The Truth About the Origin of Canadian College Football
Fascinated by the question of when Canadian colleges began playing American-style football? Contrary to popular belief, the initial roots of what we now consider football in Canada actually come from a rugby-inspired game played over a century ago. This article delves into the intriguing history of Canadian college football, debunking myths and shining a light on the true origins.
Harvard and McGill: The Pioneers of Rugby-Style Football
It all began in 1874 when Harvard and McGill, two renowned institutions of higher learning, collaborated to play a pair of rugby-style games. One game adhered to Harvard's local rules, while the other followed McGill's. A notable feature of McGill's style was the use of an oblong ball, which was easier to throw. This ball design was likely quite similar to the one depicted below.
An oblong ball similar to that used in McGill's style of football.Harvard's Adoption of McGill's Innovations
Harvard was particularly enamored with several elements of McGill's game, including the unique shape of the ball, and the "try," a score achieved by bringing the ball to the end zone and touching it down. These aspects influenced the development of football in the United States, ultimately evolving into the American football that we recognize today. Key innovations during this period included the "snap" and the forward pass, which played a crucial role in shaping the game.
The Emergence of Intercollegiate Football
Intercollegiate football truly became a phenomenon in 1897 when the Canadian Intercollegiate Rugby Football Union (CIRFU) was formed. Initially, the games were still very much rugby in nature. However, the Canadian game started to incorporate many of the American game's features around that time, leading to a gradual transformation.
Early university football matches were often played against other amateur teams, but in 1909, the Governor-General of Canada, Lord Grey, donated a trophy for the "national champion." Interestingly, this title mostly signified "Ontario" as a dominant force in the sport during the early years. The University of Toronto won the trophy for the first three years, while Queen's University in Kingston also claimed victory multiple times. However, by the 1920s, universities largely ceased competing for this title.
Regional Dominance and the Birth of the Vanier Cup
For the next fifty years, university football remained a regional affair, primarily centered around the "Big Four" in Ontario and Quebec: the Universities of Toronto, McGill, Queen's, and Western Ontario. This regional focus continued until 1965, when a new national competition, the Vanier Cup, was established. Named after the Governor-General, this competition provided a true national championship.
Today, university football in Canada is governed by USports, with men's football divided into four divisions. These include Canada West, Ontario University Athletics, nRéseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ), and Atlantic University Sport. RSEQ has seen significant success in recent years, winning 13 out of the last 20 championships. However, McGill has managed to win the national championship only once, in 1987.
From humble beginnings inspired by rugby to the organized and competitive landscape of today, the journey of Canadian college football is a fascinating chapter in the history of sports. Whether you're a fan of Canadian-style or American-style football, understanding its origins is crucial for appreciating the rich tapestry of this beloved sport.
Key Points:
Early games were played by Harvard and McGill in 1874. The unique oblong ball influenced the American football style. The Vanier Cup was established in 1965 as a national championship. Modern university football is governed by USports.