FRONT ROW – Left to Right: Stephen Keleher, Rick Ford, Darren Manley, Bob Watson, Tim Howlett, John Aldersley, Chris Martin; CENTER ROW: Luke Hahn, Doug McLaren, Jay Martin, Michael Keleher, Terry Bernier, Lino Zamprognia, Geoff Scarrow, Chris Driscoll; BACK ROW – Ron Driscoll, Trevor Dejong, Paul Mitchell, Mark Gardonia, Ron Keleher; ABSENT: Dean Bower, Griff Manley, Ron Mullin.
This team was loaded with depth and character. Eighteen young local boys came together at just the right time to accomplish a feat few ever experience… winning a national championship. Coached by Ron Keleher and managed by Ron Driscoll, the team truly excelled that season. In previous years they had played at the ‘C’ level, but because Fergus was having trouble getting enough players to field a team, they joined forces with Guelph and that was the tonic this team needed to get over the top. One of the key Fergus boys was Chris Driscoll, who averaged 45-50 goals a season and was a solid two way player. Other key players were goaltender Bob Watson and also Jay Martin. (As it turned out, Driscoll went on to play professional lacrosse with the Buffalo Bandits, while Watson led the Toronto Rock to at least two championships. Martin stayed in the Guelph program to coach). Because they added some outside players it forced Guelph up one division, so they were in tough all season. Despite that, they won several tournaments before making it to the Nationals in Surrey, BC. “It was out west we really came together as a team” remembers coach Keleher. “We did everything together and realized we had to completely rely on each other if we were to win.” And win they did. They were undefeated in the tournament, beating Burlington in a thrilling final. There is little doubt this is one of the greatest, if not the greatest lacrosse team to ever carry Guelph’s colours.
Inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame –Team category – on May 15, 2000
