OFC - Ontario Football Conference

By Devin Size BayToday.caThursday, February 17, 2011 See original Article here... Head Coach Matt Gordon, left, and Quarterback Coach Tyson Brear, right, are excited to bring their experience to the next level with the launch of the new OFC 2011 expansion team, the Nipissing Wild, at Casey's on Thursday morning. Photo by Devin Size North Bay finally has a level of post-secondary football for ages 17-19 (Varsity) with the launch of the Nipissing Wild football club. The Wild are an expansion team to the Ontario Football Conference for the 2011 season, which starts May 28. Head Coach Matt Gordon of Widdifield Secondary School says he’s excited to bring his 16 years of football experience back to North Bay.“I’ve played 11 seasons with the (North Bay) Bulldogs, and coached with the bulldogs,” says Gordon. “16 years of experience, both in coaching and playing, is what I bring to the field. I think my familiarity with the high school loops and players is going to be my best asset when it comes to recruiting.”The team is holding tryouts April 5-7 in the Canadore College Main Campus gym. The Wild are looking at a prospective roster of potentially up to 50 players. The team has conjured up a coaching staff of 10 members so far, not including executive members.Experienced coaches such as Gordon and former Bulldogs Offensive Coordinator, Ryan McGowan, will be working alongside members of the North Bay high schools’ football teams. Tyson Brear of West Ferris Secondary School is lined up to be the Quarterbacks’ coach and believes this is a big step for football in the city.“I think playing at the high school level in North Bay, is much different than playing across Ontario,” explained Brear. “For example, we’ve seen a big gap between teams here and Sault Ste. Marie. I think I can bring that level of competetion to these kids, and let them know that being good here in North Bay, but out there’s a totally different level.” The OFC is a three down league, with each team playing 8 regular games per season, and possibility for playoff games. The schedule is set for four home games and four away, and playoffs are determined after the season. The league consists of North and South devisions, which both include 5 teams. Two other expansions to the league are the Clarington Tiger-Cats of Oshawa, and the Huronia Stallions of Barrie. Club President, Anthony Gauthier was honoured to be nominated as president, and knows the potential this brings to North Bay, on and off the field.“When we formed our executive in mid-January,” explains Gauthier. “I had signed on as a different role, but Gordon approched me to be president, and I graciously accepted. Not only do I want to develop players and a competitive team, but I’m looking to bring a level of honesty to these kids in football. If they know their role, work hard, play hard, they’ll get better, and they will make football in North Bay better.”Many football enthusiasts in North Bay have already stepped forward with sponsorships and personal contributions to the new team. Local names such as Greg Estabrooks of Cogeco North Bay have sponsored the team, and Bob Coles of Rogers Radio has taken on the role of the team’s Public Relations Officer. Casey’s Bar & Grill Owner Terry Tourigny is a known supporter and sponsor of local sports teams, and has not only taken the position of Team Advisor, but also has designated Casey’s as the location for all the Wild’s meetings and press conferences.