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York Lions
York Lions logo
First season1968
Athletic directorAlex Dominato
Head coachDexter Janke
1st year, 2–6–0  (.250)
Other staffRick Walters(OC)
Greg Knox (DC)
Brian Jones (STC)
Home stadiumYork Lions Stadium
Year built2015
Stadium capacity4000
Stadium surfaceFieldTurf
LocationToronto, Ontario
LeagueU Sports
ConferenceOUA (1980–present)
Past associationsCCIFC (1969–1970)
OUAA (1971–1973)
OQIFC (1974–1979)
All-time record98–323–0 (.233)
Postseason record1–6 (.143)
Titles
Vanier Cups0
Yates Cups0
ColoursRed, White, and Black
     
OutfitterAdidas
RivalsToronto Varsity Blues
Websiteyorkulions.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

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Nobby Wirkowski (Middle) in the huddle of a practice during the Yeomen's 1969 season

Founding/Early History (1968-1975)

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1960's

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The York University football program was founded in 1968, nine years after the schools' founding, with the hiring of Norbert "Nobby" Wirkowski as York's coordinator of men's athletics and Head Football coach. Wirkowski previously worked for the Toronto Argonauts as their player personnel director following his professional playing career.[3] Then known as the Yeomen, York would field its first team in 1968; playing various colleges, universities, and junior teams that year to become eligible to join the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Association in 1969.

York's first game would be on September 21, 1968 against the Laurentian Voyageurs which ended in a 28–8 loss.[4] York would achieve its first win in program history on October 4, 1968 with a 30-0 win over the Scarborough College Titans.[5] York would finish their inaugural season with a 4-2 record over 6 exhibition games.

York started play in 1969 within the Central Canada Intercollegiate Football Conference (CCIFC).[6] The Yeomen's first conference game was against the Windsor Lancers on September 21st, 1969, which was a 19-7 loss.[7] York would get their first official conference win soon after against the Laurentian Voyageurs 29-6,[8] which was the Yeomen's lone win of the season. York would go on to lose to the Waterloo Lutheran Golden Hawks 15-9,[9] the Ottawa Gee-Gees 43-0,[10] and the Guelph Gryphons 23-6[11] and finishing with a 1-5 record.

1970

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York would start their year with the first instance of their rivalry game versus the Toronto Varsity Blues (later known as the Red & Blue Bowl) in an exhibition game.[12] Toronto would win the preseason game 36-0. This was the start to a year of futility for the Yeomen as they would go winless for the first time in program history; going 0-6 in conference play. York would fail to score any points in their first 2 games[13] and only scoring 26 in the remaining 5 contests; leading to the lowest point total in team history.

Following their final loss of the year to the Laurentian Voyageurs 28-1 - their first win in 2 years - Wirkowski stated "If a high school kid wants to play college football, York is the place for him... He can start playing right now".[14]

1971-75

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The Yeomen joined the newly formed Ontario University Athletic Association (OUAA) in 1971 before joining with the Ontario Quebec Intercollegiate Football Conference (OQIFC) in 1974.

After the 1975 season, Wirkowski would step down to focus on his role as coordinator of men's interuniversity athletics, stating "I feel we should look for someone that can devote all his time to the program".[15]

Dick Aldridge Era (1976-1977)

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On July 13th, 1976, York hired recently retired CFL Linebacker Dick Aldridge as the program's new Head Coach, but working on a part-time basis as Aldridge was also a teacher and sports coach at Banting Memorial High School in Alliston.[16]

Under Aldridge, the Yeomen would go winless in the 1976 and 1977 seasons and extending the program's losing streak to 17-games. During this time, York's offense struggled to put up points and their defense was not able to keep them into games. In 1977 the team was playing marginally better defensively and almost snapped their losing streak when they faced a winless Guelph Gryphons team, but fell short in a 17-15 loss.[17]

After the 1977 season, Aldridge resigned to take over as the head coach of a new Toronto Northern Football Conference team. Aldridge left primarily as York was looking to have a full-time head coach in the position and Aldridge was not willing to leave his job teaching.[18] Aldridge would go 0-14 over his two seasons at York, losing on average 32-5.

