This Saturday will mark the 709th day since a Lancer football uniform was seen in action. However, that is all about to change as the blue and gold finally open up the highly anticipated 2021 season.
 
The Lancers will travel to Waterloo for a 6:00pm kick off on Saturday, September 18th at Warrior Field. Due to capacity limits the game is sold out, but Lancer fans can catch all the action live on OUA.tv.
 
"It feels great to be back with the players and coaches on the field," said Lancer football head coach Jean-Paul Circelli. "It feels a lot like a family reunion with many new faces onboard."
 
"We have been preparing for this upcoming season on a daily basis since the 2020 season was officially cancelled," continued Circelli. "From recruiting and training, study halls and team zoom meetings, it has been a busy year navigating through the pandemic."
 
The preparation for the season has not been without challenges as the coaching staff has been dealing with the pandemic and the ever changing COVID protocols. "The amount of meetings and conversations focused on COVID has taken a lot of time away from the team. Restrictions on training and practices throughout the year has been one of the most challenging aspects I have experienced as a coach."
 
Thankfully, in addition to their two-week training camp, the Lancers were permitted to have multiple organized practices over the summer as the athletes had not been on the field since 2019. Starting slowly to ensure that no one injured themselves after such a long time away, the Lancers are eager and ready to play someone other than themselves.
 
One of the main tasks of training camp was to fill the holes left by the departures of Daniel Metcalfe, Carson Ouellette, and Josh Van Roie. "Both Dan and Josh did such an excellent job of taking the younger players under their wing, that now those younger players are our vets and providing the same support that Dan and Josh brought to the team," commented Circelli.
 
On the field, Devin Veresuk and Liam Hoskins are two first year players that have the potential to fill the shoes of those two outstanding linebackers. Coupled with the veteran presence and knowledge of Bennett Vani, the Lancer defence is in better shape than in past years.
 
"Carson was a special and dynamic player that brought a warrior mentality to our team. We are counting on Matt James and Alex Bornais to provide that same spark for our offence and specials teams."
 
When asked about his impact players, Circelli didn't hesitate to point out fourth year quarterback Sam Girard. "It all starts at the quarterback position and we fortunately have a good one in Sam Girard. Having spent most of the winter/spring getting in shape for the CFL combine, Sam looks great athletically and brings tremendous knowledge of the game form a mental standpoint. Our team will only go as far as Sam can lead us."
 
In addition, James and Bornais will have large roles on offense in the passing game. Defensively, the Lancers are counting on veteran Zach Benson to anchor the defensive force unit and safety Breton MacDougall to lead the defensive secondary.
 
The Lancers have also seen some changes to the coaching staff since the 2019 season. Joining Coach Circelli on the sidelines in a full-time capacity are defensive coordinator Patrick Donovan and offensive coordinator Joe Circelli. "This is one of the best coaching staffs I have ever been a part of because all the coaches have bought into our culture and core values. They understand that they are here to teach our student athletes and provide the best university experience for them."
 
Overall, even with the most challenging schedule in the conference, the blue and gold have a positive outlook for the 2021 season and cannot wait to get back on the field.
 
"Our goal this year is to improve upon our play from 2019," Circelli concluded. "With less games and facing the most difficult schedule potentially in the country, it would be counterproductive to just look at wins and losses. Improving upon our overall play from 2019 and building towards our future are the key aspects for our football program."
 
Windsor opens the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, October 2nd at 2:00pm against the Guelph Gryphons at Alumni Field. Information on spectator attendance will be posted at goLancers.ca as information becomes available.