The Bell Warriors Football Club are celebrating our Diamond Anniversary this year and used the occasion to introduce our inaugural Homecoming Day. “60 Years of giving back to our community by mentoring our youth is quite an accomplishment“, observed Warriors President Paul Stewart.
All four Warriors tackle teams competed against the Rideau Redblacks (of Brockville) on the new turf field at the University of Ottawa Lees Campus Sunday, October 4th. It gave a chance for Warrior friends and families to celebrate this great milestone and what better way to do that than by cheering on our young Warrior teams. As part of the special day, the Warriors raffled off a pair of Sens tickets at each game. These had been very generously donated by former Warrior player and coach Chris Hyndman. Collections were taken throughout the day in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with close to $200 being raised for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
At half time of the 3rd game, the Pee Wee game, a special presentation was made by City of Ottawa College Ward Councillor Rick Chiarelli of a signed Ottawa REDBLACKS Justin Phillips jersey. The jersey was given with the intent that it would be used to help raise badly-needed funds for the Warriors football program. Justin Phillips is a Warrior Alumni himself which gives added significance to the presentation of his signed jersey. Mayor Jim Watson sent his best regards stating, “I want to convey my best wishes to the Bell Warriors Football Club for a successful diamond anniversary year.” (Mayor Jim Watson’s entire message)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS Cheer Team and of course the REDBLACKS mascot Big Joe were a big part of the day-long celebration.
Our tykes competed in a nail-biter which ended up with a 6-0 loss. Our Mosquitos came out with an impressive 24-6 win. Our Pee Wees continued their undefeated season with a very convincing 64-0 win. This clinched the NCAFA Western Conference Championship for the 2nd straight year and 5th time in the past 6 years! Our Bantams fought a tough battle and were leading 10-8 at the half against a massive Rideau team. A blocked field goal that led to a Rideau touchdown proved to be the difference in a disappointing 22-10 Warriors Bantam loss. Wins and losses aside, it was a fantastic fall day of competition, sportsmanship and team work.
Thanks for coming out to show your support for our 60th Anniversary Warriors Homecoming Day!