On a mild and cloudy day December 4, 1909, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated the Parkdale Canoe Club at Rosedale Field to become the first ever Grey Cup Champions.
Under brilliant sunny skies May 30, 2012, U of T football players returned to that very field, joining members of the Toronto Argonauts, and Canadian Football League alumni including past Grey Cup champions and Canadian Football Hall of Famers in a celebration of the 100th Grey Cup*.
"The Grey Cup is synonymous with Canadian culture and unity and this is where it all began," said Mark Cohon, commissioner of the CFL. "Just as Canada has come so very far as a country, the Grey Cup has grown into something bigger than sport: it's a symbol of our ability to come together to celebrate who and what we are as Canadians."
*The Grey Cup was not contested for three years during World War One; the official 100th Grey Cup Game will be played November 25, 2012.
(Text by Gavin Au-Yeung and photos by John Guatto.)
The original game ball from the 1909 Grey Cup game, won by the University of Toronto by a score of 26-6 over the Parkdale Canoe Club of Toronto. (Photo by John Guatto.)
The sound of steelpan drums rings across the park as crowds gather to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Grey Cup. (Photo by John Guatto.)
University of Toronto President David Naylor commemorates the winning 1909 University of Toronto team and introduces some of the current U of T football players who turned out to help celebrate the anniversary. (Photo by John Guatto.)
The Grey Cup (CFL) and Vanier Cup (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) flank the original game ball from the first Grey Cup match. The University of Toronto was the first team to win both these prestigious trophies - a feat U of T pulled off in 1909 and again in 1965. (Photo by John Guatto.)
Members of the Argonotes add to the festivities. Comprising roughly 50 all-volunteer members, the Argonotes band is a much-loved presence at Argonauts games, performing before, during, and after games. (Photo by John Guatto.)
Representing the Vice-Regal Office and the people of Ontario, the Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, is also honorary chair of the100th Grey Cup Festival.
"The Grey Cup is an important part of Canada, has played an important role in the history of Ontario, and I am pleased to participate in this festive occasion," said Onley.
(Photo by John Guatto.)
The plaque unveiled by Canadian Football League Commissioner Mark Cohon commemorates the very first Grey Cup game. (Photo by John Guatto.)
University of Toronto football players sporting specially commissioned 1909 replica uniforms help commemorate the humble beginnings of what has become Canada's largest annual single sporting event.
In 1909, the Dominion Championshiop of Canadian Amateur Rugby Football drew a crowd of roughtly 3,800 spectators. Approximately 52,000 fans are expected to attend this year's Grey Cup game. They'll be joined by millions of viewers from coast to coast.
"A team from Toronto won the very first Grey Cup and it is our goal to complete the circle and both host and hoist the 100th Grey Cup here in Toronto this November," said Chris Rudge, executive chairman and chief executive officer of the Toronto Argonauts and chairman and CEO of the 100th Grey Cup Festival.
(Photo by John Guatto.)
Current University of Toronto athletes pay homage to the look of the original 1909 winning team and officials, posing with the Grey Cup. (Photo by John Guatto.)
Argonaut wide receiver Mike Bradwell participates in a passing drill with local kids. (Photo by John Guatto.)
Toronto Argonauts defensive end Ricky Foley prepares to throw a few passes to the children who shared in the celebration at Rosedale Park. (Photo by John Guatto.)
On December 4, 1909 the University of Toronto Varsity Blues defeated the Parkdale Canoe Club at Rosedale Field to become the first ever Grey Cup Champions. On May 30, 2012 the Canadian Football League celebrated the *100th Grey Cup by returning to the field where it all began.
(Photo by John Guatto.)
*No Seasons took place between 1916-1919 due to World War One.
