Craig Boyd is no stranger to the Ontario Football Conference and how it feels to be part of Championship Teams. As part of the powerhouse Ottawa Sooners of the early 90’s Craig has been trained and educated in football by the best of the best.
Having credited so many experiences and former mentors as the reason Football remains his first love, perhaps none more than the years he played centre for the heavily decorated Ottawa Sooners. “I was blessed to be there at a great time, we had a very structured organization, many great coaches and great players” Having played under Greg Marshall, Donnie Smith, Al Moffat and Football Canada Executive Rick Sowieta, Boyd is trained and excited to get started.
“Being part of several OFC Championships and winning one of two trips the National Title Game was such an honor that’s created memories I will never forget.” What people need to understand is what goes into building that success. Boyd says “it is the guy who cuts the grass all the way up to the guy who cuts the cheques”. Put that together with a strong coaching staff, and good recruiting players will come.
The first priorities for Boyd will be beginning the recruiting process as well as the hunt for a new coaching staff. “There are many irons in the fire on both of these needs.” “It will be exciting to see the competition at every spot this year” “I plan to give the incoming coaching staff tough but great decisions to make. Having a strong bench of dedicated players and coaches is the first and most important piece of this puzzle.
Other parts of Boyd’s responsibilities will be running the business of the team, game day operations and community involvement. “We have a beautiful facility in a beautiful city and we plan to make coming out to Bears Games an event you will be looking for more of. Many promotions and game day events are already being prepared.
While having also spent time, playing, coaching and looking after General Manager Duties in the NFC below are the OFC highlights Boyd brings to the Bears Organization.
Ottawa Sooners –OFC (CJFL)
• 1989-93 Ottawa Sooners
• 91, 92 Ontario Champions
• 91 Eastern Canadian Champions
• 92 National Champions (Recognized in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame)
• 92-93 All Ontario Team all star
• 93 Chris Kerr Memorial Winner (most team spirit and dedication)
Brampton Football in reviewing their program determined that what was needed was a breath of fresh air who had extensive OFC (CJFL) background and had a business background to back the football experience up. President Ian Smith states "we are thrilled to be able to bring someone with Craig's football background in the OFC but more importantly his business background to the Brampton Bears". Craig and the Bears are looking forward to bringing a winning team to Brampton in 2012.