Frank Cosentino Era (1978-1980)

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On February 2nd, 1978, York named former Western Mustangs Head Coach and CFL Hall of Famer Frank Cosentino as their new Head Coach. Prior to being named the Yeomen's Head Coach, Cosentino was already working in York's athletics department as he was hired as the Chair of the Department of Physical Education in 1975, a role he also kept on during his time as the Head Football Coach. This was all following his tenure at Western, where as their Head Coach, led the Mustangs to 2 Vanier Cup titles in 1971 and 1974. In addition, York also named 1973 Hec Crighton trophy winner Dave Pickett as part of the full-time staff after serving as an assistant in the 1977 season; giving York 2 full-time coaches for the first time in their history.[19]

During the 1978 season, Cosentino immediately started to turn around the Yeomen's fortunes, starting that season 4-1 and finishing 4-3 in the campaign; en route to being named OUA West Coach of the Year. In his tenure, York would also become nationally ranked for the first time in program history. Despite the turnaround, York would fail to reach the postseason during this time and Cosentino stepped down as Head Coach following the 1980 season. Cosentino held a record of 10 wins and 10 losses during this tenure as Head Coach.[20] As well in 1980, York would return to the OUA .

Dave Pickett Era (1981-1983)

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In 1981, York promoted Dave Pickett to be their new Head Coach.[21] Pickett was part of York's staff since 1977 following his playing career with the Saskatchewan Huskies and Windsor Lancers. Under Pickett, the Yeomen would fail to reach the postseason.

After the 1983 season on October 25, 1983, Pickett announced his retirement from football at age 31, stating "There are other things I wanted to do... football has never been the only thing in my life, and I never thought of myself as a career football coach... other options have presented themselves".[22] Pickett would go 5-16 as the Yeomen's Head Coach.

Wirkowski/Cosentino Era (1984-1989)

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Nobby Wirkowsi (Left) and Frank Cosentino (Right) prior to the start of the Yeomen's 1984 season

On March 8th, 1984, York would name both the team's founder Nobby Wirkowski and Frank Cosentino as Associate Head Coaches.[23] In their first season together in 1984, the Yeomen would finish 5-2 and get into the playoffs for the first time in program history. This would happen again in 1985 where in both cases, they lost in the first round of the OUA playoffs. During the rest of their tenure, York would fail to reach the postseason.

Prior to the 1988 season, Cosentino would step down from the position with Wirkowski being the sole Head Coach. The Yeomen would finish 1-6 in 1988 and 0-7 in 1989. After the season, Wirkowski announced his retirement from the position and still worked at York until 1992 within the athletic department.[24]


Tom Arnott Era (1990-2000)

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Before the 1990 season, York named Tom Arnott as the program's new Head Coach. Arnott was tasked in rebuilding the program and had struggled early on, going winless from 1990 to 1994, which set a Canadian University football record of 47-straight losses from 1988 to 1995.[25] This record was later broken with the Toronto Varsity Blues having a 49-game losing streak from 2001 to 2008.[26]

In 1994, Arnott's plan started to turn the program around; going from an 0–8 record to 4–4, leading to Arnott be named OUA coach of the year. Arnott would win the award again in 1997 after leading the Yeomen to a 6–2 record, finishing fourth-place in the OUA, and bringing York to the postseason for the 3rd time in program history.

On January 9th, 2001, Arnott announced that he would leave York in 2001 to join the Guelph Gryphons coaching staff, his alma-mater, as an assistant coach. Arnott was quoted saying "We failed to achieve our goals at York and after evaluating the situation, I felt it was time to make a personal change and this was the move to make."[27] Afterwards, Tom Gretes, the Yeomen's Defensive coordinator (DC), would be promoted to Head Coach.

Tom Gretes Era (2001–2006)

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2001

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Prior to the 2001 season, both the Queen's Golden Gaels and Ottawa Gee-Gees joined the OUA in 2001. To accommodate this, the OUA expanded the postseason to include 8 out of 10, in which that time the Yeomen/Lions would qualify for the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.[28]

York would start the season with a 38-8 loss to the Guelph Gryphons, followed up by a 16-15 loss to the Western Mustangs. In week 3, the Yeomen would get their first win of the year over the Toronto Varsity Blues 33-10. York would drop the next two games to their new OUA counterparts Queen's (24-22) and Ottawa (39-31), then would win their next two against Windsor (19-17) and Waterloo (25-22), which would get York to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 1997.

