A Legacy of Gridiron Glory: The History of Ottawa University Football

The Ottawa Braves football program boasts a storied past, representing Ottawa University with pride in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC), a division of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Since its first recorded football game in 1901, the team has been guided by 29 head coaches, each contributing to the program's rich tapestry. This article explores the key moments, figures, and traditions that have shaped Ottawa University football.

Early Years and Coaching Lineage

The Ottawa Braves have a long and evolving coaching history. J. Norman, G. Robert E., Archie W., John S., Wally A., and Paul J. are among the 29 head coaches who have led the team. The list of coaches reflects the dedication and leadership that have been integral to the program since its inception.

Braves Athletic Hall of Fame

The Braves Athletic Hall of Fame (“BAHOF”) was established in 1988, led by Gerald Barker '36, Coaches Dick Peters, Bill Boucek '48, Bill Frear '50, Ron Yingling '57 and Jim Smith '60, to honor student athletes who brought honor to Ottawa University both on the fields of competition, and in their personal lives. To date, 141 individuals have been inducted, and four more are inducted at our annual banquet at homecoming each year. Anyone can nominate a candidate for membership. Athletes are eligible after five years from their graduation. They are then vetted for their athletic record and go on a list of nominees. A committee of coaches and a member of the Executive committee then review the candidates and rate them for further review by the Selection Committee composed of the Executive Committee and members of the athletic department.

For the first few years, the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony was held in Wilson Field House (where it was very hard to hear), followed by a BBQ buffet. In 2007 under the leadership of Dave Owen, then President, we initiated a formal banquet, and the ceremony was moved to Mowbray Student Union (now Gangwish Library, Schendel Conference Center) at which time we began awarding scholarships to student athletes who were deserving for their athletic ability and personal character.

BAHOF Scholarship Fund

The BAHOF Scholarship fund was started in 2008 with a $50,000 gift arranged by Dave Owen, and a $5,000 transfer from the BAHOF general fund. Originally all BAHOF members contributed $100 to the general fund to sustain the operations of the organization and support the scholarships. That was raised to $150 in 2018. BAHOF members, and others, contribute additional funds to support the scholarships. We initially awarded two $1,000 scholarships from our general fund, which was increased to four $1,000 scholarships in 2008 when the scholarship fund was established. In 2023, that was changed to two $2,000 scholarships.

In 2008, we initiated the Dudley Giese NAIA Champions of Character Award to one male and one female athlete in recognition of their outstanding character in keeping with the guidelines of the NAIA award by the same name. Dudley was a 1953 graduate of OU who spent 35 years teaching and coaching in secondary schools as well as leading FCA huddle groups. At the time the BAHOF Scholarship Fund was created there were existing scholarship funds that had been set up in the names of three legendary OU coaches: Dick Peters, football coach, Bill Frear, basketball coach, and Bill “Bo” Boucek, track coach. Dave Owen played a role in setting up these funds in the past as a way of honoring these coaches. In 2009 he gained permission from the families to move those funds into the BAHOF and they are now a permanent part of the Scholarship Awards at our Annual Banquet.

In 2013, orchestrated by legendary coach Andy Carrier, The Elaine "Mom" Pyle Scholarship Fund was transferred to BAHOF, to honor Mom Pyle who was like a mother to many OU athletes. She loved basketball, but not as much as she loved the players on the team. Working in the registrar’s office, Mom Pyle kept a close eye on her team and was a devoted fan for years until her death in 2006. She acted with love and care, inspiring all to reach new heights. The Elaine “Mom” Pyle Scholarship is given to two basketball players who exemplify this same spirit.

In 2015, we initiated the annual Distinguished Service Award to recognize those who were major supporters of OU athletics but may not necessarily have been a varsity athlete. Our first award went to Bill Swift, a local businessman who was a strong supporter of our teams and a strong advocate for individual athletes. In 2016, the award was given to former OU President Dr. Andrew B. Martin under whose leadership OU athletics rose to dominance. In 2017, the award went to another local businessman, Jim Grogan, who was a 1954 graduate of OU and former OU athlete and coach. He and his wife Doris are avid OU fans. Their son Scott was an outstanding OU athlete and is a member of the BAHOF. After excelling at K-State, their son Steve played quarterback for the New England Patriots in the NFL for sixteen seasons.

In 2016, the Jim Smith (Class of 60) Award was initiated to recognize one of the most enthusiastic, relentlessly optimistic, positive, and upbeat Ottawa University athletes who ever took the field. Every year, we award the Jim Smith award to a male and female athlete who embody his spirit. Jim was instrumental in the establishment of the BAHOF when he served as Director of Advancement at OU. In 2018, the Kurt Barbour Memorial Scholarship was initiated to honor and represent the life of Kurt Barbour. His legacy will always be his passion for athletics, faith and his family. Kurt played football with a dedication and commitment to excel. He earned All-Conference honors as a defensive back and had a never quit approach to everything he undertook. His hard work and talent allowed him to excel in all areas of his life. He serves as an example for all of us and his fight to beat his illness was without reproach.

