Reflections on the 1983 Vanier Cup

You started the season 0-2 in what was the Western Intercollegiate Football League and then managed to win eight straight games and capture the Vanier Cup with a new Head Coach. What turned the season around and when were you confident that you could perhaps win the Conference title?

The fact it was Peter’s (Connellan) first year took everyone time to gel. There was no panic from the coaches, the system did not change and we found our way. We knew we had talent on both sides of the football. When we ran off four straight wins we knew we would be in the mix in our Conference that was so tough.

What is your memory the events surrounding the Vanier Week festivities in 1983?

I was in Toronto the year before for the nomination for the Hec Crighton but it was special to have the entire team with me in 1983. I remember the warm up and throng of Queens fans entering the stadium. We knew we were in a hostile environment that was very collegiate. I remember they (Vanier Cup organizing committee) did a very good job staging the events we attended, it was first-class.

What was the pressure during the week and going into the game against Queens with you being the University of Calgary’s first Hec Crighton Trophy winner and trying to win the school’s first ever Vanier Cup?

I do not remember feeling the pressure but was comfortable with the people I was surrounded with. We were very good friends and knew if everyone played well we would be fine. It was a very novel situation so I enjoyed every minute of it.

What is your fondest memory of the Vanier Cup win over Queens?

The last touchdown drive that put us in front is a lasting memory. What was very special was having our families down there (Toronto). The event that University put on afterwards made it very special for the players and families.

You led the entire game by a large margin until Queens recovered a punt fumble to go ahead before your game winning touchdown drive what is your recollection of that drive and how confident were you could take lead back?

I remember everyone being calm. We went into that drive with just over three minutes remaining. No one was in panic mode. There was a concern that we missed on some drives to score touchdowns instead of field goals. We knew what we needed to get the game won.

What do you remember of the celebrations once you returned home with the Vanier Cup?

We all were surprised by the media coverage and the engagement from the city as a whole. It was great fun to be treated so well by everyone. The entire community was behind us.

Explain the bond that currently exists to this day between the players and parents from the 1983 Vanier Cup Championship team?

We all went on, got married and raised families and have our careers. My wedding party was three players from that team. We have gone on to give something back to the community and the program. The combination of personalities and success basically is the bond that ties everyone together for such a long period of time. The entire group, players, coaches, and support staff remains a special group, very special even after all these years.

What did the Vanier Cup win do for you inside and outside of football?

Inside of football it created a chance for me to go to the next level, outside the name recognition allowed me to go into business. There was an element of trust when I showed up to meet someone I did not know that created opportunity for me that would not have been there if I had the 1983 season.

What did you after your varsity career?

Greg went on to play five years in the Canadian Football League. In 1984 he became a starting quarterback for the Calgary Stampeders winning six games. He graduated with BComm and Law degrees from the University of Calgary. He operates an oil and gas company in Calgary with his father that he still is involved with today.  He served as Offensive Coordinator for the Dinos for five years under Head Coach Blake Nill. Greg remains extremely active with the Dinos football alumni (Dinos 5^th Quarter) serving as their President giving back to program. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the University of Calgary Athletic Hall of Fame and along with his teammates are members of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame along with the 1983 and 1985 Vanier Cup Championship teams.