The SWC Football Bulldogs were never about statistics. Thus nowhere is there an accurate record of yards gained, passes completed, tackles made, interceptions or any of those curious achievements which prolong discussions about who were the best players on different teams.

   There are two main reasons for this void in information. One is that for almost 20 years the assistant coaches, Salfi, Ashley, Oprendek & Pullin were department heads that were deeply involved in their subject disciplines and really had no time to be archivists. The second reason is that the coaching staff’s philosophy was not involved in statistics but in developing football players in a team concept.

   The prime objective was developing young men, building character, creating team pride, and determination to excel. The coaching staff wanted the players never to quit and always to strive for success. Their football experience needed to be enjoyable and rewarding, and the coaching staff wanted everyone to realize how important it was to be a good team-mate, someone who could be trusted, and who would be remembered positively. If these goals could be attained, SWC would win far more than its share of games. Proof of SWC’s success is that only four times from 1963 to 2006 did the Bulldogs lose more games than they won.

   The memories of our time then have to do with reflections of individual players, events and achievements:

   One of the reasons for the Bulldogs’ success has been its stability in coaching. Sir Winston has had only four head coaches and even the assistants have been a solid core who continued the traditions of the team. Now, Sir Winston is fortunate to have several former players who have been with the team for over nine years in Steve Cook and Peter Partridge.

   When Sir Winston Churchill opened in 1959 at the original school on Glenridge Ave., the first coach was Ev Smith who coached the team until 1962. He realized that football was an important motivator of school spirit and way to channel the boy’s energy into something positive.

   However, coach Jim Harrison who arrived in 1963 and coached until the fall of 1986 heading the Bulldogs to a thrilling come from behind victory over Niagara District for the city title, established the philosophy, which is adhered to even now. Harrison put his stamp on the team at once: pride, discipline, dedication to achievement and the concept of team and leadership. As the years went by the players were sold on these concepts and carried them into their lives beyond the football field.

   Harrison’s first team, a junior club, was undefeated in its inaugural season and eventually became a championship senior team with John Gammage at QB and such key personnel as Don Hurst, Jan Cook, David Osepchook and Paul Jenkins. Many on this team won the city title in 1966 but suffered a heartbreaking last second loss when the Bulldogs could not punch in the tying TD in a pelting snowstorm against Stamford at Oak’s Park.

   With the class of ’67 gone the next two years were solid but not of championship calibre. They both finished at 4-2 waiting for the season of 1969 when a solid junior team, coached by Paul Wochesen and Keith Pullin, became the senior team. Led by its leaders, QB Elliott Kerr and RB’s David Kerr and Doug Bowers, the team ended the season with a 9-0 thumping of A.N. Myer in the last peninsula championship game to be held. This team had strength everywhere: Al Pasemko, Greg Jacques, Duff Thompson and Neil Dixon on the offensive line, “All American” Art McDonald anchoring the defensive line, and Duke Hannah, Mark Anthony & Evert Kluwer shining as LB’s and CB’s. SWC even had two rookies in the defensive backfield, Paul McQuillen and Steven Dreschel, the latter of which seemed to be unimpressed because on the ride home he kept singing the words of the Peggy Lee hit “Is that all there is?”

   For the next two years the Bulldogs paid for their ’69 success. With two very young teams, Rod Gillen and Bill Sparrow were SWC’s sole key veterans, coach Harrison was forced to resort to trickery as Sir Winston ran the Lonesome Bulldogs formation. Sparrow was the center end who snapped the ball 15 yards to Rudy Barrell at QB. He had three choices: Pass to the center, run to one end, “Heaven”, where the linemen were waiting, or to the run/pass to Doug Bowers at the other end where he was waiting behind three flankers. Sir Winston played .500 and had much fun.

   The return to power began in 1973 when talented players like Bob O’Doherty, who went on to play for Queens and the CFL, the artful and underrated RB Jamie Butko and another fine QB in Jim Mossop led the offense. This team was the forerunner of excellent teams, which excelled through to 1982. However despite their success these teams suffered tear-drenching losses in the title games.

