Nepean Eagles grad and Grey Cup Champion Ettore Lattanzio jumps on the podcast and talks about his start in NCAFA, his days at UOttawa and ultimately becoming a Grey Cup champion with his hometown Redblacks. At 6’0” 270, ET has always been considered “undersized “ at the DT position. Ettore talks about what it took to “break that mold” and earn his spot at a position usually reserved for Americans. As an added bonus ET takes us through a typical snap in the life of a CFL defensive lineman.

University of Ottawa Football Alumni Association aka “1881” chairman Tom Casagrande jumps on the podcast with us for this latest edition. An Ottawa native, Tommy had quite the stellar career with the U of O Gee-Gees, followed by a pro stint in Europe. Not as involved as he wanted to be in football, Tommy jumped in head first at the opportunity to become involved with his alma mater and get back into the game. A product of NCAFA’s Bel-Air Lions, Tom reminisces a little about his days as a Lion and what they meant to him. Tommy also talks about what the future holds for the 1881 and his thoughts on football here in the nation’s capital.

Constable Darren Joseph of the Ottawa Police services Neighbourhood Resources Team has been tirelessly giving back to the community now for over 15 years in his role with the police. A mentor for our youth of today, DJ has also found time to volunteer to coach for many NCAFA clubs (including but not limited to the Gloucester South Raiders) as well as guest coaching at several skill development camps. Prior to this however DJ was busy becoming a bit of a local legend at the RB position culminating with a 12 year pro career. Holder of records at every level he played at (CJFL single season rushing record, CFL most special teams tackles in a game, etc.) Darren also holds the distinction of having played every level of football in Ottawa. Starting his career with NCAFA’s Britannia-Bayshore Broncos, DJ played city ball, scholastic ball, junior ball, university ball and finally pro ball right here in the nation’s capital. And all this stemmed from his mother’s passion for the Ottawa Rough Riders back in the 1960s.....

Almost every football player in the National Capital region has paid a visit to “The Bob Barr Football Field” in Kanata. It’s namesake, Coach Bob Barr has been active at all levels in the Kanata Knights organization for the past 37 years and continues to do so. A bit of a local football legend, Coach Barr started his journey as a parent volunteer (aka bag holder) and evolved into one of the more knowledgeable and recognizable football coaches in Kanata. Over the course of the last four decades Coach Barr has been a position coach, coordinator and head coach as well as serving as club president, basically he’s done it all, while serving as a mentor to Kanata’s youth and touching many young lives along the way.

TSN Radio host and Kanata Knights (then Hares) graduate Matt Sekeres joins us to reminisce a little on his NCAFA playing days and what NCAFA has meant to him. Currently the host of TSN 1040 Vancouver’s, “the Sekeres & Price show” and a former journalist for the Globe and Mail and Ottawa Citizen, Matt grew his early love of football with 6 years of playing Def. line for Kanata. Identifying his passion at a young age, Matt has gone on to make quite a name for himself in the Canadian sports media community and we appreciate the NCAFA alumni dropping in.

GS Raiders product Brandon Weekes joins us to talk about growing up and playing ball in the south end of Ottawa, his path from NCAFA to Europe and keeping his brother’s legacy alive. Please make sure and check out the incredible work Brandon, his mom and the rest of their family and friends are doing with the Ashton Dickson Youth Empowerment Program. https://adye.ca One of the great NCAFA graduates Ashton left his mark in both Ottawa and Nova Scotia, starring at St.FX. His legacy lives with ADYE. Phenomenal work.

2019 Ottawa Redblacks receiver and ex-Carleton Ravens standout Nate Behar drops in and chats about his athletic career and his rise to the pros, culminating with him becoming the 5th overall pick in the 2017 CFL draft. Much more than an athlete, Nate dives into his personal growth throughout the years, social issues in and out of football and also discusses his essay: “To Pimp a Movement”. If you haven’t had a chance to read it online, check it out, an absolutely phenomenal read!! https://medium.com/@nateformula11/to-pimp-a-movement-e303dac23c49

Today we get to chat with NCAFA/ NG Giants alum Ron Omara and learn about his family‘s Ugandan roots, his own journey from the prairies of Saskatchewan to Gatineau, QC. and his rise to the CFL. Ron’s father fled the oppressive Idi Amin regime in Uganda, redoing his education after earning a scholarship in Canada and earned his PHD, setting the example for Ron and his siblings, as they excel not just in sports but in life. Learn about Ron’s ascension through the local football ranks all the way to having his name called by the Hamilton Tiger Cats in the 2015 CFL Draft. Ron guides us through his journey, his time at St.FX, and his time in the pros. A very impressive young man shares some advice for aspiring players as well as talking about giving back by coaching and even takes the time to recognize current Giants president Chris Lalonde and his tireless/ selfless deeds.