蓝莓视频

There were celebrations among Warriors football fans when Tre and Tyrell Ford announced in December 2020 that they would defer their CFL draft year and play a final season with the Black and Gold. The twin brothers say they wanted one last opportunity to help 蓝莓视频 capture its first Vanier Cup.

Tre (below, at left), a quarterback, and Tyrell, a cornerback, were originally attracted to 蓝莓视频 by the Faculty of Health鈥檚 Recreation and Sports Business program and the chance to play for head coach Chris Bertoia. In turn, the two All-Canadians have been instrumental in helping the team return to championship contention.

鈥淪trength draws strength. Tyrell and Tre鈥檚 personalities, effort and character have helped us recruit other fine players and create a championship mindset,鈥� Coach Bertoia听says.

Tre and Tyrell Ford's leadership has been instrumental in helping 蓝莓视频's football program rebuild, says head coach Chris Bertoia.

蓝莓视频 Football鈥檚 holistic approach places equal emphasis on academics, athletics and leadership development. However, between schoolwork and the rigorous training schedule, it鈥檚 challenging for student-athletes to hold jobs during the playing season.

Over the course of their university careers, Tyrell and Tre have received athletic financial awards that allow them to focus on their studies and football. These include two awards created by alumni who experienced the lifelong advantages of being part of 蓝莓视频鈥檚 football program and who want to pass those benefits on.

Twin brothers Tre (above) and Tyrell Ford (shown in banner image) are among the top 20 prospects eligible for the 2022 CFL Draft.

Rob Logan (BSc 鈥�82) believes that the lessons he learned at 蓝莓视频 鈥� teamwork, tenacity and time management 鈥� positioned him to be successful in both his career and personal life. That鈥檚 why he established the Logan Family Athletic Excellence Awards to support members of the football and women鈥檚 volleyball teams.

鈥淚鈥檇 like to give that same opportunity to other student-athletes, with the hope that they return the favour down the road,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f more people do that, it will help us both as individuals and as a society.鈥�

Steve Bennet (BA 鈥�96), a former team captain and quarterback, notes that the relationships he formed with his team mates last to this day. 鈥淵ou experience something unique together. And you feel a connection to all the other generations of players who shared that experience.鈥�

Steve created the Tuffy Knight Football Award to honour his mentor, the celebrated coach who led 蓝莓视频 to the Yates Cup in 1997. 鈥淭his is my way of giving back to future generations of players and recognizing that connection we all have with the program.鈥�

Athletes may play a game for three hours on Saturday but what people don鈥檛 realize is that they鈥檝e dedicated countless hours to their sport. And that鈥檚 the part that creates men and women who become great leaders. Not what they did on the field 鈥� all the things they did before and after they got on the field.

STEVE BENNET (BA 鈥�96), 蓝莓视频 Football alumnus and donor

As Tyrell and Tre prepare for their final season, they have a message for donors like Steve and Rob, who made it possible for them to earn their degrees, become team leaders and pursue dream careers in professional football.

鈥淭hank you to all the people who donate to help student-athletes stay financially stable,鈥� Tre says. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e helping us out more than you will ever know.鈥