   In ’75 SWC lost by the narrow margin of 9-6 to DM at City Sports Park even though QB Greg Hayes, RB Nick Swirski, Guard Miles Hershberg and many others played with all their fibre to attain victory. Mike Fair, John Cain, Paul King & Peter Romak still came out winners. In ’77 captains Gary Osadetz, Dean Oleskiw, Greg Doliszny, Paul King and Romak again left the field shedding tears as the Bulldogs lost on the last play of the game to Godfrey Cotton and the Collegiate Saints, and failed to make the finals.

   In 1978, the first of several journeys to the U.S., the Bulldogs were invited to play against Montross, Virginia. With a minimum of practice SWC played on September 15. The Bulldogs lost 32-8 but made friends with our opponents and each other and left sharing Chris Ciccarelli’s feeling that the trip was the highlight of his career. On our return home, SWC played perfect football only to lose a closely fought 17-15 championship game to CI despite the gallant efforts of Mike Cain, John Finley, Paul Muirhead, Barry Katzman, and Glenn Hunt.

   The next two seasons ended in the same way for the Bulldogs, losing cruelly to DM 15-9 and 1-0 in two desperately fought games, one in brilliant sunshine, the other on a snow covered field. The 1980 team in which Gord Denny replaced Peter Harrison as QB included Steve Ashley, John Fraser and the Wininger boys. The latter team made a trip to Strasbourg, Virginia in The Shenandoak Valley and defeated The Rams 9-0 on three field goals by Randy Kerasek.

   In 1982 a tough Bulldogs team was invited to Orange, Massachusetts where it was treated with warm hospitality; but SWC repaid their kindness with an ungallant 15-12 victory. Dan Fournier gained some fame because he had the same name as the school board member who treated everyone to breakfast.

   For the next three years the Bulldogs battled as Sir Winston featured captain Sam Loucks who went on to play at McMaster and then in the CFL. However, the 82 & 83 teams suffered the first two losing seasons in the team’s history. There were some highlights. In ’83 the team traveled to Kingston, visited RMC, defeated QECVI (Queen Elizabeth Collegiate), and then saw a game at Richardson Field where former team-mates Peter Harrison and Ross O’Doherty were playing for Queens.

   In 1985 Sir Winston took another trip Massachusetts, this time to Pittsfield where the Bulldogs lost 24-7 on the beautiful field of Berkshire Academy, amidst the wondrous colours of the fall leaves.

   As though he had willed it, in his last season as coach in 1986, Harrison ended his career as he had begun it – with a city title. Although down 21-0 at the half against a strong and persistent team from Niagara District, the Dogs refused to quit. With the score 21-19 against them late in the game, Big George Masswohl executed a perfect trap block and sprang the speedy Brent Barker free for the winning TD -----Bulldogs stuff.

   Coach number three was John Gammage, a former Bulldog QB who was a firm believer in the principles that had been taught by Harrison. He persuaded coaches Salfi & Oprendek to continue coaching and changed his approach to running the team. While Mr. Harrison preferred to be involved in all aspects of the game, Mr. Gammage turned over the defence to Mr. Salfi and he retained control of the offense. They agreed on two things: they would give each other only suggestions and their strategy would be to attack relentlessly. The results were that the defence blitzed liberally with a variety of players and the offense ran misdirection plays and used their talent to strike quickly.

   This talent which emerged to a great degree from the Glenridge area produced an almost invincible squad: Brad & Don Butler, Greg Lake, Steve & Adam Cook, the intense Blaine Barker, the outstanding Matt Harris at corner, tough as nails lineman Darko Milivojevic and silent but deadly Chris Hill at MLB. This team also traveled to Orange, Massachusetts, but this time lost to an outstanding Mahar team late in the game. Although Mr. Pullin and Mr. Salfi had to stay overnight in the hospital with Bruce Prout, the team had a wonderful trip and made more friends amongst both players and cheerleaders. This team won three consecutive city titles and was undefeated in three seasons after losing their first game of the season.

