| York Lions | |
|---|---|
 York Lions logo | |
| First season | 1968 |
| Athletic director | Alex Dominato |
| Head coach | Nathaniel Griffith Brian Jones 1st year, 0–8–0 (.000) |
| Other staff | Nick Richards (DC) Nathaniel Griffith (OC) Brian Jones (ST Coor.) |
| Home stadium | York Lions Stadium |
| Year built | 2015 |
| Stadium capacity | 4000 |
| Stadium surface | FieldTurf |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| League | U Sports |
| Conference | OUA (1980–present) |
| Past associations | CCIFC (1969–1970) OUAA (1971–1973) OQIFC (1974–1979) |
| All-time record | – |
| Postseason record | – |
| Titles | |
| Vanier Cups | 0 |
| Yates Cups | 0 |
| Colours | Red, White, and Black |
| Outfitter | Adidas |
| Rivals | Toronto Varsity Blues |
| Website | yorkulions.ca |
The York Lions Football team represents York University in Toronto, Ontario in the sport of Canadian football in U Sports. The York Lions football team has been in continuous operation since 1968 and are one of two teams currently playing in U Sports football to have never won a conference championship.[1] The other team, the Sherbrooke Vert et Or, did not begin their current program until 2003.
The Lions were previously known as the York Yeomen until all York varsity teams changed their nicknames to the Lions in 2003.[2]
History
Early history
The York Lions football program, then known as the Yeomen, started play in 1969 within the Central Canada Intercollegiate Football Conference (CCIFC). The team was founded by Nobby Wirkowski, who also served as the teams first Head Coach. Afterwards, the program joined the Ontario University Athletic Association (OUAA) in 1971 before joining with the Ontario Quebec Intercollegiate Football Conference (OQIFC) in 1974.
York then joined the OUA in 1980. From 1980 to 1987, York had a record of 22 wins and 53 losses. From 1988 to 1995, the Yeomen did not win a single game, setting the CIAU/CIS football record of 47-straight losses.[3] This record was later broken with the Toronto Varsity Blues having a 49-game losing streak from 2001 to 2008.[4]
1995-2009
Surprisingly in 1995, the Yeomen went from an 0-8 record to 4-4 under Head Coach Tom Arnott, who was in his 4th year as Head Coach with York, leading him to be named the OUA coach of the year. Arnott would win the award again in 1997 after leading the Yeomen to a 6-2 record and 4th place finish in the OUA. Arnott would leave York in 2001 to take the Guelph Gryphons Head Coach position, his alma mater.[5] Afterwards, Tom Gretes, the Yeomen's Defensive coordinator (DC), would be promoted to Head Coach.
After Queen's and Ottawa joined the OUA in 2001, the playoffs were expanded to include eight teams, in which that time the Yeomen/Lions would qualify for the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.[6] This format was discontinued after the 2003 season and the Lions have not made a playoff appearance since 2004.
In the 2006 offseason, York fired Gretes due to an incident the York athletics banquet that year[7] and named Offensive Coordinator (OC) Andy McEvoy as the interim replacement.[8] McEvoy led the team for the 2007 season before being replaced with former CFLer and Saint Mary's DC Mike McLean prior to the 2008 season with McEvoy returning as the OC. [9] After two seasons of futility and a lack of improvement, McLean was fired with an 0-16 record with the athletic department citing 'serious philosophical differences' and a 'lack of accountability'.[10]
Warren Craney Era
2010-2012
In May 2010, York hired former Concordia Stingers DC Warren Craney to become the programs 9th Head Coach.[11] While there was no improvement in the 2010 season, in 2011 Craney guided the Lions to their first win in 3 seasons against the Waterloo Warriors 20-18 in overtime - snapping a 29-game losing streak for the program.[12]
In 2012, the Lions finished with a 2–6 record, the most wins for the program since 2005 and in 7th place, their highest finish in eight years. This included an impressive 47-36 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees that many saw as the turning point for the program going forward.[13]
2013 Offseason/Dan Younis Arrest
However, the 2013 offseason managed to take away much of the momentum the team had built up to that point. In January, the teams OC since 2010, Michael Faulds, was hired as the new Head Coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks.[14] Since then, the Lions haven't been able to produce offensively at the same level since Faulds was the offensive coordinator. However, much worse news happened in February, as the teams recruiting coordinator, Daniel Younis, was arrested on charges relating to child pornography and child-luring.[15] York University immediately severed ties with Younis following the arrest. Later that April, Younis was charged with eight more counts of child-luring.[16] This led to many issues and concerns with incoming recruits who were in direct contact with Younis, as well with those who were not as the news made national headlines. This severely affected the teams ability to recruit and affected the program in the years following.