The Yeomen would drop their season finale to the McMaster Marauders 50-0, leading them to finish with a 3-5 record and getting the #8 seed, which led to a rematch with McMaster. The Yeomen would lose the rematch 62-0 to the eventual Yates Cup champions.[29] After the season, DB Dennis Mavrin was named a CIAU All-Canadian.[30]

2002

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York began the 2002 season with a victory over the Guelph Gryphons 23–11, followed up by a loss to the Western Mustangs 16–11[31] and a 14–6 win over the Toronto Varsity Blues. After falling to the Queen's Golden Gaels 35–17, York would win 3 straight games against the Ottawa Gee-Gees (12–9), the Windsor Lancers (22–3), and the Laurier Golden Hawks (22–6) before losing to the McMaster Marauders 27–0 in the season finale; finishing with a 5–3 record.[28]

The Yeomen not only qualified for the playoffs for the second time in a row, but for the first time in program history would host a playoff game, as they ended up tied with the #10 ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees for 4th place in the OUA, but had higher seeding with them winning the regular season matchup. The game was also set up for a national broadcast to celebrate the program's achievement.[32] York would go onto beat Ottawa 12–4, in which the scoring came from kicker Gianfranco Rocca hitting 3 field goals and scoring a rouge, and defensive end Paul Graca sacking Ottawa QB James Baker for a safety. This was York's first ever postseason victory in program history[33] and so far the only playoff game York has ever won. York would go onto to the Semifinals, putting up a solid effort but losing 29–14 to the undefeated McMaster Marauders.

After the season, Tom Gretes was named OUA Coach of the Year and DE Jeet Rana was named OUA Lineman of the Year.[34] Rana was also named a CIS Second-team All-star alongside teammate DB Dennis Mavrin.

2003

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In their first season with a new name, the Lions looked to build off their strong 2002 season as they had 17 returning starters on the team.[35] Some also predicted that York was going to be the most improved squad heading into the year and had the potential to take down some of the OUA's top programs.[36]

However, the 2003 season went much different than predicted, as York dropped their first two games to the Queen's Golden Gaels (47–7 loss) and the McMaster Marauders (51–0 loss). York would win the next 2 out of 3 games, but followed up with a big loss to the Western Mustangs 44–15.[37]

York would win their final game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees 23–3 to qualify for the postseason and finish the year with a 3–5 record. While the main story of the game was the Lions making the OUA playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year, the contest also saw a dominating performance by rookie RB Andre Durie, who set an OUA record with 349 rushing yards.[38]

York would have a rematch with the Queen's Golden Gaels in the Quarterfinals, which they would lose 27–6.[37]

2004

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York Lions RB Andre Durie runs through the Waterloo Warriors defence en route to his record-tying 6 TD performance (9/18/2004)

The OUA changed their playoff structure prior to the 2004 season with the top 7 teams qualifying for the postseason instead of the top 8. York was looking to keep up their streak of playoff appearances following these changes. HC Tom Gretes brought in Ottawa Gee-Gees Offensive Coordinator Andy McEvoy to be the team's new OC and was confident that the Lions would have a strong start to the year based on their first 3 opponents.[39]

However, York would start the 2004 season 0–2 on the year before defeating the Waterloo Warriors 55–33, led by RB Andre Durie's 211 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs;[40] becoming the 3rd player in Canadian collegiate football history with 6 rushing touchdowns in a single game.[41][42] The Lions would finish the year 3–5 with victories over the Toronto Varsity Blues and the Windsor Lancers and qualify for the playoffs despite losing their final regular season game to the undefeated Laurier Golden Hawks, 38–19.[43][44]

York would go onto face the Western Mustangs in the OUA Quarterfinals.[45] Despite strong performances by RB Andre Durie (168 rush yards, 1 TD) and QB Bart Zemanek (15/17, 224 pass yards, 2 TDs), Western managed to gain 432 rushing yards onto a dominating 54–18 victory;[46] eliminating the Lions. This currently is the last time York has qualified for the OUA postseason.

York boasted 5 OUA all-stars that season with RB Andre Durie, DE Ricky Foley, and DB Clinton John named to the First-team, WR Ricardo Hudson named to the Second-team, and DB Sam Opaleye being named to the First-team as a specialist and Second-team as a safety.[47] Durie was also named to the First-team CIS All-Canadian team alongside McMaster Marauders RB Jesse Lumsden, while Foley was named a CIS Second-team All-Canadian.[48]

2005

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The Lions were looking forward to building off the 2004 season as they returned 22 starters on offense and defense.[49] York would start the 2005 season strong with a 20–16 win over the Waterloo Warriors.[50]

In week 2 versus the Queen's Gaels, star RB Andre Durie would suffer a catastrophic knee injury while attempting a juke early in the contest, which would be the last time he played as a York Lion as he spent the following two years rehabilitating his knee before moving onto the CFL.[51] York would go onto lose that game 40–7,[52] but responded with back-to-back wins over the Toronto Varsity Blues (23–20[53] in Overtime) and the Guelph Gryphons (22–15[54]). York would struggle the rest of the season ending with a 3–5 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

2006

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The 2006 season saw the Lions start a rebuild as the Lions returned with many new faces all over the roster. York would start the season 0–4 before facing the Toronto Varsity Blues in the 37th Red and Blue Bowl on national television.[55] York would win the game 39–11 led by QB Bart Zemanek's 339 passing yards and 3 touchdown passes in the game and a strong defensive performance.[56] York would go onto drop their last 3 games to the Windsor Lancers (41–28[57]), the Queen's Gaels (9–4[58]), and the Waterloo Warriors (13–8[59]); finishing the year with a 1–7 record.

