my top gryphon football memories

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Taylor Floris and I have worked for the Gryphon Football program for the last two years. What started as a four-month Marketing co-op position for me, ended up being a two-year adventure of different positions and experiences within the program. This is the longest job-experience that I have to-date and it has been the absolute best experience of my life.  

My roles with this team can more or less be categorized into the following four pillars: marketing, events, recruiting and alumni relations. One thing that I loved is that it became something that my entire circle got behind. My family followed the team and my friends were frequents at our home-games. I even had friends who never watched football before fall in love with the game and the atmosphere! It made me so proud to be a part of the team who helps to put together such an amazing game day event. 

I could go on forever about the things I love about this program, the things I’ve seen, the stories I have and the lessons learned along the way. As I now end my chapter from the University of Guelph and the Gryphon Football program, I thought I’d share with you three of my favourite moments and experiences of my time at this amazing football program. 

1. Spring Training Camp at IMG Academy

I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t one of my top experiences with the team. We ventured to Florida in only my second month with the program and I felt so lucky to be invited to go. Aside from the awe that was IMG Academy, which is more or less like Disney World for sports, this was the first time that I really got to see the team in action. As we went in February, this was the first bit of football that I had seen the team play and the coaches coach. I will never forget the energy, enthusiasm and passion that the guys displayed (even after our 6am daily breakfasts). This was also my first chance to really get to know the guys on a personal level - turns out you can really break some ice on a 26 hour bus ride! By the end of this trip, I remember feeling so happy. I felt so welcomed, and comfortable and I had this sense of feeling like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. That feeling never changed. 

2. Special Olympic Powerlifting Competition

This past March, I got to help with the Special Olympic Powerlifting Competition that took place in our weight room. For this event, I helped get player volunteers, do social media and act as a liaison throughout the day. With all of the charitable events that I helped with throughout the past two years, this was hands down one of my favourites. 

First off, the event in itself was inspiring. These athletes are incredibly strong, focused and passionate and it was amazing to watch them compete. In addition to this, our players brought energy: they cheered these athletes on and would celebrate with them when they did well. The athletes fed off their energy and continued to display a sense of confidence and swagger as they would get ready to compete. 

I loved watching every moment of that day. That event opened my eyes to realize that we as a part of this team are truly a part of something greater than just football. It made me proud. I feel so blessed to have been a part of an organization that places an emphasis on giving back to the community in various different ways. This is one of the many things that I love about the Gryphon Football program.

I’ve included some videos and photos from that event that hopefully display the energy that I am speaking about. 

3. Quarterfinal Game vs. Carleton (2019) 

This game was one for the books, and is one that is special to me for a few reasons. 

I was joined by my cousin Emma for this game. Emma is currently in grade 12. She’s interested in studying Sport Management and in a lot of ways, reminds me of a mini version of myself. As this was our quarterfinal game and potentially our last home game of the season, I thought this would be the perfect time for her to come and shadow me, be around the team, and see what goes into the production that is gameday!

As the time in the fourth quarter continued to diminish and were trailing, I started taking everything in. The guys on the sidelines, the fans in the crowd, the beautiful field, and all of my amazing memories with the team. 

The very first game that I was a part of with this team took place at McMaster in Hamilton, Ontario: my hometown. I remember thinking about how quickly two seasons had gone by. I remember putting my head down, tearing up for a quick second, regrouping and then grabbing Emma to go a little farther down the sidelines. 

We had just gotten the defensive stops we needed to try and get the ball back for one final go. There was 1:04 left in the game and Carleton was getting ready to punt. You could feel the energy start to deflate in the stadium. That’s when it happened: Freshman Defensive Back, Harrison Bagayogo BLOCKED Carleton’s punt, recovering the ball in Carleton’s endzone, putting us in the lead to win the game! Me, Emma, and just about everyone else were screaming and running around the sidelines, grateful for one more week. I felt euphoric. The energy around the players, coaches, parents, staff, and trainers was incredible! Some of my friends who were also in attendance told me that when the play happened, they were even screaming and hugging each other and everyone around them!

It turned out to be the last game at Alumni Stadium that I would be a part of,  but I will always look back and smile at that game. I’ll never forget that moment and that energy.

We went on to play our semi-final game at McMaster the following week. My mom, dad, sister and some of my best friends came to support the team. Unfortunately, we fell short to the Marauders. This time, I cried for real. I felt so grateful for all of the experiences, people,  memories, and really took in that my last season with this team was over. 

It all ended at the same place it started, in my hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, which I am now moved home to. 

This team is truly something special. It is a family that looks out for one another and respects each other. As a female in this very male-oriented team, I have been treated so well by all of the players and staff. From the very beginning to the very end they looked out for me, respected me and welcomed me and for that, I will be forever grateful. 

I am so sad that my time with this beautiful team is over, but I will always be so incredibly thankful for Stu Lang and the Advancement team for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. 

To all of the coaches, staff, players, parents, recruits, alumni and anyone else along the way, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

I look forward to venturing up highway six in the fall to cheer on the program that changed my life for the better. 

Go Gryphons!