2013-2022
In 2013, the Lions finished 2-6 leading to an 8th overall finish in the OUA and matching their previous season's record. Following that season, Craney signed a contract extension to remain at the helm of the program.[17] The next two seasons saw the effects of the 2013 offseason hit the program hard as the Lions went 0-8 in the 2014 season, which started with back-to-back massive losses; one a 61-0 loss to the Western Mustangs,[18] and the other a 70-0 loss to their rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues.[19] In 2015, the Lions improved to a 1-7 record with their lone win coming against the Waterloo Warriors. The team had a 2–6 record in 2016, showing some improvement, but regressed the following year with a one-win season in 2017. The Lions won three games in 2018, which was their highest win total in 13 years, but still finished outside of playoff contention. The Lions again regressed following a stronger year, with a 1–7 finish in 2019.
After a cancelled 2020 season, the Lions finished 0-6 in a shortened 2021 season. After the season on April 2, 2022, Warren Craney was put on a leave of absence as the school conducted a thorough review and investigation of the football program with Defensive Coordinator Sammy Okpro being named Interim Head Coach. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, Craney was reinstated as the Head Football Coach for the 2022 season[20] with Okpro returning to his DC role.
During that 2022 season, the Lions finished 1-7 with their lone win coming against the McMaster Marauders who had to forfeit the contest for having an ineligible player on their roster.[21]
After the season, Craney stepped down as Head Coach with Okpro again being named the Interim Head Coach. Craney was the longest tenured Head Coach in the history of the program at 12 seasons.
2023
During the 2023 offseason, Okpro and York parted ways, leaving a vacancy at head coach. After a search for a replacement, Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Griffith and Special Teams Coordinator Brian Jones were named Associate Head Coaches[22].
Season-by-season record
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The following is the record of the York Lions football team since 1995:
| Season | Games | Won | Lost | PCT | PF | PA | Standing | Playoffs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0.500 | 115 | 172 | 5th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 1996 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0.500 | 159 | 154 | 5th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 1997 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0.750 | 209 | 129 | 4th in OUA | Lost to Waterloo Warriors in quarter-final 17-0 | |
| 1998 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.250 | 118 | 155 | 6th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 1999 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0.250 | 175 | 163 | 6th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2000 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.375 | 99 | 205 | 6th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2001 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.375 | 153 | 216 | 8th in OUA | Lost to McMaster Marauders in quarter-final 62-0 | |
| 2002 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0.625 | 121 | 113 | 5th in OUA | Defeated Ottawa Gee-Gees in quarter-final 12-4 Lost to McMaster Marauders in semi-final 29–14 | |
| 2003 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.375 | 161 | 251 | 7th in OUA | Lost to Queen's Golden Gaels in quarter-final 27-6 | |
| 2004 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.375 | 220 | 237 | 6th in OUA | Lost to Western Mustangs in quarter-final 54-18 | |
| 2005 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.375 | 113 | 294 | 8th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2006 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 134 | 224 | 9th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2007 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 90 | 279 | 9th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2008 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0.000 | 32 | 471 | 10th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2009 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0.000 | 97 | 414 | 10th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2010 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0.000 | 73 | 416 | 9th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2011 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 90 | 241 | 9th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2012 