Laurier Faces Queen’s in 117th Yates Cup Showdown
Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks will compete for their 10th Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championship against the Queen’s Gaels in the 117th Yates Cup. This significant matchup is set to showcase the resilience and skill of both teams.
Season Highlights
The Golden Hawks completed the regular season with a perfect record of 8-0, earning them a direct passage to the OUA semifinals. In their semifinal match, they triumphed over the Guelph Gryphons with a score of 37-30. On the other hand, the Queen’s Gaels secured their spot in the final by defeating the Windsor Lancers 36-25.
Previous Achievements
Last season, the Golden Hawks captured the 116th Yates Cup by defeating the Western Mustangs 51-31. Their successful run led them to the 59th Vanier Cup, where they faced the Laval Rouge et Or, ultimately falling short with a close score of 22-17.
Key Players and Awards
- Ethan Jordan: Named OUA Most Valuable Player, Jordan accumulated 1,066 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He set a new school record for career touchdowns with 30.
- Jessie Wilkins: Awarded the Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player, Wilkins recorded 40.5 tackles, ranking him among the league’s top 15. He also led the OUA with four forced fumbles.
- Michael Faulds: The head coach was honored with the David “Tuffy” Knight Award for the third consecutive year, becoming only the second coach in OUA history to achieve this milestone.
This marks the first time in Laurier’s history that the team has secured all three major awards in a single season. Coach Faulds expressed the challenges faced by the team in maintaining their champion status, emphasizing their resilience as they prepare to face a strong Queen’s team.
Game Details
The 117th Yates Cup is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. This exciting matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the best of university football in Canada. Fans are eagerly anticipating an intense battle between these two storied programs.