In the ensuing offseason, York fired Gretes due to an incident at the York athletics banquet that year[60] and named Offensive Coordinator Andy McEvoy as the interim replacement.[61]

2007

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McEvoy led the team for the 2007 season and managed to achieve a 1–7 record. York's was blown out to start the year against the Windsor Lancers 59–0,[62] but had a strong showing against the Waterloo Warriors in an 18–15 loss[63] the following week. York would lose by wide margins for the rest of the year, except for their 21–20 win over the struggling Toronto Varsity Blues[64] and a surprisingly close loss to the powerful Western Mustangs 11–9;[65] a game which saw both teams tied 8–8 heading into the 4th quarter.

Mike McLean Era (2008–2009)

[edit]

2008

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On February 21, 2008, York named former CFLer and Saint Mary's Defensive Coordinator Mike McLean as Head Coach with McEvoy returning as an offensive assistant.[66] On April 24, 2008, McLean also brought in Beau Mirau to be his Offensive Coordinator, whom McLean worked with for years when they were both coaching with the CJFL's Edmonton Huskies[67] to replace McEvoy.

York finished the 2008 season winless for the first time since 1994 with an 0–8 record; averaging only 4 points-per-game for and 58.9 points-per-game against over the season. This included an embarrassing 58–7 loss to the Toronto Varsity Blues (ending York's 13-year winning streak against their rivals and saw the son of former York Head Coach Tom Gretes, George, throw a TD pass late in the game),[68] a 71–0 loss to the Western Mustangs,[69] and an 80–0 loss to the Queen's Gaels,[70] which was the largest margin of victory in Queen's football history to that point.[71] York also didn't manage to set up a full dress roster for the entire 2008 season, with McLean claiming that he had no time to recruit new players after being named head coach and said that the program was in free fall when he arrived.[72]

2009

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The 2009 season opened up with a close loss to the Windsor Lancers 17–14 in which the highlight of the game was when York Returner Jason Marshall took a missed field goal 125-yards for a touchdown with 40 seconds left in the game.[73] This was as close as the Lions got to victory that season however, as they finished again with an 0–8 record and being outscored 83–397 the rest of the season.[74]

On February 17, 2010, York announced that OC Beau Mirau was leaving the program. Mike McLean was also fired on March 16, 2010, with the athletic department citing 'serious philosophical differences' and a 'lack of accountability' as the primary reasons for the removal.[75][76]

Warren Craney Era (2010–2022)

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York Lions WR Jonelle Tolbert breaks through a tackle vs. McMaster Marauders at the 2010 Homecoming game (10/02/2010).

2010

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On May 10, 2010, York hired former Concordia Stingers DC Warren Craney to become the programs 9th Head Coach starting in the 2010 season.[77] Craney then brought in Montreal Carabins assistant coach Harry LaFlamme and former Western Mustang QB Michael Faulds - who is the record holder for the most passing yards in CIS history - as the new Defensive and Offensive Coordinators respectively.[78] York would go 0–8 over the season; being outscored 73–413 over the year with the closest game being a 24–19 loss to the rival Toronto Varsity Blues which saw York almost complete a late comeback led by QB Nick Coutu's 421 total yard performance.[79]

2011

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In the 2011 season, 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.[80] The following offseason, Craney would take over as Defensive Coordinator, with Laflamme being moved to Special Teams Coordinator.

2012

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Prior to the 2012, York was able to get University of South Alabama QB Miles Gibbon to transfer to the program.[81] With a new QB at the helm, 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 some saw as the turning point for the program going forward.[82] This season would include many one-score losses to the likes of the Laurier Golden Hawks (24–20 loss[83]), the Waterloo Warriors (23–22 loss[84]), and the Windsor Lancers (26–22 loss[85]). These results signaled that the Lions were showing signs of growth and rebuilding into a competitive football team.

