster Trophy (MVP): Luke Korol
Stu Lang Offensive Player of the Year: Kade Belyk
Tom Dimitroff Sr. Defensive Player of the Year: Greg Corfield
Special Teams Player of the Year: Gabe Ferraro
Kyle Walters Trophy: Theo Landers
Rookie of the Year: Brendan Murphy
Tom Mooney Lineman of the Year: Colin Jerome
Scout Team Players of the Year: Tyler Thompson (defence), Michael Scarfone (offence)
Unsung Hero Award: Aidan Fraser
Support Staff: Alf Conley (assistant equipment manager)
Pflug Family Community Service Award: Nicholas Mirijello
Granite Gryphon Award: Charlie Taggart
Richard P. Kohler Perseverance Award: Aidan England
Academic Support Award: John Walsh (assistant professor)
Captain's Award: Thomas Bresciani
Riddell Coach of the Year: Greg White (Jacob Hespeler - Cambridge)