   Then after two excellent but non-title seasons the teams of ’92 & ’93 emerged led by yet another Barker, Brad, Peter Partridge, Mark Casselman, Dylan Teague and our two year undefeated QB, David Arbuckle. With only a few starters returning, the 1992 year was supposed to be a rebuilding year. However, the Bulldogs started off by winning their first three games handily and were then matched up at rival Collegiate on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon. Sir Winston stunned CI 24-0 and went on to finish the regular season undefeated. The finals were played at Sir Winston early in November in a huge snowstorm. Phys. Ed classes spent all of their periods prior to the game trying to remove snow from the field. Sir Winston trounced Collegiate 26-0 and finished the year with 224 points scored for with only 26 scored against. The next year most of the team returned and the Bulldogs went 9-0, culminating with a convincing 24-7 victory over Lakeport before a boisterous home crowd. The only blemish on this team was a 20-17 defeat at Sir Winston by Mahar from Orange County, Massachusetts. The Bulldogs almost recovered from a 20-3 deficit but ran out of time. The players had a great time playing against this team from the US. 

   By this time there were many former Bulldogs playing University Football across Canada. Don Butler, Steve Cook, and Greg Lake were at Ottawa, Dave Butler was at Bishops, Adam Cook was at Windsor, Mike and Dan Stuart were at Laurier, Mark Casselman was at Western, Peter Partridge was at Guelph, and Matt Bukata was at McMaster. 
 
   In the mid-90’s the balance of power in the league shifted and SWC’s chief rival became the Beamsville Buccaneers who became blessed with large, talented & athletic players. As a result, for the next four years the two schools split four thrilling finals. The Bulldogs won an upset victory at Beamsville, lost on a crucial referee’s call which cancelled a TD on the last series of game, won another thriller at home defeating Tom Denison and then losing the fourth in the series in 1997. Scott Johnson, Mike Thorne, Samir Mirdawi, Kyle Handrahan & Chaka Bainbridge all made major contributions.

   There was no season in 1998 as the “Work to Rule” eliminated high school sports that fall. This marked the end of Coach Gammage’s era at the helm of the Bulldogs as he retired. Sir Winston then moved on to their fourth coach in 40 years. They were lucky to have waiting young but long-time assistant, Peter Perron. Coach Perron started with the Blue and Gold as an assistant in 1986 under Coach Gammage and he was now ready to take command. Former players never forget Coach Perron yelling “the blue and the gold, the blood and the guts, the onslaught that never stops, the river that never stops flowing . . .!” Former Bulldog Steve Cook would remain at Defensive Coordinator with assistance, tutelage and mentoring from Coach Salfi. His younger brother and former Bulldog, Adam Cook, would assist him with the defence.  Coach Perron was able to recruit former Bulldog Peter Partridge to run the offence. He would be assisted by Jim Thibodeau, a new Phys-ed teacher at SWC and no stranger to athletics. 

   1999 was a strange year in that this was the first football season in 2 years in Niagara. Early on the coaches had to spend more time teaching fundamentals and working with the young men to develop their football skills as so few players had played football before. The Bulldogs had a good year and finished first in the regular season at 6-0. They were defeated by a tough Beamsville team in the semi-finals in a close game. 

   The Bulldogs had relatively successful seasons in 2000 and 2001 with records of 5-2 and 4-2 respectively. In 2000 they were again defeated by their long-time rival, Beamsville.  The game was played in brutal conditions in Beamsville with high winds, sleet, rain, and freezing rain. Beamsville did a better job of holding onto the ball and never surrendered an early lead. In the 2001 the Bulldogs lost an exciting game to Governor Simcoe in the semi-finals. The Redcoats became quite a football powerhouse in the late 1990’s and there would be many exciting games versus Sir Winston in the years to come. 

   The Bulldogs had 3 players graduate to play university football from 1999-2001. Frank MacEwen graduated in 1999 and left to play for McGill, John Netherway graduated in 2000 and left to play at the University of Toronto, and Reg Van Velzen graduated in 2001 and left for the University of Ottawa.

