University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Athletics: A Legacy of Varsity Excellence
The University of Ottawa boasts a rich athletic tradition, fielding a diverse array of varsity teams and clubs that compete at the highest levels of Canadian collegiate sports. Known as the Gee-Gees—a nickname coined by the media in the 1940s to replace the original "Garnet and Grey" moniker—the university's athletes have consistently challenged for national titles across multiple disciplines.
Key Facts
- Football: One of Canada's oldest programs (est. 1881) with two Vanier Cup national titles (1975, 2000).
- Men's Basketball: Won the Wilson Cup in 2014 and earned a national bronze medal in 2013.
- Women's Soccer: Two-time national champions (1996, 2018) under long-time coach Steven Johnson.
- Women's Rugby: National champions in 2017, achieving seven consecutive national medals under Jen Boyd.
- Men's Hockey: Established in 1889, with a notable University Cup appearance in 2004.
Varsity Sports Structure
The university divides its athletic offerings into varsity teams and varsity clubs, ensuring a wide range of competitive opportunities for both men and women.
Varsity Teams
These primary competitive programs include basketball, football, ice hockey, rugby, soccer, swimming, and volleyball.
Varsity Clubs
The university also supports a broad spectrum of club sports, including alpine and Nordic skiing, badminton, artistic swimming, baseball, cross country, equestrian, fencing, golf, lacrosse, softball, rowing, rugby, track and field, squash, tennis, volleyball, and water polo.
| Sport | Key Achievement | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 2x Vanier Cup Champions | Program established in 1881 |
| Men's Basketball | 2014 Wilson Cup Winners | First national medal (Bronze) in 2013 |
| Women's Soccer | 2x National Champions | Titles in 1996 and 2018 |
| Women's Rugby | 2017 National Champions | Seven straight national medals (2013-2020) |
Men's Basketball: The Rise to the Wilson Cup
The men's basketball program saw a significant era of growth starting in July 2010 with the appointment of alumnus James Derouin as head coach. After several seasons of steady improvement, including a 13–9 record in 2011–12, the team reached a historic peak in the 2012–13 season. Led by star Warren Ward, the Gee-Gees secured their first national medal in school history, taking home the bronze after defeating the Acadia Axemen.
The 2013–14 season stands as one of the most successful in program history. With stars Johnny Berhanemeskel and Terry Thomas, the team posted a school-best 20–2 regular-season record. The season culminated in a thrilling 78–77 victory over the Carleton Ravens to win the Wilson Cup—their first in 21 years—ending Carleton's 49-game winning streak against Canadian competition. Although they eventually lost the National Championship final to Carleton (79–67), the season cemented their status as a national powerhouse.
Football and Men's Hockey: Historic Foundations
Football at the University of Ottawa is one of the oldest programs in Canada, dating back to 1881. The team plays at TD Place Stadium and has appeared in five Vanier Cup championships, winning the title in 1975 and 2000. They have also secured eight conference championships, split between the OUA and OQIFC.
The men's hockey program, formed in 1889, has a long history of resilience and talent. While the team has yet to win the University Cup, they had a memorable run in 2004, advancing to the Queen's Cup and eventually the University Cup in Fredericton. The program has been shaped by distinguished coaches, including Mickey Goulet, who later coached the Italian National Men's Hockey Team at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
The hockey team's venues have evolved from the outdoor "College Yard" and the indoor Rideau Skating Rink to the modern Minto Sports Complex, which replaced the Minto Arena in 2000.
Women's Programs and Specialized Sports
The women's soccer program, founded in 1994 by Steven Johnson, achieved rapid success, winning a national championship in only its third season (1996). The program remained a force for decades, culminating in another national title on November 11, 2018, with a 2–1 victory over the Trinity Western Spartans, featuring a game-winning goal by Miranda Smith.
Women's rugby experienced a golden era under head coach Jen Boyd (2013–2023), who led the team to seven consecutive national medals and a national championship in 2017. Following a transition in leadership, the program is set to be led by Jack Hanratty, the Canada Senior Women's Sevens head coach and Paris Olympics silver medalist, starting after the 2024 season.
Rowing and Ringette
Rowing was established in 1949 and maintains a strong partnership with the Ottawa Rowing Club. A highlight of the program is the P.D. Ross Regatta, an annual race on the Rideau Canal between Bank Street and Pretoria bridges. Originally a duel with McMaster University, it now features top crews from both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Additionally, the university supports a ringette team that competes annually in the Canadian national University Challenge Cup, though it is not classified as a varsity team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the University of Ottawa football team win the Vanier Cup?
The Gee-Gees football team won the national Vanier Cup title twice, in 1975 and 2000.
Who is the current head coach of the women's soccer team?
The women's soccer program is led by long-time head coach Steven Johnson, who founded the program in 1994.
What is the significance of the Wilson Cup in men's basketball?
The Wilson Cup is the OUA championship trophy. The Gee-Gees won it in 2014 by defeating the Carleton Ravens 78–77.
Where does the P.D. Ross Regatta take place?
The regatta is raced annually in early September on the Rideau Canal, specifically between the Bank Street and Pretoria bridges.
How did the name "Gee-Gees" originate?
The name was created by the media in the 1940s as a nickname for the university's varsity athletic programs, which were previously known as the "Garnet and Grey."