The Ottawa Junior Riders are a Canadian football team based in the Nepean area of Ottawa that plays in the Quebec Junior Football League. The Junior Riders play at the Nepean Sportsplex, but have previously called Frank Clair Stadium at Lansdowne Park their home.
 | |
| Established | 1995 (as Gloucester Redskins) |
|---|---|
| Based in | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Home stadium | Nepean Sportsplex |
| Head coach | Rob Bento |
| League | Canadian Junior Football League (2001–2005) Quebec Junior Football League (1995–2000, 2006–2013, 2017–present) |
| Division | Ontario Football Conference |
| Colours | Red, Black, and White |
| League titles | 1998, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2018, 2019 |
| Website | www |
History
editThe team began operations in 1995 as the Gloucester Redskins, and operated as such until the conclusion of the 1996 QJFL season. With the folding of the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders, the Gloucester Redskins changed their name to the current Ottawa Junior Riders and changed their colors from burgundy, yellow and white, to the current red, black and white. The organization began competing in the Quebec Junior Football League in 1995, and did so until the end of the 2000 season. In 2001, the Ottawa Junior Riders began play in the Ontario Football Conference of the Canadian Junior Football League. The Ottawa Junior Riders played in the CJFL until the end of the 2005 season, when they returned to the QJFL for the beginning of the 2006 season. Although the team did not garner much success in the OFC/CJFL, they have won nine QJFL Championships over their time in that league (1998, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2018, 2019). Upon their entry into the QJFL, the Junior Riders had developed a rivalry with the Ottawa Sooners, but the Sooners moved to the CJFL in 2009. The Junior Riders again left the QJFL after the 2013 season, but returned to the league for the 2017 season.[1]
Coaches
editDean Dorsey 1995-1998
Dan Murphy 1999-2002
Andy McEvoy 2003
Luigi Costanzo 2004-2009
Max Palladino 2010-2017
Rob Bento 2018–present
Notable former players
editScott Gordon, a Defensive Back for the Edmonton Eskimos.
Pat Fleming, played Punter for the Ottawa Renegades, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Lenard Semajuste played Fullback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Ettore Lattanzio, played on the Defensive Line for the Ottawa Redblacks
Hall of Fame
editThe following is a list of Players, Coaches and Builders who have been inducted into the Ottawa Junior Riders Hall of Fame.
Bob Brazeau - Equipment Manager - Builder
Sue Brazeau - General Manager - Builder
Dave St-Pierre - Statistician - Builder
Teresa Gilchrist - General Manager - Builder
Karen Cameron - Trainer - Builder
Dean Dorsey - Head Coach - Coach
Dan Murphy - Head Coach - Coach
Eddie Ghantous - RB - Player
Scott Gordon - DB - Player
Steve Kasouf - LB - Player
Tucker McCabe - QB - Player
Devin Murphy - DB - Player
Richard Tremblay - WR - Player
Curtis McCausland - OL - Player
Casey Bergeron - OL - Player
Aaron Snow - OL - Player
Dexter Ross - DL - Player
Joe Costanzo - RB - Player
Brandon Mahon - OL/LB - Player
Defensive tackle Nicholas Rouleau
External links
edit- QJFL Website (French)
- Junior Riders Official Website
- Canadian Junior Football League official website Nicholas Rouleau Junior Riders defensive tackle and best defensive player of the league in 1995
Sources
edit- ^ "Ottawa JR Riders Return to for 2017 Season". Quebec Junior Football League. April 24, 2017.