Renegades Make History by Drafting Gauthier First Overall
Published on April 25, 2002 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA â Thursday, April 25, 2002 â The Ottawa Renegades have announced today that they have made offensive lineman Alexandre Gauthier the first overall pick in the 48th Canadian College Draft.
Gauthier, 6'7", 322 pounds, not only becomes the first player ever drafted by the Ottawa Renegades in franchise history, but also becomes the first French-Canadian player ever taken with the top selection since the inception of the draft in 1953. The versatile athlete, who had not played organized football until 1997, but had previously opted for junior college basketball and junior hockey, has been a member of the powerhouse Université de Laval program since 1998. The 25-year-old, who was a member of the Vanier Cup-champion Rouge et Or squad in 1999, has been a starter for the past two seasons.
Obviously, he is very excited of his future in the Nation's Capital. "The Ottawa Renegades have been my first choice since the Evaluation Camp," explained the colossal lineman, who is still in the developmental stages of his career. "When I first met (offensive line) coach (Kani) Kauahi, I knew I wanted to be guided by him, especially with all his years of experience playing in the National Football League. Furthermore, it's a new franchise, in a beautiful city, and it's not too far from my home (Quebec City). I'm going to do everything I can to stick with the club."
Gauthier becomes the fifth player from a Quebec school to be taken first overall, joining tackle Len Sigurdson from McGill (Saskatchewan Roughriders, 1958), running back Larry Smith from Bishop's (Montreal Alouettes, 1972), offensive lineman Nicholas Benjamin (Ottawa Rough Riders, 1985), offensive lineman and current Renegade Val St. Germain (Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 1994).
The Ottawa Rough Riders, who ceased operations following the 1996 season, had six number one picks in franchise history: end Lou Bruce of Queen's (1956), defensive tackle Mike Riley of Dalhousie (1977), UBC offensive lineman Leo Groenwegen (1987), running back Orville Lee of Simon Fraser (1988), tight end Gerald Wilcox of Weber State (1989), and Benjamin.
Professional football returns to the nation's capital this spring as the Ottawa Renegades open up their inaugural training camp on June 1st. The regular season kicks off on June 28 against the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders at Frank Clair Stadium.
Canadian Football League Stories from April 25, 2002
- Bombers Pick Joey Mikawoz - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Winnipeg Draft a Family Affair - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Lloyd Orris to Join Blue and Gold - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Ottawa Renegades GM Happy With Draft Picks - Ottawa Renegades
- Winnipeg Picks Faisthuber - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Michael Shaver Now a Blue Bomber - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Roughriders Bolster Defense With Final Picks - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Alouettes Draft Local Talent - Montreal Alouettes
- Renegades Make History by Drafting Gauthier First Overall - Ottawa Renegades
- Riders Tackle Boulianne With First Pick - Saskatchewan Roughriders
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