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Saturday, June 24 at 10 p.m.
Repeating Sunday, June 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Ron Lancaster's story is the history of almost half a century of the Canadian Football League. He's done it all - from quarterback and head coach, to general manager and broadcaster. An American export turned Canadian hero, his was a triumph of skill and brains over brawn and bravado. An underdog who rose to glory in an underdog league, the "Little General" battled the odds to become a football legend.
The biography traces Lancaster's roots in the blue collar steel town of
Clairton, Pennsylvania, where football was a religion. A standout high school
quarterback, he lacked one major attribute - size. A mere 5'5'' tall, Lancaster
was shunned by the big U.S. colleges. Instead he played for Ohio's tiny
Wittenburg University, where he gained a reputation for his great throwing
arm and strong leadership. Overlooked by the NFL, he was scouted by a team
he'd barely heard of - the Ottawa Roughriders. And the rest is CFL history.
Dramatic football footage illustrates a rollercoaster career. From "the Miracle Game" of 1963, when "the little General" lead underdog Saskatchewan to last minute victory over Calgary, to losing streaks and Grey Cup glory - this is the story of a man with an indomitable will. A who's who of football greats share anecdotes and memories - including Russ Jackson, Hugh Campbell and George Reed.
Today,
Lancaster continues to work in the CFL, with the Hamilton Tiger Cats. The
Little General's latest battle has been with bladder cancer. Now recovered
from surgery, he savours time with his own football dynasty. Sons Ron jr.
and Bob both played quarterback and coached, and grandson Marc is the high
school quarterback.
Links
Hamilton Tiger Cats
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Ron with wife Bev and granddaughters Brittany and Brie-Anne
black and white photos: Terry Hanley
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