The University of Windsor Lancers football team is looking to put together a run towards the Yates Cup this fall as they get set for their 2014 OUA campaign.
 
The Lancers will kick-off the year at the Labour Day Classic, when they host the Queen's Gaels on Monday September 1, 2014. Kick-off is set for 1:07pm at Alumni Field.
 
Windsor will aim to improve on the 2013 season that saw them finish with a 4-4 conference mark, good enough for sixth place in the OUA standings. A quarter-final playoff exit for the second straight year, suffered at the hands of the Guelph Gryphons, left Windsor hungry for both regular season and playoff success.
 
"Our expectations are high this season," said head coach Joe D'Amore. "Although we have been a playoff team for three straight years now, we have not made it past the first round since 2011. Our goals this season is to host a playoff game on Alumni Field, which has not been done since 2006, and earn a berth in the Yates Cup."
 
The graduation of key veterans Andrew Bakos, Akeem Whonder and Mitch Dender has left some holes to fill in the line-up, but graduation also brings opportunity for others who believe their time has arrived.
 
On offense, fifth year quarterback Austin Kennedy (Windsor, ON) is back at the helm for the Blue and Gold. Considered one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the CIS, Kennedy is a two time OUA all-star (2011 & 2012) who is looking to finish off his university career with an extended run into the post season. Kennedy finished 2013 with 1,920 passing yards and 17 touchdowns in eight regular season games, while also becoming the Lancer all-time record holder in four categories, including most touchdown passes in a career.
 
One of Kennedy's favourite targets, fellow fifth year senior and CIS all-Canadian Evan Pszczonak is also poised for a big year, after an exceptional season in 2013. The Amherstburg, ON native finished fifth overall in the CIS with 42 receptions for 646 yards and six touchdowns while being named both a CIS and OUA all-star.
 
The Lancer backfield features a dynamic group of backs, including 2014 East-West Bowl participant Nathan O'Hollaran, Beau Lumley, Tarrance Crawford and Nigel Applewhaite. On the line, four experienced starters return including Randy Beardy, Jeremy Veres, Jacob Myall, and Brett Boersma. They will be joined by third year lineman Dan Benson and sophomore Greg Bolger.
 
In addition, Beau Lumley (Windsor, ON) led the Blue & Gold with fourteen kick-off returns for 323 return yards and also topped the Lancers in punt returns (47), punt return yards (433) and average yards per punt return (9.2). Both will be key components to Windsor's special team success.  
 
The Lancers will look to leaders Tai Pham, Frank Renaud and Josh Burns to be the backbone for Windsor's defense. Pham, a CIS East West Bowl participant and a second team OUA all-star in 2013, led the Blue & Gold with 7.5 total sacks, and had 19.5 total tackles.
 
Renaud (Windsor, ON) finished the 2013 season second in team defense with 52 total tackles (43 solo, 18 assisted), while Burns (LaSalle, ON) averaged 2.8 tackles per game in 2013 finishing the season with 11 total tackles in four games played.
 
Austin Crumb and Jordan Deneau are also expected to contribute and will be joined by transfer Joe Iatzko and fifth year Kuinton Elliott.
 
Again this year, head coach Joe D'Amore has brought in a solid recruiting class that includes a number of standout players from the local Windsor-Essex area. Combined with the return of a strong group of veterans, the Lancers enter the 2014 season with a sense of optimism and excitement.
 
"With a good core of veterans and some newcomers that are going to contribute immediately, we feel like we can compete with every team in the OUA and be in a position to have a great season," said D'Amore.
 
Prior to kick-off, fans will have a chance to experience a number of fun activities.
 
For the second time in three years, the NFL is bringing its interactive NFL on Campus tour to Windsor.
 
NFL on Campus is designed to help Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Football programs generate excitement for football on campus. NFL on Campus representatives will be encouraging fans and students to try their hand at a number of interactive games and contests, and will be handing out hundreds of NFL prizes.
 
The NFL on Campus Game-Day experience includes a Combine zone (comparing vertical and long jump results with those of NFL stars), Quarterback challenge, Bungee Run, Tailgate Bean-Bag toss and authentic Lambeau Leap photo opportunity.
 
The visits, which this season will take place in six provinces, also include a $5,000 donation to the intercollegiate football program at each school.
 
Buffalo Wild Wings will also be on hand handing out samples of their product, along with booth from the WFCU Centre and the Coming Home Music Festival.
 
Kick-off is slated for 1:07pm on Alumni Field. Tickets are available at the gate starting at noon, however, season tickets are still available online at www.goLancers.ca.