Guelph homecoming game takes on extra meaning for father-and-son football coaches
The University of Guelph homecoming weekend saw the Gryphons football squad take to the field with a heartwarming duo behind the bench.
This year’s game was more than just a welcome back for students, there was also a family affair years in the making.
It all started as a shared passion for a sport that has bonded a father and son for decades.
“I grew up in football stadiums. I was the water boy for the Concordia Stingers. I grew up going to ball parks and watching the McGill football team as well as the Concordia football team,” said Ryan Sheahan, U of G’s head football coach.
Ryan and his dad, Pat, have coached university football teams across the country, with the elder Sheahan’s career spanning over 40 years.
Now the tables have turned, instead of the son following the father, this time the father is following the son.
“My wife insisted that if I was going to continue in coaching I might as well come and help him,” said Pat. “He’s all in here, and I know what he’s experiencing as the head football coach. You’re like the CEO of a company.”
“It’s fun to work together. We have a lot of great conversations. We get to chat about a lore more than just football too. It’s a lot about X’s and O’s and making sure people are ready to perform each week,” added Ryan.
The pair were previously at Queen’s University where Pat was the head coach and Ryan the assistant.
Their first game together in their new roles happens to see their Guelph Gryphons take on the Queen’s Gaels in the homecoming football match.
“The homecoming game is an opportunity to come back and relive those memories and reacquaint yourself with your campus, your friends, that kind of thing,” said Pat.
The Sheahan’s say football has given them a chance not only to bond, but help shape the lives of young athletes.
“It’s definitely been a great ride so far this fall and hopefully it’s something we get to continue for the next few years,” Ryan explained.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.