OUA FOOTBALL WELCOMES BACK CARLETON RAVENS
HAMILTON, Ont. – The Carleton University Ravens declared their intent to enter the sport of football for the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) 2013 season on July 7, 2011. It was announced Wednesday at a press conference that the team would resume Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) play for the fall of 2013 due to the tireless efforts of Ravens alumni.
“We welcome the return of the Carleton Ravens to OUA football,” said Ward Dilse, Executive Director, Ontario University Athletics. “The strength of our league and of football in general in Ontario will prosper from this addition.”
When the Ravens return to the gridiron in the fall of 2013, it will mark 34 years since Carleton has been in contention for the Yates Cup, North America’s oldest football trophy still being awarded.
“We could not have done this without the tremendous support of the Old Crow alumni,” said Jennifer Brenning, director of Carleton’s Department of Recreation and Athletics. “The return of such a high-profile sport is tremendous for the Carleton community. We look forward to welcoming back Ravens football and the sense of school spirit that the program will bring.”
Carleton’s quest for the Yates began in 1971 as a member of the Ontario University Athletic Association (OUAA). In 1974, conference realignment took place and saw Ontario and Quebec join to create the Ontario-Quebec Intercollegiate Football Conference (OQIFC) with an East and West division. During Carleton’s nine seasons with their eye on the Yates Cup, the Ravens posted a best 4-2 record in both 1978 and 1979, advancing to the semifinals to face, and ultimately lose to, Queen’s both years. In 1980, when the OQIFC West teams separated to reform the OUAA, Carleton remained in the OQIFC to play for the Dunmore Cup until the program ceased play at the end of the 1998 season.
The return of the Carleton football program is made possible primarily by the financial support of the university’s graduates, led by a donation of more than $2.5 million from Ottawa entrepreneur John Ruddy. A total of $5 million has been raised and these founding pledges will be supplemented by operating revenues from sponsorship proceeds, gate receipts and ongoing fundraising activities to ensure the program flourishes.
The program will be operated based on a business model unique to Carleton. The team will be 100 per cent financed by Old Crows Football Inc., which will be led by a community-based board of directors in partnership with the university administration. Old Crows Football Inc. will assist the university in the operation of the club and be involved in activities such as the selection and evaluation of the head coach, setting and reviewing the budget, marketing and game-day event planning.
First steps for the football program include hiring a manager of football operations, followed by a national competition for a head coach. The university will also begin the construction and refurbishment of football facilities on campus, including upgraded stadium seating and press box, a new locker room for the team and fitness facilities.
