Warrior Football Gala Gallery
The Waterloo Warriors football program held their first annual gala on Thursday evening at Bingemans with a large contingent of alumni, family and friends on attendance to support the team moving forward. Many current players were also in attendance to take in the evenings celebrations with third year slotback,
Brandon Eaket (Kitchener/) sharing his inspiring story of courage and perseverance. Mike Hogan of TSN was the master of ceremonies while Chris Schultz a former player in both the CFL and NFL and football analyst on TSN was also on hand as the keynote speaker.
The highlight of the evening was the handing out of the first ever Ring of Honour awards presented to alumni who have been an ambassador for the program during their time at uWaterloo or after, and have had a significant impact to Waterloo football.
The first Ring of Honour was presented to the late
Dick Aldridge (1960-65). An outstanding member of both the Warrior Football and Basketball teams, Dick played linebacker, running back and quarterback for the Warriors. Although he was drafted by the B.C. Lions, Dick was traded to Hamilton so that he could continue his postgrad studies and was then traded again to the Toronto Argonauts before even playing a game. It was with the Argos that Dick would play the bulk of his CFL career before being traded back to the Ti-Cats for one season before retiring in 1974. Dick lost his battle with cancer in June of 2004.
Dave Shaw (1985-89) was the second recipient of the award. Dave began his career at Waterloo playing both football and hockey in his first year before concentrating on football for the rest of his career at Waterloo. Dave was an academic all-Canadian, the Warrior Rookie of the Year in 1985, team MVP in 1986, and all-Canadian in 1987 and 1988. A hard hitting linebacker with great range, Dave was the face of Warrior football in his time at Waterloo and a great ambassador of the program.|
The third Ring of Honour handed out was to
Jason Van Geel (1994-97). One of the most dominant linebackers in the history of OUA football, Jason was the Warrior rookie of the year in 1994, a three time all-Canadian, and won the President's Trophy as the best stand up defensive player in the CIS. A four time academic all-Canadian in civil engineering, Jason is still the second all-time leading tackler in Warrior history. His on field presence was a key ingredient to Waterloo's appearance in two consecutive Yates Cup appearances, including Waterloo's first ever championship in 1997. Drafted by Saskatchewan, he played one year with Winnipeg and one year with Hamilton in the CFL.
The final Ring of Honour went to
Mike Bradley (1997-2001). An OUA MVP and Hec Creighton nominee, Mike was one of the greatest running backs in CIS history leading the Warriors to two Yates Cup victories (1997 and 1999). The three time all-
Canadian finished his career at Waterloo fifth all-time in CIS history in touchdowns and 12th in career rushing yardage. He
would have had more, but played behind the great Jarret Smith in his first year and had significant injury time in the 2000 season. Signed by the Edmonton Eskimos, he was a special teams ace and running back for six seasons, winning two Grey Cups. A three time Warrior MVP will be forever known for his explosive runs and threat to go all the way on every play.
The four winners of the award received a plaque with their accomplishments on it and will be forever embedded on the Waterloo football Ring of Honour wall in the locker room.
Waterloo football would like to thank all who were in attendance at the first annual gala and for supporting the team moving forward. The Warriors open up their 2013 season on Sunday, August 25 in Windsor before taking to Warrior Field for their home opener on Labour Day Monday (September 2) against Ottawa at 7pm.
