GUELPH, Ont. - Gryphon football is excited to announce that on
May 6th, 2023 we will be hosting our 12th Annual Gryphon Football Gala. This event brings together over 250 football alumni, friends, families, and supporters. All proceeds from this event will go directly towards supporting the Gryphon Football Program, student-athlete scholarships, team events and our Football Alumni Advancement initiatives. We invite alumni, families, friends, and our community to come together for this very special night.
The Gala will feature a truly exceptional guest of honor: none other than
Thomas Dimitroff, a former NFL General Manager for both the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, an Executive of the Year, a Super Bowl champion, Wildman Recipient, CEO of SumerSports, and a proud alumnus of our very own Gryphon football program. Dimitroff will take part in a captivating fireside chat, where he will share his insights, experiences, and fascinating stories from his career. As a true titan of the football industry, Mr. Dimitroff's presence at the Gryphon Football Gala promises to be a highlight of the year and an experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

WHEN: May 6th, 2023 | 5pm - 10pm
WHERE: Creelman Hall, University of Guelph
WHAT: Formal Attire l Cocktails & Hors D'oeuvres l 3-Course Dinner l Cash Bar | Silent Auction | Heads & Tails
GUEST SPEAKER: Thomas Dimitroff
AWARD WINNERS: Andrew Oosterhuis (Distinguished Alumni) & Jeremy Oxley (Honour Jersey)
COST: Individual Tickets: $200 | Tables: $1900 (10 tickets)
Questions: Please contact Jacqueline Andrews, External Relations, and Events Supervisor for more information at jacqandr@uoguelph.ca

SILENT AUCTION: goes live on Saturday, April 29, 2023
In preparation for our silent auction please review the process below to ensure you can access the site to start your bidding. Make sure to mark your favourites and check them out at the Gala, as all our items will be displayed.
Set Up your Account, it's a very simple process:
- Visit the auction site here or scan the QR code below. This will take you to the auction, where you can view the items of the auction here but cannot bid until you set up your account.
- Create an Account or forgot your password?
- To set up your account, you only need to provide your name, phone number and email. NO credit card information is provided until you have won an item.
- Once your account is set up, you can view, bid, and WIN prizes in the auction.
- Payment will be done when the auction closes at 9:30pm on May 6th, 2023. Payment is made by credit card: VISA, MC, AMEX, Discover Card from the website using your phone.
- If you bid and win, you must pay for it, make sure that you want the item before you submit your bid! The administrator does not have the ability to erase a bid for anyone, so if you bid and win an item, it's yours!
- All items won in the auction can be picked up on event night at Creelman Hall, University of Guelph. Some prizes are virtual and will be emailed or a contact person will be provided to you for your auction winning(s).
- If you have successfully placed a bid from your home and won, you can coordinate the collection of your auction items on campus by sending an email to jkenne11@uoguelph.ca.
- Items may be added throughout the week, so keep checking back for new things to bid on!
- The system will notify you by email when you bid, if someone outbids you and/or if you win the item(s) you are bidding on, so pay attention to your email! You will also be told who has outbid you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Jacqueline Andrews at gryphon.events@uoguelph.ca . We will be sending another communication next week with the event details.

Andrew Oosterhuis: Distinguished Alumni Award
Honours of Bachelor Commerce, Marketing 2005
The Distinguished Alumni Award is a recognition that celebrates the achievements of Gryphon student-athletes after their playing career. This award not only highlights the professional accomplishments of the nominee but also considers their contributions to the community, extracurricular activities, and leadership.
Andrew Oosterhuis is one such recipient of this award. He is the Vice-President of Marketing at Labatt Breweries of Canada and has been recognized for his numerous contributions to the community. Oosterhuis was an active member of the University of Guelph community, serving on the UofG Senate and as a Big Brother for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program during his time as a student-athlete with the Gryphons.
Currently, Oosterhuis is actively involved in numerous charitable causes, including the Hopewell House Charity "Children's Homes". He is an active participant and supporter of the annual 'HoHoHo' Hopewell House Christmas Fundraiser, which raises money for underprivileged children in the community. He was recently recognized, Nationally, as one of the Strategy Associations Marketers of the Year.
As a former Wildman Trophy winner, Oosterhuis is a proud supporter of the Gryphon Football program and is a member of the Friends of Gryphon Football (FOGF). He has been an active contributor to the program and has helped to raise funds to support the team's activities and equipment needs.
Overall, Andrew Oosterhuis's recognition as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award is a testament to his commitment to his profession and his community. His contributions and leadership have made a significant impact on the lives of those around him, and his dedication to supporting the Gryphon Football program is a testament to his love for the University of Guelph.
Jeremy Oxley: Honour Jersey
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Fine Art 2001
The Honour Jersey award is a prestigious recognition given to student-athletes who have excelled in their performance during their time with the Gryphon football program at the University of Guelph. The recipient is acknowledged as one of the most outstanding players to have ever worn the Gryphon jersey, and this recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Jeremy Oxley, is one such recipient of this award, having been a dominant force in the Gryphon football program from 1996 to 2000. During his time with the team, he was a five-year starter and received numerous accolades for his outstanding performance on the field. He was a team member during the Yates Cup Championship in 1996.
Oxley was a two time all-Canadian and a four time OUA first team all-star team. He was also awarded the Wildman Trophy in 2000 and the W.F. Mitchell Sportsman award in 1999. He was named the team MVP and received the Donald Forster Trophy in 2000, as well as being named the team Lineman of the Year twice. In 1996, he was named the team rookie of the year, and was selected to the 1990s 'Team of the Decade'.
Overall, Jeremy Oxley's impressive performance during his time with the Gryphon football program at the University of Guelph is a testament to his skill, dedication, and hard work. His recognition as a recipient of the Honour Jersey award is well-deserved and serves as an inspiration to aspiring student-athletes who wish to follow in his footsteps.
Related:
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11th Annual Gryphon Football 'Virtual' Gala Recap
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10th Annual Gryphon Football Gala: $42,000 raised at 10th Annual Gryphon Football Gala (PDF)
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9th Annual Gryphon Football Gala: Over $25,000 raised to support Gryphon football program