As well, the Lions had one player get an OUA All-star nod, WR Will Austin, who was named to the Second-team and the first Lion since 2007 to be named to the team.[30]

2013 Offseason/Dan Younis Scandal

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However, the 2013 offseason managed to take away much of the momentum the team had built up to that point. On January 8, 2013, the teams' OC since 2010, Michael Faulds, was hired as the new Head Coach of the Laurier Golden Hawks.[86] Since then, the Lions haven't been able to produce offensively at the same level since Faulds was the offensive coordinator. The following day on January 9, 2013, Mike Comeau, the Lions' Offensive Line coach, was promoted to Offensive Coordinator following Faulds' departure.[87]

However, much worse news happened in February, as the team's recruiting coordinator, Daniel Younis, was arrested on charges relating to child pornography and child-luring.[88] York University immediately severed ties with Younis following the arrest. Later that April, Younis was charged with eight more counts of child-luring.[89] 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 team's ability to recruit and affected the program in the years following.

York Lions QB Miles Gibbon throws a pass against the Carleton Ravens. Gibbon threw for 368 yards and 5 TDs in the contest (09/21/2013)

2013

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In 2013, the Lions finished 2–6 leading to an 8th overall finish in the OUA and matching their previous season's record. Their wins came against their former coach Michael Faulds' Laurier Golden Hawks 33–20,[90] and against the reborn Carleton Ravens 50–34.[91] This season also saw York lose to the Toronto Varsity Blues for the first time since 2011, a 56–35 loss which saw Toronto score 32 points in the second quarter.[92]

Following that season, Craney signed a contract extension to remain at the helm of the program[93] and parted ways with LaFlamme.

2014

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The effects of the 2013 offseason hit the program hard as the Lions went 0–8 in the 2014 season for the first time since 2010 which started with back-to-back massive losses; one a 61–0 loss to the Western Mustangs,[94] and the other an embarrassing 70–0 loss to their rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues.[95]

The closest game of the season came against the Waterloo Warriors, where York had a strong 4th quarter that saw RB Connor Anderson score a TD with 14 seconds remaining. However, the point after attempt kick was fumbled; leaving the score at 32–31 Waterloo. York would recover an onside kick to get one more chance, but kicker Nick Naylor missed a 56-yard FG attempt to win the game as time expired.[96]

2015

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The 2015 offseason saw York bring in one of the best recruiting classes in the country, headlined by QB Brett Hunchak, SB Colton Hunchak, WR Jacob Janke, LB Jakob Butler, LB Jakub Jakoubek, WR Nathaniel Pinto, TE Nikola Kalinic, and RB Jesse Amankwaa.[97][98][99] A lot of the recruiting success can be attributed to Craney also serving as the Head Coach of Team Canada for the IFAF World Junior Championships; a position he held from 2014 to 2016 winning a silver and gold medal over two tournaments.[100]

In the 2015 season, the young Lions improved to a 1–7 record with their lone win coming against the Waterloo Warriors 23–14.[101] York capped off the season by nearly upsetting the #10 ranked Queen's Gaels, losing 33–32.[102] The Lions also had 4 players named to the OUA All-Rookie team (RB Jesse Amankwaa, LB Jakob Butler, SB Colton Hunchak, and WR Nathaniel Pinto[103]) with Amankwaa winning OUA Rookie of the Year.[104]

During the offseason, Offensive Coordinator Mike Comeau stepped away from his position. On November 27, 2015, York announced former McMaster Marauder QB and Hec Crighton award winner Kyle Quinlan as the new offensive coordinator, with Kamau Peterson remaining in his role as associate offensive coordinator.[105]

2016

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York started the 2016 season off well winning 2 of their first 3 games against Waterloo and Windsor. In their 56–32 win over the Windsor Lancers, QB Brett Hunchak set a single-game York record for pass yards with 540.[106] However, their week 4 loss to Toronto 45–18 was the turning point of the season, as York would lose all their remaining games by a combined score of 220–37 and finish 2–6.[107]

After the season in December, Quinlan left the team to coach at his alma mater, McMaster. Kamau Peterson was named the interim Offensive Coordinator and later named the permanent OC on January 25, 2017.[108]

2017

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York Lions on offence against the Toronto Varsity Blues (09/23/2017).

Prior to the 2017 season, York hired two new assistants: Two-time CIS All-Canadian Jesse Alexander was named Special Teams Coordinator on April 5, 2017,[109] and three-time CIS All-Canadian Sammy Okpro was hired as Defensive Coordinator on July 17, 2017; the latter whom played under Craney while both were with the Concordia Stingers.[110]

The Lions suffered two blowout losses to start the year to the Western Mustangs and Waterloo Warriors, but put up a strong fight against the #9 ranked Ottawa Gee-Gees; losing 26–17.[111] The following week, York would beat the Toronto Varsity Blues handily; winning 41–16,[112] which was the Lions' lone win of that season. York would finish the year with a 1–7 record, but started to show more life offensively down the stretch.