Also, in 2018 the Albert “Butch” Lewis Scholarship was initiated to honor as an outstanding athlete at OU from 1957-1961 as a member of the football, basketball and track teams. He lettered in all three sports, held the javelin record for many years and was the epitome of a great teammate. He spent his postgraduate career at Buena Vista College and during his tenure enjoyed many conference championships in no small part due to his leadership, coaching and serving as a role model for student athletes.

Read also: The Invisible Adaptation Explained

In 2019, the Distinguished Service Award was abandoned, and all recipients of that award were inducted as full members of the BAHOF with the 2019 award going to beloved professor and avid OU sports fan, Dr. Ron Averyt. Due to Covid there was no banquet in 2020. In 2021, the Bettin Family BAHOF Scholarship was established. This new scholarship was established by Dr. Stanley Bettin ’61, inducted to the Braves Hall of Fame in 2005. Bettin participated in football (1957-60), basketball (1958-59), and golf (1958-1961) for the Braves. As his BAHOF biography notes, he was a leader and an integral part of championship teams in all three sports. After graduating from Ottawa University, Bettin received his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) in 1965. He is member of the American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, American Orthodontic Society, American Endodontic Society, and a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. He is retired from private practice in Lyons, Kansas and is Co-Chairman of the BAHOF Scholarship Fund.

Also, in 2021 the Dick Meirs Memorial Athletic Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Richard (Dick) Meiers ‘53, inducted to the Braves Hall of Fame in 1994. Meiers lettered in football (1949-52), men’s basketball (1949-53), and track (1951-53). As a member of the OU football team, Meiers helped lead the Braves to a four-year record of 21-10 and to the 1950 KCAC Championship under head coach Dick Peters. On the basketball court Meiers led the Braves to a record of 68-28, to three KCAC Championships, to three Kansas NAIA Playoffs, and to one NAIA National Tournament. Meiers was part of three KCAC Track and Field Team Championships (1951, 1952, 1953). He was a three-time KCAC Champion in the shot put for the Braves. After graduating from Ottawa University, Meiers went on to Kansas City University Dental College, graduating in May of 1958, and he went on to a long career in Dentistry. He was a strong supporter of Ottawa University and BAHOF.

In 2022, the David C. Owen Leadership Scholarship was established by Dave Owen '60, and his wife Laura who both have served as a trustees of the University. Owen is a former State Senator and Lt. Governor of Kansas. He was a standout athlete in both basketball and track. He was elected to the OU Braves Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 and is a past president of the Hall of Fame. As President he orchestrated the establishment and endowment of the BAHOF Scholarship Program and now serves as Co-Chairman of the BAHOF Scholarship fund. He is the Chairman of the David C. Owen Leadership Institute at Ottawa University and is currently a member of the OU President’s Council. Professionally, Owen has nearly 60 years of business experience in the financial industry, having served as Founder and President of two banks in the Kansas City Area, and as Regional Manager for Stephens Inc, an investment banking firm headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dave was Co-Founder and CEO of ICOP, a public company traded on the NASDAQ Exchange, and a global market leader in motion video products for First Responders. Department of Defense in 2008. He was a member of the Board of the Greater Kansas City Fellowship of Christian Athletes for many years. He studied at Ohio State University and Rutgers University in conjunction with the American Bankers Association and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Ottawa University.

In 2023, the Justin Wayne Moenkhoff Iron Braves Award was established. This scholarship was created in memory of Justin Moenkhoff, who was part of the OU Class of 2001 and was killed in an ATV accident on August 13, 2021. Justin was known as an avid strength and conditioning athlete as a member of the OU football team; he was diligent in his efforts and encouraging to others around him to strive for their best. To honor Justin’s life, his family (led by his brother, Joel Moenkhoff ’99) and friends have created and endowed the Iron Braves Award Scholarship to be awarded annually to one female and one male athlete who set the best example and attitude for strength and conditioning in the weight room. We award nineteen scholarships annually at our banquet, ranging from $250 to $5,000, which has become one of the most significant events every year, at OU. In addition, each BAHOF inductee is given a plaque, and a plaque is also placed in the BAHOF Center where an introduction to the BAHOF is available on a kiosk that was purchased by the BAHOF. Until 2024, the plaques were created by John Boyd Martin, one of the most prominent portrait artists in the country and son of former OU President Andrew B. Martin.

The BAHOF also contributes in other ways. In 2007, the BAHOF raised $150,000 to pay for the Bill "Bo" Boucek Track in honor of Coach Boucek’s outstanding tenure as OU track coach. We sponsor speakers to engage with our student athletes regarding leadership and personal achievement. Past speakers have included Bob Holmes, the One-Man Volleyball Team; Col. Ed Hubbard, Vietnam POW who spent 6 ½ years in the Hanoi Hilton; and Wayne Simien, NCAA All American basketball player from KU and founder of “Called to Greatness” an organization that mentors college students in several Kansas colleges and universities in Christian principles. There is collaboration with The David C. Our efforts are greatly enhanced by Katie Tooley, our outstanding Sports Information Director, who vets all athletes nominated for the BAHOF, Janet Peters, Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Becky Blaue, Alumni Director, who manages the activities of the BAHOF.