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0.250 | 192 | 274 | 7th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2013 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0.250 | 179 | 332 | 8th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2014 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0.000 | 63 | 382 | 11th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2015 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 121 | 367 | 10th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2016 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0.250 | 171 | 384 | 9th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2017 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 163 | 340 | 10th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2018 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0.375 | 172 | 297 | 9th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2019 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 122 | 272 | 11th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2020 | Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic | ||||||||
| 2021 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0.000 | 49 | 201 | 5th in OUA East | Did not qualify | |
| 2022 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0.125 | 43 | 317 | 11th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0.000 | 42 | 560 | 11th in OUA | Did not qualify | |
Head Coaches
| Name | Years | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Nobby Wirkowski | 1968-1974 | |
| Dick Aldridge | 1975-1977 | |
| Frank Cosentino | 1978-1980 | |
| Dave Pickett | 1981-1983 | |
| Frank Cosentino | 1984-1987 | |
| Nobby Wirkowski | 1988-1989 | |
| Tom Arnott | 1991-2000 | 22-58 (.379) |
| Tom Gretes | 2001-2006 | 19-34 (.386) |
| Andy McEvoy (Interim) | 2007 | 1-7 (.125) |
| Mike McLean | 2008-2009 | 0-16 (.000) |
| Warren Craney | 2010-2022 | 14-80 (.149) |
| Nathaniel Griffith/Brian Jones | 2023 | 0-8 (.000) |
Team Records
All records are as of 2022[23]
Passing
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Passing Yards | Brett Hunchak | 8287 | 2015-19 |
| Season Passing Yards | Brett Hunchak | 2252 | 2018 |
| Career Passing TDs | Brett Hunchak | 34 | 2015-19 |
| Season Passing TDs | Billy Barbosa | 14 | 1999 |
| Career Completions | Brett Hunchak | 680 | 2015-19 |
| Season Completions | Brett Hunchak | 201 | 2018 |
Rushing
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Rushing Yards | Jeff Johnson | 3358 | 1996-99 |
| Season Rushing Yards | Andre Durie | 1367 | 2004 |
| Career Rushing TDs | Andre Durie | 24 | 2003-05 |
| Season Rushing TDs | Andre Durie | 15 | 2004 |
| Average Yards per Carry (Min 150 Carries) | Andre Durie | 9.1 | 2003-05 |
Receiving
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Reception Yards | Andre Batson | 2186 | 1993-97 |
| Season Reception Yards | Brian Nugent | 694 | 1999 |
| Career Reception TDs | Andre Batson | 19 | 1993-97 |
| Season Reception TDs | Brian Nugent | 9 | 1999 |
| Career Receptions | Colton Hunchak | 162 | 2015-18 |
| Season Receptions | Colton Hunchak | 58 | 2018 |
| Average Yards per Catch | Steve Ince | 19.5 | 1971-73 |
Defence
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Interceptions | Neil Maki | 16 | 1999-03 |
| Season Interceptions | Neil Maki | 6 | 2000 |
Scoring
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Points | Roy Venier | 218 | 1996-97, 1999, 2001 |
| Season Points | Andre Durie | 96 | 2004 |
| Career Touchdowns | Andre Batson | 26 | 1993-97 |
| Season Touchdowns | Andre Durie | 16 | 2004 |
Kicking
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Punt Yards | Nick Naylor | 10845 | 2013-16 |
| Season Punt Yards | Dror David | 3220 | 2011 |
| Career Punt Average (Min 100 Att) | Sergio Capobanco | 39.7 | 1979-80, 1982 |
| Season Punt Average (Min 60 Att) | Dante Mastrogiuseppe | 39.4 | 2018 |
| Career Field Goals Made | Roy Venier | 50 | 1996-97, 1999, 2001 |
| Season Field Goals Made | Mike Boyd/Roy Venier/Sergio Capobanco | 14 (Tie) | 1984/1997/1980 |
Returns
| Record | Name | Number | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Punt Return Yards | Andre Batson | 1460 | 1996-99 |
| Season Punt Return Yards | Greg McDonald | 521 | 1987 |
| Career Kick Return Yards | Alex Daley | 1664 | 2016-21 |
| Season Kick Return Yards | Alfred Olay | 743 | 2022 |
Red & Blue Bowl