On April 24, 2018, Jesse Alexander stepped down as Special Teams Coordinator with York,[113] and on the same day was announced as the new Defensive Coordinator for the Windsor Lancers.[114]

2018

[edit]

York started the 2018 season with back-to-back losses to the Queen's Gaels[115] and Guelph Gryphons.[116] Their next game saw the Lions start off strong, leading them to a win against the Windsor Lancers 29–22,[117] followed up by a 76–3 loss to the #1 nationally ranked Western Mustangs[118] and a 42–16 loss to the Ottawa Gee-Gees.[119]

The week 6 contest versus the Waterloo Warriors was the Lions highlight of the year. York started the game very strong with a 26–14 lead heading into the half over the heavily-favoured Warriors. However, Warriors QB Tre Ford led a massive comeback to give the Warriors a 31–26 lead with 12:01 left in the 4th Quarter. York's offense responded with a 9-play drive capped off with Lions QB Brett Hunchak throwing a 5-yard TD pass to his brother, Colton Hunchak to regain the lead. The Lions then converted the 2-point conversion on a pass to RB Kayden Johnson to make the score 34–31. After a Waterloo drive stalled out, Waterloo kicker Caleb Girard missed a field goal, but managed to score a rouge to bring the score to 34–32 York. After the ensuing York drive ended in a punt, Waterloo QB Tre Ford, whom threw for 437 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game, led a massive drive to bring the Warriors to the Lions 25-yard line with 10 seconds remaining. On the ensuing field goal attempt, the kick was blocked by freshman LB Matt Dean, leading to a York victory.[120][121]

York would lose their next game against the Carleton Ravens 35–20, knocking them out of playoff contention.[122] York would finish the season with a 31–15 victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues,[123] ending the year with a 3–5 record; the most wins the program has had in 13 years.

York Lions QB Brett Hunchak evades a tackler at 2019 game vs. McMaster Marauders (09/14/2019).

2019

[edit]

The Lions were hopeful in building off their previous season and returned many starters for the 2019 season while losing some key players to the CFL (namely SB Colton Hunchak and TE Nikola Kalinic). However, injuries to key starters and mistakes caused the Lions to start the season 0–6, averaging 14.3 points for and 39.2 points against in those contests. Their lone win came against the Toronto Varsity Blues, a 34–14 win,[124] then followed up with a 23–2 loss to the Queen's Gaels[125] to finish the year with a 1–7 record.

After the season, the Lions and Offensive Coordinator Kamau Peterson parted ways.

2020–2021

[edit]

Prior to the 2020 season, York hired two-time Hec Crighton trophy winner Tommy Denison as their new offensive coordinator, whom previously was with the Toronto Varsity Blues in 2019.[126]

After the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 season, York was hopeful of potentially making the OUA postseason for the first time since 2004 with modified playoff qualifications where they would needed to finish 4th in the 5-team OUA East division.[127]

York opened the 2021 season with a 37–6 loss to the Laurier Golden Hawks, followed up by a 30–17 loss to the Carleton Ravens. York would lose a heartbreaker in their next game to the Ottawa Gee-Gees 20–17, where Ottawa QB Ben Maracle threw a TD pass to Nick Gendron with 1:06 remaining in the game.[128] The following game, despite a very strong defensive effort only giving up 139 total yards of offence, York lost to the Toronto Varsity Blues 25–2; ending a 4-year reign as the Argo Cup Champions.[129] After that loss, York would drop their final two games by a combined score of 89–9 to the McMaster Marauders and a rematch with Toronto; finishing the year 0–6 and last in the OUA East division.

After the season, York and Denison would part ways. 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 during that time. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, Craney was reinstated as the Head Coach for the 2022 season[130] with Okpro returning to his DC role.

2022

[edit]

Prior to the season starting, Craney promoted Special Teams Coordinator, Nathaniel Griffith, to Offensive Coordinator,[131] and hired former CFLer Brian Jones as the new Special Teams Coordinator. During the 2022 season, the Lions finished 1–7 with their lone win coming against the McMaster Marauders, whom had to forfeit the contest for having an ineligible player on their roster.[132]

The biggest bright spot for the season was KR/SB Alfred Olay, whom led the nation in All-purpose yards (1,377 yards) and was named a First-team U Sports All-Canadian returner; the first Lion to be named to that team since Andre Durie in 2004.[133] Olay also was an OUA First-team All-Star returner, with DE Jason Janvier-Messier and LB Matt Dean being named to the Second-team.[134]

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

[edit]

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 just two weeks prior to the start of the regular season.[135] This marked the 2nd time in program history that York would name associate Head Coaches to lead the program.

