Guelph Gryphons Head coach Mark Surya says his team is getting back to basics on the gridiron in 2024-25.
Surya, entering his first season at the helm of the Gryphons, is setting sights high as the team gets ready to kick off the season against the Carleton Ravens at Alumni Field on August 24 at 1:00 pm.
The Gryphons, who compiled a 3-5 record last year, are also hoping for a bit of redemption when they face the Ravens, who knocked them out of playoff contention in the final game of 2023.
To do that, they’re looking to returning players Isaiah Smith, who won the OUA’s Rookie of the Year title in 2022 after the Burlington native ran for 495 yards and three touchdowns in seven games, and Donavin Milloy, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 8 games last season.
The duo is expected to be at the core of an explosive offence, which also includes receiver Vyshonne Janusas.
“It’s definitely a high-energy type of team,” Surya said. “When it comes to weapons on offence, we're definitely not short of them.”
Buy tickets online by visiting the Gryphons web site
The defence is buoyed by defensive lineman Curtis Woodmansey, returning following a brief stint with the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
Woodmansey arrived in camp a few pounds lighter, Surya said, with “some unfinished business” to attend to.
Braeden MacDougall has had the best camp so far, Surya said, adding that he’s excited to watch him develop into the stalwart of the linebacker corps.
The stakes are high for Surya.
An assistant with the Gryphons since 2019, he’s making his mark on a team that last hoisted the Vanier Cup in 1984. To get there, the Gryphons are going to have to put up wins against division powerhouses Laurier, Windsor and Queen’s this season.
But success goes beyond drawing up plans on the chalkboard for Surya.
“The real focus of this off season has been a re-entrenchment of doing the things culturally that are important to the staff,” Surya said.
That includes getting players to buy into the team-first mentality that Surya has been emphasizing.
”On really talented teams, the thing that nobody talks about is, how do you get everybody to buy into that sense of team?”
That approach isn’t about reinventing the wheel, Surya said. It’s all about focusing on the fundamentals and letting the players carve out an identity for themselves on the field.
“I'll be honest, we ran a system here for a lot of years that was very different than what the people are going to see now,” he said. “It's exciting.”
He’s also looking forward to stepping onto the field at Alumni Stadium for the first time as a head coach.
The fans, not to mention the larger Guelph community that has rallied behind the Gryphons, has been a huge support and a motivator in setting the team up for success.
It’s a privilege that’s not been lost on Surya. He said the plan is to make more connections between community groups and Gryphons players this season, and years beyond.
“The connection between players and fans is just one living, breathing thing,” Surya said. “We really feel it's our responsibility as potential leaders in the community to do that, and so we hope that it kind of feeds the system where the fans come and support our guys too.”
The community will have its chance to provide that support.
The opening game will also contribute to a worthwhile cause, as one dollar from every ticket sale will go towards helping the University of Guelph’s United Way campaign in their mission to improve lives and build community.
United Way invests in local programs that help thousands of people in Guelph on their journey to a better quality of life. Click here to see the list of programs they support.
Coach Surya said he’s always been impressed with how the fans form a family on game days – the living, breathing thing – including a barbeque run by the Gryphons’ parents group.
Fun activities and food are available Surya said, something that goes a long way to building a family atmosphere.
“It's a really cool, fun place to be on game day,” Surya said. “And I think anybody who wants to come out, there's something for everybody.”
“When they come and support us at a game, they’ll get so much more out of it. It's an affordable ticket, and they can see some of the guys who they'll also see in their communities this off-season.”
GAME TIME: Saturday, Aug 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM (ET)
LOCATION: Alumni Stadium, 26 Lang Way, Guelph
GUELPH GRYPHONS HOME SCHEDULE:
- Home game #1: Saturday, August 24, 2024 | 1pm vs Carleton Ravens
*** Home Opener, United Way Game ***
- Home game #2: Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 1pm vs McMaster Marauders
- Home game #3: Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 1pm vs Waterloo Warriors
*** Homecoming ***
- Home game #4: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 1pm vs Windsor Lancers
*** Think Pink / Senior Day ***
2024 Gryphon Football Regular Season Game Ticket Prices:
- Adult $20
- Faculty/Staff $10
- U of G Student $0 (when ticket secured online)*
- Youth (4-17) $10
*Excluding homecoming