After making some offseason additions to the coaching staff, the University of Windsor football program is serious about changing their culture in order to compete for the Yates Cup Championship.
 
The Lancers look to improve on their 2-6 conference record which placed them 9^th in the OUA standings. For the second consecutive year, they have failed to make the post-season, but that will not stop this relentless young group of athletes from achieving success in 2017.
 
In a change that envisioned a winning culture, the Lancers added two coaches to their staff. Having coached at Acadia University for 7 years, Peter Fraser joined the staff expecting to bolster the young defense through his extensive knowledge of the front seven.  Fraser won two Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championships with Acadia in 2011 and 2012. He looks to bring a winning culture to the program through his defensive coaching.
 
"We are extremely excited to add Coach Fraser to our staff as our new defensive coordinator. He comes to us after seven years at Acadia University where he was responsible for a number of areas, including recruiting, the defensive line, and special teams," said D'Amore.
 
Vince Flamia was the second addition to the Lancer Football staff this offseason. After spending two years at Wilfrid Laurier coaching defensive backs and special teams, Flamia proceeded to travel South down the 401 and join Windsor's staff.
 
Director of Athletics Mike Havey explained his optimism with the hire, "Vince brings a range of post-secondary, secondary and age group coaching experiences with him to his new role with the Lancers. And, in addition to his experience, Vince brings a high level of passion and innovation. We are excited to add him to the team."
 
The team has another tough schedule in 2017 with away games at Guelph, Ottawa, and McMaster. The Lancers kick off their season at home on August 27^th at 1:00PM against the Waterloo Warriors.
 
Talent is not a problem for this young roster, the Lancers had three players selected to the 2017 Valero East-West Bowl. Defensive Back Lekan Idowu, Wide Receiver Noah Akharoh, and Defensive Linemen Courtney Ellis. All three Lancers gained valuable experience and knowledge from their time in Quebec. This trio can be expected to continue to develop and lead the team in 2017.
 
Matt Gayer returns to the 2017 season with a chip on his shoulder as he missed the entire 2016 OUA season due to injury. A vital part to the Lancer defense, Gayer is expected to be used all over the field; similar to the way he played during the 2015 OUA season when he was selected as an OUA All-Star. The linebacker positions are strong for the Lancers with veteran Marcel Ugoh and 2016 OUA-Rookie Team selection Daniel Metcalfe fortifying the middle.
 
Impact rookies and transfers are always essential to any successful program, and the Lancer Staff has done a great job in bringing in players to compete immediately. The list includes; Western University transfer Ben Bergamin (QB), Patrick Douangchantha (DB) from Windsor, ON, Lindon Izvej (OL) from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Tayo Adeyeye (LB) from Brampton, ON, and Jacob Savoni (RB) from LaSalle, ON.
 
"We are extremely excited about our group of young players coming in this season. We will have some immediate impact guys but we also have a great nucleus of young talent that will add much needed depth at certain positions. We fill this class will not only have tremendous success here on the football field but in the classroom as well." – Head Coach Joe D'Amore.
 
Key Returners:
Defense:
Matt Gayer LB, 5th Year – Leamington, ON
Courtney Ellis DE, 4th Year – Hamilton, ON
Dan Metcalfe LB, 2nd Year – Kingsville, ON
Lekan Idowu DB, 4th Year – Houston, TX
Evan Martin DB, 3rd Year – Brampton, ON
Marcel Ugoh LB, 5th Year – Brampton, ON
 
Offense:
Brett Boersma OL, 5th Year – Camlachie, ON
Drew Desjarlais OL, 3rd Year – Belle River, ON
Cassell Jones WR, 3rd Year – Lansing, MI
Noah Akahorah WR, 4th Year – Brampton, ON
Marvin Gaynor RB, 4th Year – Etobicoke, ON
Marcus Kentner RB, 3rd Year – Windsor, ON