York started the campaign with an 83–0 loss to the eventual Yates Cup Champion Western Mustangs,[136] but bounced back to a closer 53–32 loss against the Waterloo Warriors.[137] York lost every other remaining game by wide margins; being outscored 10 to 424 in the remaining 6 games. This included an 87–0 loss to the Queen's Gaels, which set their single-game record for most points scored and largest margin of victory in the program's 141-year history,[71] and an 88–7 loss to the Guelph Gryphons, which is the most points scored in a single game in their history.[138]

After the disastrous 2023 season where the Lions allowed an average of 70 points per game and only scored 5.25 points per game, York's athletic department started a national search for a new head coach.[139]

The York Lions during warm-ups (09/14/2024).

Dexter Janke Era (2024-Pres.)

[edit]

2024

[edit]

On January 22, 2024, York announced the former Head Coach of the CJFL's Westshore Rebels and former CFLer Dexter Janke as the program's 12th Head Coach.[140] Janke was the 2023 CJFL coach of the year following a perfect regular season and set various offensive and defensive records in the CJFL. On March 28, 2024, York named former McMaster Marauders head coach Greg Knox as the teams' new defensive coordinator and on June 11, the team hired Rick Walters as their new offensive coordinator, who was with the Alberta Golden Bears from 2019 to 2023.[141][142]

York started the season with a 0–3 start, but showed much improvement from the year before. In their fourth game against the Toronto Varsity Blues, York won 19-17; snapping a 17-game losing streak (26-game streak when ignoring their forfeit win vs. McMaster in 2022). The winning touchdown came early in the fourth quarter when slotback Avontae McKoy broke off a 75-yard touchdown run putting the score at 18-11 before a Nathan Walker rouge made it 19-11. Toronto responded with a touchdown from quarterback Kaleb O'Donahue to wide receiver Dane Hurley with 36 seconds remaining, but failed the two-point convert and did not recover the ensuing onside kick.[143]

York would get their second win of the season in week 7 against the Waterloo Warriors beating them 39–24; giving York its first multi-win season in six years and their first win at York Lions Stadium since it became the team's venue in 2021.[144] In week 9, York had a 2–5 record and found itself an opportunity to qualify for the postseason for the first time in 20 years if they were to beat the McMaster Marauders in their final game (with the Laurier Golden Hawks and Ottawa Gee-Gees needing to win their final games to give York an advantage in tie-breakers) to take the 7th playoff seed.[145] Unfortunately, York lost a close game 24–21 to finish the year with a 2–6 record.[146]

Despite the finish, the Lions were a much better team than they were in 2023 finishing with an average of 16.4 points for and 28.6 points against for their games in 2024 with a point differential of -99; their lowest since 2012 where it was -82.

Season-by-season record

[edit]

The following is the record of the York Lions football team since their inception in 1968:

Season Games Won Lost PCT PF PA Standing Playoffs
1968 6 4 2 0.667 121 94 N/A N/A; not a member of CIAU during this season
1969 6 1 5 0.167 58 157 Did not qualify
1970 7 0 7 0.000 26 204 Did not qualify
1971 8 1 7 0.125 100 172 Did not qualify
1972 6 1 5 0.167 52 128 Did not qualify
1973 8 1 7 0.125 108 238 Did not qualify
1974 7 0 7 0.000 103 293 Did not qualify
1975 7 1 6 0.143 69 227 Did not qualify
1976 7 0 7 0.000 36 251 Did not qualify
1977 7 0 7 0.000 37 202 Did not qualify
1978 7 4 3 0.571 84 104 Did not qualify
1979 6 3 3 0.500 101 77 Did not qualify
1980 7 3 4 0.429 149 193 Did not qualify
1981 7 2 5 0.286 102 210 Did not qualify
1982 7 2 5 0.286 119 304 Did not qualify
1983 7 1 6 0.143 124 190 Did not qualify
1984 7 5 2 0.714 175 112 Lost to Western Mustangs in semi-final 30-25
1985 7 5 2 0.714 191 121 Lost to Laurier Golden Hawks in semi-final 27-10
1986 7 3 4 0.429 109 132 Did not qualify
1987 7 2 5 0.289 125 200 Did not qualify
1988 7 1 6 0.143 65 192 Did not qualify
1989 7 0 7 0.000 50 236 Did not qualify
1990 7 0 7 0.000 41 261 Did not qualify
1991 7 0 7 0.000 67 305 Did not qualify
1992 7 0 7 0.000 81 231 Did not qualify
1993 7 0 7 0.000 87 220 Did not qualify
1994 7 0 7 0.000 88 218 Did not qualify
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 semi-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 0.625 121 112 4th 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
2024 8 2 6 0.250 131 230 9th in OUA Did not qualify

