After more than eight months on the football field, even the officials need a party.
And that’s what 74 officials and guests had on Saturday at the EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet. Making this year’s event even more special was the participation of Alex Mateas, an offensive lineman with the CFL Grey Cup Champion Ottawa RedBlacks.
Having a member of the Grey Cup champs for dinner is one thing. Having a local boy, who played his minor, high school and junior ball in Ottawa, is another completely. During his youth, many of our members looked through his facemask at Alex. For most, though, this was the first chance to meet him in person. Or at least, in a social setting like this.

EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas

EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas

EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet

EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet

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EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
Alex Mateas of the Grey Cup Champion Ottawa RedBlacks talks about playing pro football, and winning a CFL Grey Cup, in his hometown. Mateas was the guest speaker at the 2016 EOTFOA Christmas Banquet Saturday at the RCAF Officer's Mess. (Photos courtesy of Paul Graham) -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
EOTFOA officials and their guests listen as Alex Mateas speaks. More than 70 people attended this year's banquet, which wraps up the season for our association and is our social highlight. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet
EOTFOA referee-in-chief John Pinches, left, is honoured for his dedication to the sport by President Barclay Easton. This honour earned a standing ovation for John's passion for football and his tremendous service to our organization. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet
Justin Andrews, right, receives an honour as one of the EOTFOA's two "Most Improved Officials" during 2016. Presenting the award is president Barclay Easton. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet
Ken Joly, left, hams it up as he receives an honour as one of the EOTFOA's two "Most Improved Officials" during 2016. Presenting the award is president Barclay Easton. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet
Al Chaffey, left, receives the "Hard Hat" Award from Malcolm Bruce. Al had to hobble up to receive the award, which draws lots of chuckles when it's handed out. Unfortunately, though, you must get injured on the field to receive it. Al broke bones in his lower leg after being "rolled up on" during a late-season game. It's an unfortunate possibility we face when we hit the field, but fortunately does not happen all that often. Al is recovering well, and vows to be right back on the field next spring. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
Banquet organizers Don Wilcox, left, and Malcolm Bruce, right, offer Ottawa RedBlacks player Alex Mateas a gift in thanks for his attending the EOTFOA Christmas Banquet. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
Alex Mateas of the RedBlacks poses with longtime CFL and CIS official Ross Saunders and wife Cheryl. Alex stuck around after dinner to join us for the dance and socialiizing, signing many autographed photos for the 70-plus members and guests. -
EOTFOA Banquet - Alex Mateas
Official Mark Clatney and Alison Quinn share a few tales with Alex Mateas after dinner. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
Dave Ho proudly shows off his autographed photo with Alex Mateas. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
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EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
We'd be remiss to not mention Jeff Morris, here posting with Alex Mateas. Jeff printed off over 40 copies of the photo of Alex Mateas with the Grey Cup for members to have signed. Jeff, for those who don't know, publishes the Barrhaven Independent and several other local publications. -
EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
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EOTFOA 2016 Christmas Banquet - Alex Mateas
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EOTFOA Banquet
At the end of the evening, each couple leaves with a gift, beautifully assembled by Carolyn Bruce and Cheryl Wilcox. Thanks to all who attended, and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Mateas is, put simply, an outstanding ambassador for both his team and football in general. On the same weekend he attended our banquet, Alex also acted as an ambassador for Christie Lake Camp. Shows the kind of character he has.
“Anything I can do to help build football, and especially if it’s for the kids, just ask,” he told me several times. And clearly he’s walking the talk.
Alex spoke about growing up in a soccer family, and how it took a while for his dad to accept that football was his true passion. But, as Alex became a star in the “barbaric sport” as his dad used to call it, the family came around and now are his biggest boosters.
Poking fun
He talked about playing major college ball at UConn in the United States, where crowds for college games surpass even what he now plays in front of in the CFL. And he talked about the thrill of playing pro ball for what is now his hometown team, for a RedBlacks organization recognized throughout the league as a premiere franchise, and winning a championship.
And yes, he poked fun at the stripes. At one point, he reached into his back pocket(s) and pulled out a couple of hankies. As he tossed them into the air willy-nilly, he drew a big laugh from the audience.
What impressed his audience the most, however, is that Alex stuck around for the evening. Well after 12:30 a.m., he was still hobnobbing with the officials and their guests. He’d signed dozens of photos showing him with the Grey Cup as souvenirs. Thanks for EOTFOA official Jeff Morris for the photos, from his newspaper the Barrhaven Independent.
EOTFOA wants to say thanks for Alex for joining us. We’d also be remiss in not thanking official Paul Graham, who through a couple of close friends, was able to invite Alex to be our guest.
Before we close, a few notes for non-members, or fellow officials who weren’t able to attend.
- Hearty congratulations to our “Most Improved Officials” in 2016, Ken Joly and Justin Andrews (Editor’s note: This corrects an earlier version which contained an incorrect name). Outstanding work, guys.
- A huge thank you to referee-in-chief John Pinches, who was honoured for his tremendous dedication to football and officiating. John’s job is more-than-fulltime some weeks, and it can be very difficult. He handles it with professionalism and grace.
- We had 69 officials work games across Eastern Ontario in 2016.
- We officiated more than 670 games, resulting in over 2,700 “assignments” to our members.
The evening was a fantastic wrapup to our 2016 season. Enjoy your time off, guys and gals. Training will be starting in late winter, and we’ll be back on the field probably by end of April.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.