The Lions maintain a competitive rivalry with their crosstown rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues, and the two teams play annually in a game called the Red & Blue Bowl.[24] The first meeting occurred on September 11, 1970, which was an exhibition match won by the Varsity Blues. At a time when Toronto was a dominant program, the Varsity Blues won the first 14 match ups until York won their first Red & Blue Bowl game in 1984.[25] York's longest stretch of dominance began in 1996 when the Lions won their first of 12 consecutive matches, which ended after their 2007 victory.[24][25] Overall, as of the 2022 season, the Lions hold a 19–33 record in the Red & Blue Bowl.[24][26]
National award winners
- Jeff Johnson – Peter Gorman Trophy (1996)
- Jacob Janke – Russ Jackson Award (2019)
York Lions in the Professional ranks
As of the end of the 2023 CFL season, seven former Lions players were on CFL teams' rosters:
- Daniel Amoako, Calgary Stampeders
- Jamal Campbell, Calgary Stampeders
- Matt Dean, Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Luther Hakunavanhu, Calgary Stampeders
- Colton Hunchak, Calgary Stampeders
- Chris Kolankowski, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- James Tuck, Montreal Alouettes
As of the start of the 2023 NFL season, one former Lions player was on an NFL team's roster:
References
- ↑ "50th Anniversary". York Lions. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- ↑ "From Rugby to Football: The History of Canadian Football York Yeomen". Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- ↑ "From Rugby to Football: The History of Canadian Football: York Yeomen". Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum. VirtualMuseum.ca. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Doolittle, Robyn. "U of T Blues end 7-year, 49-game losing streak". Toronto Star. Toronto Star. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ CFC Scout. "CJFL Predators name new head coach: Tom Arnott to lead team in sophmore season". Canada Football Chat. Canada Football Chat. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ "Bob Adams CIS Sportspage". Chebucto Community Net. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- ↑ Grossman, David. "Rush to judgement: OUA preview". Toronto Star. Toronto Star.
- ↑ Grossman, David. "York coach relieved of Duty". Toronto Star. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Koreen, Mike. "Lions pick a Huskie as new football coach". YFile. York University. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Grossman, David. "Mike McLean turns to religion after York Lions". Toronto Star. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ "York Lions pick a winner in new head coach Warren Craney". The Star. 8 May 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- ↑ Brown, J. "Warriors lose to Lions in overtime". The Record. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Bucholtz, Andrew. "CIS Corner: York's win over Ottawa suggests programs are going in opposite directions". Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo!. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Fauteux, Justin. "Laurier football introduces new head coach". The Cord. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Brown, Jodee. "Former York University assistant football coach facing child pornography charges". Financial Post. Post Media. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Luxen, Micah. "Former York University football coach arrested for second time on child pornography charges". Toronto Star. Toronto Star. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ "York University extends Warren Craney's term as head coach of the football program". York University. 20 November 2013.
- ↑ "York Lions vs Western Mustangs". OUA. 9 June 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ↑ Canadian Press. "Gavac leads Varsity Blues past York Lions 70-0". SportsNet. SportsNet. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ Callan, Isaac. "York Lions football coach on leave while university conducts investigation". Global News. Global News.
- ↑ Radley, Scott. "Mac forfeits football games due to ineligible player". The Hamilton Spectator. The Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
- ↑ "LIONS FINALIZE ASSOCIATE HEAD COACHES FOR 2023". York University Athletics. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
- ↑ "Football Record Book" (PDF). yorkulions.ca. 16 May 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- 1 2 3 "Red & Blue Bowl". York Lions. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- 1 2 "2016 University of Toronto Varsity Blues Football Media Guide". Toronto Varsity Blues. 8 September 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- ↑ "Head-to-head records, Toronto vs OUA schools" (PDF). Toronto Varsity Blues. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- ↑ "CFL players". Canadian Football League. Retrieved 23 October 2023.