Head Coaches

[edit]
Name Years Record
Nobby Wirkowski 1968–1975 9-46 (.163)
Dick Aldridge 1976–1977 0-14 (.000)
Frank Cosentino 1978–1980 10-10 (.500)
Dave Pickett 1981–1983 5-16 (.238)
Nobby Wirkowski/Frank Cosentino 1984–1987 15-15 (.500)
Nobby Wirkowski 1988–1989 1-13 (.071)
Tom Arnott 1990–2000 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)
Dexter Janke 2024 2–6 (.250)

Team records

[edit]

All records are as of 2022[147]

Passing

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]
Record Name Number Season(s)
Career Interceptions Neil Maki 16 1999–03
Season Interceptions Neil Maki 6 2000

Scoring

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]
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

[edit]
The Argo Cup

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.[148] 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.[149] 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.[148][149] Overall, as of the 2024 season, the Lions hold a 20–34 record in the Red & Blue Bowl.[148][150]

Date Winner Score Location
Sept. 14, 1970 Toronto 36-0 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 29, 1971 Toronto 24-12 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 11, 1972 Toronto 14-7 York (CNE Stadium)
Sept. 15, 1973 Toronto 42-19 York (CNE Stadium)
Oct. 12, 1974 Toronto 26-7 York (CNE Stadium)
Oct. 10, 1975 Toronto 56-0 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 8, 1976 Toronto 34-2 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 15, 1977 Toronto 28-6 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 9, 1978 Toronto 20-0 York
Oct. 4, 1979 Toronto 22-0 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 24, 1980 Toronto 37-20 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 8, 1981 Toronto 39-9 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 8, 1982 Toronto 21-14 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 6, 1983 Toronto 49-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 4, 1984 York 44-20 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 10, 1985 York 17-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 9, 1986 York 24-23 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 7, 1987 Toronto 36-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 8, 1988 Toronto 18-12 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 5, 1989 Toronto 27-9 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 4, 1990 Toronto 38-0 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 10, 1991 Toronto 65-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 8, 1992 Toronto 40-3 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 7, 1993 Toronto 42-20 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 6, 1994 Toronto 26-1 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 5, 1995 Toronto 20-14 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 10, 1996 York 31-3 York Stadium
Set. 13, 1997 York 17-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 24, 1998 York 15-9 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 11, 1999 York 47-1 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 9, 2000 York 23-3 York Stadium
Sept. 15, 2001 York 33-10 York Stadium
Sept. 13, 2002 York 14-6 Birchmount Stadium
Sept. 27, 2003 York 66-7 York Stadium
Sept. 25, 2004 York 45-41 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 17, 2005 York 40-33 (OT) Varsity Stadium
Sept. 20, 2006 York 39-11 York Stadium
Sept. 29, 2007 York 21-20 York Stadium
Sept. 14, 2008 Toronto 58-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 3, 2009 Toronto 45-27 York Stadium
Sept. 18, 2010 Toronto 24-19 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 10, 2011 Toronto 10-8 York Stadium
Oct. 13, 2012 York 36-24 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 10, 2013 Toronto 56-35 York Stadium
Sept. 13, 2014 Toronto 70-0 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 2, 2015 Toronto 40-3 York Stadium
Sept. 17, 2016 Toronto 45-18 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 23, 2017 York 41-16 Alumni Field
Oct. 20, 2018 York 31-15 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 12, 2019 York 34-14 Alumni Field
Oct. 16, 2021 Toronto 25-2 Varsity Stadium
Sept. 24, 2022 Toronto 39-7 Varsity Stadium
Oct. 6, 2023 Toronto 57-3 York Lions Stadium
Sept. 21, 2024 York 19-17 Varsity Stadium

National award winners

[edit]

York Lions in the professional ranks

[edit]

As of the end of the 2024 CFL season, six former Lions players were on CFL teams' rosters:

[151]

As of the start of the 2024 NFL season, one former Lions player was on an NFL team's roster:

References

[edit]
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