Registration, name tags and raffle ticket sales were handled by Board members Dan Dever and Gary Page as well as our VP Jim Cain and his son-in-law, Randy Osborne.  

After registration was complete and name tags were handed out, the alumni and our guests talked in small groups until the lunch was ready.  After everyone had eaten, Jeff re-introduced us to the Redblacks new Head Coach, Bob Dyce.  Bob had previously attended a Luncheon as an assistant several years ago. Bob finished last season as the interim HC but was confirmed shortly after the Grey Cup. General Manager Shawn Burke joined Bob and our own Jeff Avery at the head table.  

Bob and Shawn both made introductory remarks. Jeff then asked excellent questions about free agent signings and the new high-profile assistant coaches, Khari Jones and Barron Miles. Jeff then opened it up to the floor and Bob and Shawn patiently answered all the questions from our members and guests.  They were so generous with their answers that the session ran overtime!

Once again, this year Shawn Burke provided the feature raffle prize, lunch for two with the GM!  The prize was won by Ann Holtz’s guest, Aldo Chiappa.  Other prizes included a Lorenzo Maudlin IV replica  jersey, 3 $150 gift cards for one hour of design consultation design at Randall’s (donated by Marc Pilon), several women’s items purchased from the Redblacks store using our Alumni discount of 40%, and additional items from our prize inventory. 

Gord Weber photographed the event, including the pictures accompanying this article.

It was a fun event with lots of camaraderie with old teammates and friends plus good food, and an inside view of the upcoming Redblacks season.