   In 2002 the Bulldogs began to lay down the foundation for success in future seasons. The Bulldogs struggled through most of the regular season and would host Beamsville in their final league game. Sir Winston needed to either win the game, or lose the game and not give up more than 38 points, in order to make the playoffs. Beamsville was coming into the game on a 15 game winning streak over the last few seasons and had already defeated the Bulldogs earlier in the year. Things did not look good for Sir Winston as Beamsville scored early and often and when the dust finally settled at the end of the first quarter the Bulldogs were down 20-0. However, the gritty Bulldogs, led by QB Matt Seniuk, RB Eric Cameron, and LB Jon Kowalski weren’t willing to concede and slowly the Bulldogs started coming back. Sir Winston ended up winning 21-20 in a thrilling game and would be matched up against Governor Simcoe in the semi-finals. Governor Simcoe had beaten the Bulldogs quite handily earlier in the season but they would be facing a renewed Bulldog team that was now playing with confidence. The wind played a huge factor in the game and both teams played very conservative, knowing that one mistake may make the difference. The score was tied 0-0 at the half, Simcoe struck early in the 3rd quarter for a touchdown, and Sir Winston answered with a touchdown of their own but missed the extra point. The Bulldogs finally tied the game in the last two minutes with a single on a missed field goal attempt. On the next series Governor Simcoe committed the only turnover of the game with a fumble and Donny Blake kicked the winning field goal with 3 seconds left as the Bulldogs pulled the upset. Sir Winston’s magic would run out in the finals as Beamsville beat the Bulldogs for the Varsity League crown. However, like tempered steel, Sir Winston became tougher from the experience and would channel that strength into the next season.

   The 2003 season was one of mixed emotions. Long-time Bulldog coach, Paul Salfi, passed away in the spring and both the team, and the league, dedicated the season to his memory. Each Bulldog player wore a PS patch on their uniforms and the captains from the other team did as well, honouring Coach Salfi.  With pride, honour, dedication, and leadership, from players Jon Kowalski, Greg Seniuk, Ryan Rubin, Dirk Hoffman, and Madaav Khunara, the Bulldogs put together a perfect 7-0 season. In the process, the Bulldogs learned, from the previous season, the importance of unselfish teamwork and took home the city championship in front of a large, boisterous, and jubilant SWC crowd. The Bulldogs were able to persevere through the season despite the loss of starting QB, Donny Blake, to a broken wrist early in the first game. Grade 9 QB, Nick Coutu, stepped in and led the team for the balance of the year. Donny was healthy for the finals and both he and Nick contributed in the 19-9 win over a very tough Governor Simcoe squad.

   The Bulldogs returned a core group of players for the 2004 season. However, the momentum from the previous season was lost early as the Bulldogs were defeated in their first 2 games by league newcomer A.N. Myer and Governor Simcoe. The veteran Bulldog squad then rallied to win their next 4 games, leading to a semi-final showdown at Governor Simcoe. Unfortunately, the players did not show up ready to play and were getting absolutely demolished 26-0 at the half.  However, the Bulldogs have never been ones to give up and on this day they weren’t about to. Jordan Barker returned the opening kick-off in the 2nd half for a touchdown and a few plays later the Bulldogs scored again to pull within 26-13. Governor Simcoe regrouped and led 33-13 going into the 4th quarter. Sir Winston scored twice to pull within 33-27 and then Jordan Barker broke a 40 yard touchdown run late in the game to put SWC up 34-33. The lead was short-lived as Simcoe struck back on their next play from scrimmage and went ahead 40-34. With 3 minutes to go the Bulldogs would get one more chance to win. They slowly marched down the field and were on the 12 yard line with 8 seconds left. Unfortunately, the pass from QB Nick Coutu bounced in and out of the receivers’ hands and the game ended 40-34 for Simcoe. The Bulldogs got great leadership from James Snook, Andrew Holmes, Liam Neufeld, Greg Vaughn, and Peter Kellendonk. Jordan Barker was an absolutely stellar running back who saved his best for the big games.

   2005 was a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs. Sir Winston finished in 5th place in the league with a 2-4 record and was bounced in the quarter-finals by another new team to the league, St. Francis. Running back Jordan Barker tore his ACL in his knee in the summer and missed his senior season. However, he rehabilitated over the year and he has continued his football success with the University of Guelph Gryphons.

