Building community since 1922
Homecoming is a time-honoured tradition at universities across Canada, and the University of Guelph is no exception. U of G students and alumni alike are no stranger to school spirit. Enter the Glory Bowl — an event that reunites alumni on campus through a game of touch football. Coach Bill Brown, the director of advancement for the Gryphon football team, noted that there are usually 30 to 50 people who play in the Glory Bowl. Brown also said that the Glory Bowl has given alumni a chance to reconnect on the morning before the big game for over 30 years now. In fact, the Glory Bowl may have a much longer history than that — dating back to a tradition from before the University of Guelph was even created.
In 1874, the Ontario Agriculture College (OAC) opened at the current location of the University of Guelph and was one part of what would, in 1964, become the University of Guelph. The OAC football team used to play a game against the “old boys” as their season opener. This tradition was an annual event starting in 1922. The game was often followed by an impromptu dance and refreshments in the cafeteria.
The game against the “old boys” was a chance for former football players to return to their alma mater and visit friends. This is one important aspect of homecoming: community. In 1940, the OAC Review stated that “our graduates, men and women, are deeply interested in returning from year to year, whenever possible, bringing with them their husbands, wives, and families, in order that these may meet and enjoy the acquaintance of former classmates who are their dearest friends.”
The reunions of past players continue to this day. This year will see a Decade’s Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 20, where teams of past decades reunite. This year will also see the 1958-1959 Redmen football team in attendance at homecoming to celebrate their 60th anniversary. While football has a long history at Guelph, the team has not always been known as the Gryphons. Sports teams at the Ontario Agricultural College (one of three colleges that founded the University of Guelph) were originally known as the Aggies, then became the Redmen, before finally becoming the Gryphons in 1967, after the creation of the University of Guelph.
At its core, homecoming is about supporting your alma mater. The OAC Review noted that there is “a genuine feeling of being ‘Home,’ a feeling common to every graduate returning” and that no matter how far away alumni go there is still a “unity of spirit which has in it something of the nature of clannishness.” The love for their alma mater that alumni have is celebrated at homecoming, where everyone cheers at the football game. This gives the team moral support and alumni can make their presence felt, which seems to create a sense more akin to family than community. In recent years, Alumni Stadium has been packed with alumni, students, and community members.
Brown shared one aspect of getting ready for homecoming with The Ontarion: “our players research an alumnus that has played their position. They then present back to their unit groups during film sessions. This is an important part of introducing alumni and traditions to our current team. This exercise forms a mutual connection and respect between our current roster and the alumni.”
While the game itself is like any other game, Brown said that “it is hard to ignore the excitement,” as homecoming “has the most hype and fan base.” For the past eight years the team has worn their traditional homecoming jersey, which is different than the jersey worn for much of the regular season. The homecoming jerseys are black with red and gold writing and red and gold stripes on the shoulder. According to Brown, the current red, black, and gold colours were “established in 1964 after the amalgamation of Ontario Agricultural College, the MacDonald Institute, and the Ontario Veterinary College,” and “are the product of these three colleges/institutes combining.” The homecoming jersey is “unique and reserved for only [homecoming],” Brown added. Other home games in the season have a black jersey with white and red writing while away games are played in a white jersey.
The game can create a feeling of triumph, such as in 1976 when the Gryphons beat the York Yeomen 42-7, or feelings of defeat, such as in 1972 when the Gryphons lost 23-3. Homecoming can also be a time of great achievement, such as in 1990 when Chuck Sims broke the OUAA record for rushing yards, having rushed 331 yards in the game against York, which Guelph would go on to win. Homecoming can also be a time of grave injury, such as in 2017 when quarterback James Roberts was tackled and injured playing against the McMaster Marauders. As a result, Roberts would miss all remaining in-season games.
There are also several events surrounding homecoming that teem with school spirit. Early homecoming weekends, for example, were timed so they fell in line with the Halloween dance. Historically, homecoming weekends included banquets, dances, dinners, bands, and even a parade that went through the streets of downtown Guelph.
Unfortunately, not all of the events surrounding homecoming showcase school spirit as a facet of community building. Last year at homecoming the community of Guelph was negatively impacted by students partying. The Guelph police received 123 noise complaints and there was an abundance of litter left around the city. One party that caused particular concern took place at Chancellors Way. The Guelph Mercury reported that while attempts were made to shut down the party before it started, it was already too late. With over 4,000 people in attendance police had to close the road. Pictures of the garbage left around Chancellors Way were posted on social media, which brought more attention to the disrespectful behaviours.
Photo courtesy of Guelph Mercury
Both Mayor Cam Guthrie and President Franco Vaccarino made statements regarding these events, in which they noted their disappointment in those who created these problems. They acknowledged that it was a minority of students that behaved inappropriately and that not all U of G students caused issues. Guthrie and Vaccarino said that they would be partnering with each other and various other organizations, such as the police, to ensure this nuisance does not occur again.
Guelph Today noted that last year had several factors that likely led to the issues, including great weather and other police priorities, but campus police are implementing extra precautions to ensure this year’s homecoming does not negatively impact the community. Guelph Today also reported that Guelph police will be adding 50 extra officers. The university has also added extra events, such as a community breakfast and concert, that they hope will keep more students on campus.
Part of the initiatives being put in place includes sharing information by knocking on doors in the community, so residents know what the by-laws are and who to contact in case of an issue. Those who are having an off-campus party are asked to register their party. Registration must be done online before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20. Parties that are registered are less likely to receive nuisance or noise fines, which can run up to $650. Registering your party means you will receive goodies from Off-Campus Living the morning of homecoming, get an extra waste bag collection from the City of Guelph, and participate in a party consultation (in which you will get tips on reducing complaints and how to interact with officers).
This year, on Friday, Sept. 21, the Gryphon Hall of Fame will induct new members, including Dave Irwin who played football from 1990-1993. Saturday, Sept. 21 will include a pancake breakfast, tailgating, alumni events, and of course the games. The Gryphons football team will be playing Queen’s Gaels and the women’s rugby team will be playing the York Lions. Saturday evening includes a concert by The Glorious Sons with Shotty Horroh opening.
Both the Gryphons and the Gaels are coming into the football game with a 2-2 record. The last time these teams met was at the 2016 O-week game, in which Guelph beat Queens 38-29. The Gryphons’ losses this season have been close calls, with both being within two points. All this means that the football game is likely to be a good one.
Homecoming allows us to remember the past and respect those that came before that have made the university what it is today.
Homecoming 2018 takes place at Alumni Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m.
Photos by Alora Griffiths & Courtesy of U of G’s Archives