York Lions football

The York Lions football team represents York University in Toronto, Ontario in the sport of Canadian football in U Sports. The York Lions football team has been in continuous operation since 1968 and are one of two teams currently playing in U Sports football to have never won a conference championship.[1] The other team, the Sherbrooke Vert et Or, did not begin their current program until 2003. Their current head coach is Warren Craney, who became the team's head coach before the 2010 season.[2]

York Lions
York Lions logo
First season1968
Athletic directorJennifer Myers
Head coachWarren Craney
10th year, 13–67–0  (.163)
Other StaffTommy Denison (OC)
Sammy Okpro (DC)
Home StadiumAlumni Field
Year built1995
Stadium capacity2500
Stadium surfaceFieldTurf
LocationToronto, Ontario
LeagueU Sports
ConferenceOUA (1980–present)
Past associationsCCIFC (1969–1970)
OUAA (1971–1973)
OQIFC (1974–1979)
All-time record– 
Postseason record– 
Titles
Vanier Cups0
Yates Cups0
ColoursRed, White, and Black
     
OutfitterAdidas
RivalsToronto Varsity Blues
Websiteyorkulions.ca

The Lions were previously known as the York Yeomen until all York varsity teams changed their nicknames to the Lions in 2003.[3]

Recent history

The program has been one of futility, finishing out of the playoffs each year since 2005. After Queen's and Ottawa joined the OUA in 2001, the playoffs were expanded to include eight teams, meaning that the Lions would make the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.[4] This format was discontinued after the 2003 season, so the Lions did not qualify for post-season play in 2005. In 2012, the Lions finished with a 2–6 record, the most wins for the program since 2005 and in 7th place, their highest finish in eight years. In 2013, the team finished 8th overall in the OUA, matching their previous season's record of 2–6. Following the 2013 season, head coach Warren Craney signed a contract extension with York University to remain at the helm of the program.[5]

During the next two seasons, the Lions took a step backward as they recorded no wins in 2014 and one in 2015. The team had a 2–6 record in 2016, showing some improvement, but regressed the following year with a one-win season in 2017. The Lions won three games in 2018, which was their highest win total in 13 years, but still finished outside of playoff contention. The Lions again regressed following a stronger year, with a 1–7 finish in 2019.

The Argo Cup

Red & Blue Bowl

The Lions maintain a competitive rivalry with their crosstown rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues, and the two teams play annually in a game called the Red & Blue Bowl.[6] The first meeting occurred on September 11, 1970, which was an exhibition match won by the Varsity Blues. At a time when Toronto was a dominant program, the Varsity Blues won the first 14 match ups until York won their first Red & Blue Bowl game in 1984.[7] York's longest stretch of dominance began in 1996 when the Lions won their first of 12 consecutive matches, which ended after their 2007 victory.[6][7] Overall, as of the 2019 season, the Lions hold a 19–31 record in the Red & Blue Bowl and maintain a current three-game winning streak.[6][8]

Season-by-season record
The Lions on offense against the Toronto Varsity Blues in 2017.

The following is the record of the York Lions football team since 1995:

SeasonGamesWonLostPCTPFPAStandingPlayoffs
19958440.5001151725th in OUADid not qualify
19968440.5001591545th in OUADid not qualify
19978620.7502091294th in OUALost to Waterloo Warriors in quarter-final 17-0
19988350.2501181556th in OUADid not qualify
19998260.2501751636th in OUADid not qualify
20008350.375992056th in OUADid not qualify
20018350.3751532168th in OUALost to McMaster Marauders in quarter-final 62-0
20028530.6251211135th in OUADefeated Ottawa Gee-Gees in quarter-final 12-4
Lost to McMaster Marauders in semi-final 29–14
20038350.3751612517th in OUALost to Queen's Golden Gaels in quarter-final 27-6
20048350.3752202376th in OUALost to Western Mustangs in quarter-final 54-18
20058350.3751132948th in OUADid not qualify
20068170.1251342249th in OUADid not qualify
20078170.125902799th in OUADid not qualify
20088080.0003247110th in OUADid not qualify
20098080.0009741410th in OUADid not qualify
20108080.000734169th in OUADid not qualify
20118170.125902419th in OUADid not qualify
20128260.2501922747th in OUADid not qualify
20138260.2501793328th in OUADid not qualify
20148080.0006338211th in OUADid not qualify
20158170.12512136710th in OUADid not qualify
20168260.2501713849th in OUADid not qualify
20178170.12516334010th in OUADid not qualify
20188350.3751722979th in OUADid not qualify
20198170.12512227211th in OUADid not qualify

National award winners

York Lions in the CFL

As of the end of the 2019 CFL season, four former Lions players were on CFL teams' rosters:

References
  1. "50th Anniversary". York Lions. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  2. "York Lions pick a winner in new head coach Warren Craney". The Star. May 8, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  3. "From Rugby to Football: The History of Canadian Football York Yeomen". Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  4. "Bob Adams CIS Sportspage". Chebucto Community Net. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  5. "York University extends Warren Craney's term as head coach of the football program". York University. November 20, 2013.
  6. "Red & Blue Bowl". York Lions. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  7. "2016 University of Toronto Varsity Blues Football Media Guide". Toronto Varsity Blues. September 8, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
  8. "Head-to-head records, Toronto vs OUA schools" (PDF). Toronto Varsity Blues. Retrieved May 17, 2020.
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