Read also: Financial Aid at Ottawa University

The 1965 Season

The 1965 Ottawa Braves football team etched its name in the program's history, representing Ottawa University as a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) during the NAIA football season.

Key Games and Performances

October 2, 1965: The Braves demolished Sterling with an 82-0 victory.
September 18, 1965: OU routed Friends in the KCAC opener, with a score of 57-2.
September 27, 1965: Passes sparked a 47-7 OU romp.
October 11, 1965: The Braves defeated their rival, 36-6, showcasing a versatile attack.
October 18, 1965: A late rush secured a 27-6 victory against KWU.
October 25, 1965: OU overpowered Builders in a 27-7 victory.
October 30, 1965: OU defeated McPherson, 41-15.
November 6, 1965: The Braves' defense led the way in a 44-7 victory over the Swedes.
November 13, 1965: OU held off the Cats, 28-20, to secure an undefeated season.

Ottawa University Gee-Gees Football

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees football team represents the University of Ottawa in the sport of Canadian football. The Gee-Gees have appeared in five Vanier Cup championships, winning the national title in 1975 and 2000 and losing in 1970, 1980 and 1997. The team plays their games at TD Place Stadium. The Gee-Gees also are part of the most established football rivalry in the country with the Carleton Ravens.

Football had its inception at Ottawa in 1881. At the time, the game looked much more like its rugby union predecessor. In 1894, the Garnet and Grey joined the Quebec Rugby Football Union (QRFU) and dominated from their first year of play. The team won eight QRFU championships (1894, 1896-99, 1901-04). During these years, the de facto national championship was awarded to the victor of the Canadian Rugby Union (CRU). The Gee-Gees became Yates Cup champions for the first time in 1907.

Key Figures and Moments

Father Stanton: Head coach of the Gee-Gees for three seasons, posting an 8-5-2 record and innovating the game of Canadian football.
1953: The team moved to Lansdowne Park, sharing it with the Ottawa Rough Riders.
Matt Anthony: Became the new head coach of the Gee-Gees after playing offensive line in the CFL for seven years. During Anthony's 15 years at the helm, the Gee-Gees won seven league and conference championships, including three undefeated seasons. Matt Anthony Field served as the practice field for the football team until 2013.
Bob O'Billovich: Led the team to one of their best seasons ever. In the playoffs, the team cruised to an Atlantic Bowl victory with a 24-11 win over the UNB Varsity Reds. Gee-Gees quarterback Paul Paddon was dominant all season long and was instrumental in the team's success.
Don Gilbert: Gilbert's key advantages he brought to Ottawa was a strong recruiting prowess on both sides of the border. The undefeated 1975 National Championship team (11-0) is considered to be one of the most dominant in Canadian university history. That team became the first to finish with a perfect record after winning a Vanier Cup.
Dwight Fowler: Fowler's team was not quite the same quality of the prior team, but still made light work of opponents. The team won the 1976 Yates Cup, led by quarterback Jamie Barresi the team moved on to the Atlantic Bowl where they met the Acadia Axemen.
Jim Daley: The hire of local product Jim Daley helped the Gee-Gees return to grace after struggling under Clarke. The team continued to be a national powerhouse during the early and mid-1990s.
Marcel Bellefeuille: Loaded with the best Gee-Gees team in a handful of years, the 2000 Gee-Gees finally had a squad that resembled the power of the 1975 team. Led by Hec Crighton winning quarterback senior Phil Côté, the team powered through the OQIFC and into the Dunsmore Cup finals. With a berth in the 36th Vanier Cup, the Gee-Gees once again had the chance to bring a second national title to the school, this time they would be successful.

Recent Years

Denis Piché: Hired to lead the Gee-Gees for the 2002 season. During these years, the Gee-Gees had Yates Cup appearances in 2006 and 2007 including a 2006 Yates Cup win.
J.P. Asselin: Promoted to take the head coaching job. With All-Canadian quarterback Brad Sinopoli under centre, the team cruised to an appearance in the Yates Cup final against rival Western Mustangs.
Jamie Barresi: Hired for his first head coaching job at his alma mater. The Gee-Gees opened their 2014 campaign at home on September 1, 2014, against the York Lions with a 51-7 win.

The Panda Game

The Panda Game is a historic rivalry match. In 1955, Bryan McNulty, a University of Ottawa student and associate editor for the Fulcrum, decided to promote the rivalry between his school and Carleton University. He asked a local jeweller, Jack Snow, to donate a stuffed panda that would be named "Pedro" to be used as a Gee-Gee mascot (as they had not adopted the Gee-Gee horse mascot yet). McNulty later convinced Snow to display the panda in his front window and then organized the first "Pandanapping", a ritual in which Pedro would be stolen from each campus in various ways. In a short matter of time, both Pedro and the Panda Game itself became national icons. In 1958, after a 25-0 Gee-Gee victory, Pedro went on a world tour. He made visits to McGill University in Montréal, Dalhousie University in Halifax, the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, UCLA in Los Angeles, and Alabama State University in Montgomery. The game quickly became the most well-known football game in Canada behind the Grey Cup and the Vanier Cup.

tags: #ottawa #university #football #history