Players representing the Brantford Bisons past, present and future were present on Sunday to promote the upcoming Bisons homecoming weekend that will be held on June 27th and 28th in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first game played by the Bisons in 1964.
The homecoming game itself will take place on Saturday, June 28th with the Bisons varsity team taking on the Chatham Cougars. Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm at Bisons Alumni field with opening ceremonies commencing at 4:30pm.
The coin toss will be conducted with a number of Bisons players and coaches that are representative of the Bisons “Golden Era” from 1964 to 1982 and the “Modern Era” from 1991 to 2014. Brian Gedney (1964), John Pikula (1970-74) and Rob Welsh (1970-71) will be representing the players from the “Golden Era” with Jack Slater representing the coaches from 1964 to 1982. Matt Krason (2005-14) and Bradley Ward (2006-14) will be representing the players from the “Modern Era” along with Kent Dixon representing the coaches from 1991 to present. Carter Kellam, a Tyke age player will be the representative of future Bisons players.
At half time, all past Bisons players, coaches and volunteers in attendance will be invited to midfield to allow the present players, coaches, volunteers and fans give a show of appreciation for all their effort that has allowed the Bisons name to be prominent in the community for 50 years.
“Bisons is one of the longest serving team names in Brantford. From the days of the blue jerseys of the 1960’s at old Lions Park to the present day red and black colours at Bisons Alumni field, if someone says “Bisons” everyone knows they are talking about football” said Brad Ward, president of the Bisons. ‘
“When you count the number of people who have passed through the Bisons organization over the years, there must be hundreds if not thousands of players, coaches and volunteers. Almost everywhere I go with a Bisons shirt or coat on, someone will come up to me and say that they played Bisons football or their dad, brother or uncle did. I was at a baseball game once and this one individual saw my coat, introduced himself and told me he was a wide receiver for the Bisons in 1972, that is the impact that football has had and will have in our community. The homecoming weekend is an opportunity for everyone involved with the Bisons to come together once again and enjoy the game of football.” Ward added.
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