   In 2006 the Varsity League continued to expand and 10 teams would form Division 2. The league consisted of SWC, Collegiate, Beamsville, Governor Simcoe, Grimsby, A.N Myer, St. Francis, Welland Centennial, Stanford, and Fort Erie. Each team would play seven regular season games and the top eight would advance to the quarterfinals. High school football has really taken off in Niagara and Division 2 is extremely competitive. The Bulldogs didn’t help their cause for a high playoff seeding as they lost their first 3 games. After victories in their next 3 games the Bulldogs lost their final regular season game to finish 7th in the league. They then travelled to Niagara Falls to play two-time league champion, A.N. Myer, in the quarterfinals. Sir Winston played well and led going into the fourth quarter, however, Myer’s experience prevailed and the Bulldogs were eliminated. A number of young players really stepped up their game for Sir Winston in the 2006 season including running back Gary Spero (14 touchdowns), Titan Hough, Kevin Wassill, and Ryan Saunders. With a solid nucleus returning in 2007 the Bulldogs look to return to their former glory years!

  Return to the glory years they did! The Bulldogs had high expectations coming into 2007 and by the end of the year they had met their lofty goals as they won the Division 2 Championship.  The season started as expected as they easily won their first 2 games. However, on an extremely hot and humid Friday afternoon on Thanksgiving weekend, they were unable to defeat a tough Stamford team. In a game which featured no punts, SWC was defeated 45-34. After 2 more wins (including an emotional one for the team after head coach Peter Perron was hospitalized with kidney stones) SWC was defeated for the 5th consecutive time by A.N. Myer. The Bulldogs won their last regular season game and finished in third place in the 10 team league (Myer and Stamford finished ahead of them). SWC beat a tough St. Catharines Collegiate squad in the quarterfinals and then were matched up against Stamford in the semi-finals. SWC avenged their regular season defeat with an 18-14 win on a cold, windy, and rainy day. QB John Krzeczkowski hit WR Nick Coutu with 47 seconds left for the winning touchdown pass. SWC was then matched up in the finals against A.N. Myer who were 9-0 entering the game. Myer, since joining the league in 2004, had been dominant with a record of 32-3, had been to the finals all 4 years (winning in 2004 and 2005), and had never lost on their home field. This all changed on a cold day in which the Myer field was completely covered in snow. SWC, for the third consecutive playoff game, was down at the half (4-0) but rallied in the 2nd half for a 16-4 victory.  QB John Krzeczkowski hit tight end Jeff Finley on a 39 yard touchdown pass to give the Bulldogs the lead and running back Gary Spero scored his 21st touchdown of the year later in the game to seal the victory. 5th year veteran linebacker (and captain), Johnny Lee, played the best game of this life and led the defence to an outstanding performance against the slick Myer offence. Defensive Coordinator Steve Cook and Defensive Assistant Scott Hill put together an outstanding game plan that stifled the Myer offence all day. The Bulldogs were a very strong running team with Spero, Jon Demetriades, and Ryan Saunders doing the bulk of the running behind a very strong offensive line. Special thanks go out to the four graduating 5th year players, Tommy Hannah, Johnny Lee, Nick Coutu, and Titan Hough, for their leadership, maturity, and perseverance that they demonstrated throughout the season. These four players were on the team in 2003 (as grade nine’s) when Churchill last won the championship. The Bulldogs are eligible to return 49 players for next year and are looking forward to the 2008 season as they attempt to repeat as champions.

  Special thanks go out to the SWC Coaching Staff who dedicate themselves and their time to the Bulldog football program. Peter Perron has been coaching the Bulldogs since 1986 and has been head coach since 1999. Steve Cook, a former Bulldog, has served as the defensive coordinator for the past 10 years and has been coaching for the past 14 years. Another former Bulldog, Peter Partridge, has helmed the offence over the last 9 years. Former Bulldog and assistant coach, Scott Hill, has worked with the linebackers for the past 5 years, Tim Hough has been assisting coach Perron with the offensive and defensive lines for 4 years, and the team welcomed Bob Krzeczkowski to the coaching staff as an offensive assistant in 2007. Thanks to the coaching staff for all of their efforts building character in these young men and helping to carry on the strong traditions of Sir Winston football. As Coach Salfi would have said, the prime objective is to develop young men, build character, create team pride, and create a determination to excel.
 

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