GUELPH, Ont. –
Willem Arseneau (offence),
Nathaniel Slawter (defence) and
Trenten Dobson (special teams) have been named Gryphon Football 'Players of the Game' following the team's opening week loss to the No. 4-ranked Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Willem Arseneau (Offence)
Fourth-year receiver
Willem Arseneau was a key target for the Gryphons in their Week 1 matchup against Laurier as this week's 'Offensive Player of the Game.' Arseneau was the go-to receiver for Guelph, leading the team with 5 receptions for 75 yards. All five receptions from the marketing major from Calgary, helped extend drives and move the sticks for the Gryphons offence. Arseneau continues where he left off where he led the team in total receiving yards in each of his last two seasons.
Nathaniel Slawter (Defence)
Nathaniel Slawter is this week's 'Defensive Player of the Game' as he made an impact in the Gryphon secondary against Laurier. Slawter, a fourth-year sport and event management major, was one of the team leaders with 6 total tackles (3 solo, 2 assisted) with a tackle for loss from his boundary corner position. The defensive back from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia also tallied a pass break up as well. Slawter was second on the team with 29.0 total tackles last season as he builds from a strong 2025 season.
Trenten Dobson (Special Teams)
The Week 1 'Special Teams Player of the Game' is second-year receiver
Trenten Dobson. The justice and legal studies major was explosive in the kickoff return game for the Gryphons, positioning his side in great field position. Dobson had three returns on the night, totaling 107 yards for an average of 35.7 yards per return. The longest return of the game for the receiver from St. Catharines came in the second quarter, when he ran one back 46 yards. Dobson also had two receptions in the game for 31 total yards.
The Gryphons (0-1) will step on the field at Alumni Stadium for the first time this season when they host the McMaster Marauders (1-0) in a Sunday afternoon matchup. Kickoff is set for 1pm on Sunday, September 6 from the campus of the University of Guelph. Tickets are available online at gryphons.ca/tickets, with the broadcast live online at oua.tv and locally on RogersTV Cable 20.
