In this, the 40th year since the founding of the London Beefeater Football Club, it’s interesting to look back and see what has happened to many of our Beefs alumni following their days with the team.
Many, of course, went on to play at a higher level of football, including the CIS, NCAA, CFL and NFL. For instance, Dave Rigg, an OFC All-Star Defensive Back who was an integral member of the ‘75-‘76 Beefeaters, went on to play with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.
Ian Sinclair, who played for the 1979 Beefeaters, headed south to the University of Miami. As the starting center for the Hurricanes in 1983, he won an NCAA National Championship when the Canes defeated Nebraska. Following his university career, Sinclair went on to play 11 seasons for the BC Lions in the CFL, winning two Grey Cups in the process.
Steve Jackson (‘79-‘81), Bill Howard (’77, ’79, ’81), Lou Cafazzo (1988), Jeff Croonen (‘88), Jay McNeil (‘89-‘91) and Jason Congdon (‘97) are some other former Beefeaters who played in the CFL.
Wide receiver Tommy Kane (’83), who played a season with the Beefs, enjoyed a stellar career with Syracuse from ‘85-’87 and then played with the Seattle Seahawks from ‘88-‘92 before finishing his football career with the Toronto Argonauts. Following his own Beefeater career, three time OFC All Star Receiver Tom Cudney (‘76-‘79) signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. Cudney also played in the CFL and the USFL, and he has coached at various levels in both Canada and the United States.
In fact, many Beefeater alumni and former coaches have gone on to coach at higher levels. Rob Annen, the 1988 OFC Defensive Rookie of the Year is now the head coach of the Beefeaters. Recently named head coach of the Waterloo Warriors, Chris Bertoia served as the Beefs’ Offensive Line coach from 2003-04. Meanwhile, former Beefeaters Paul Sguigna (2004), Brian Burgess (Player ’80-’81, Coach ’87-’91), Paul Gleason (1981) and P.J. Edgeworth (’96-’98) are all now coaching with the Western Mustangs.
Mike Circelli, a local football legend and former CCH head coach, not only coached the Beefeaters in the early 2000’s but also played on the inaugural Beefeater team. The Beefeaters’ connection with the Circelli family extends to Mike’s sons JP and Joe as well. JP played with the Beefs from 2001-2003, and then coached in 2006. He now coaches with the Western Mustangs and is the head coach of the OVFL London Jr. Mustangs JV squad. Joe, who was a member of the 2012 OFC champions, is now with the Argonauts.
Kevin MacNeill (’97-’98) is now the Defensive Coordinator for the Guelph Gryphons, and Steve Snyder (‘04) is the Offensive Coordinator for the St. FX X-Men. Two former Beefeaters, receiver Christian Ridley (’12, ’14) and defensive lineman Jimmie Cunningham (’13-14), will be heading out east this September to play for Snyder’s X-Men.
Beefeater successes have certainly not been limited to the football field. Many players and coaches have gone on to be great teachers, policemen, firefighters, emergency workers, businessmen, successful tradesmen, salesmen, real estate brokers, university administrators, and had success in a myriad of other professions.
The one thing they all have in common are memories that were created on the field as part of the London Beefeaters. No other game brings out the need for teamwork like the game of football, and the lessons learned on the gridiron have stood all of these men in good stead in whatever path they have chosen.
www.londonbeefeaters.org
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Fall Home Games (TD Stadium)
Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Burlington Braves
Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Windsor AKO Fratmen
Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Ottawa Sooners
