Congratulations to the 2025 inductees into the
London Beefeaters Hall of Fame in the Team Category
2012 London Beefeaters
The 2012 season stands as a foundational chapter for the London Beefeaters, orchestrated by Head Coach John Vouvalidis. His leadership transformed the program from a perennial contender into a championship-winning organization, earning him the prestigious CJFL Gordie Currie National Coach of the Year award as well as the Ontario Football Conference (OFC) Coach of the Year. Under his guidance, the team finished the regular season at the top of the standings with a dominant 7–1 record, boasting a high-powered offense and a defense that remained disciplined and opportunistic throughout the campaign.
The roster was packed with individual talent that set the standard for the franchise. Zack Medeiros delivered one of the most remarkable special teams seasons in junior football history, earning the A. Stajic Memorial Special Teams Player of the Year award. Medeiros was nearly perfect, hitting 100% of his converts (26/26) and setting franchise records with a 53-yard field goal and 2,432 gross kickoff yards. On the offensive line, Nathan Caranci was named the OFC Offensive Lineman of the Year, providing the protection that allowed quarterback Blake Huggins to achieve a staggering 158.3 QB efficiency rating in a single game. Defensively, the team saw the emergence of Garrett Heming, who took home the OFC Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and Ian Barrie, who was a key veteran presence in the secondary.
The season reached its climax at TD Waterhouse Stadium in the OFC Championship against the Hamilton Hurricanes. In a wet, hard-hitting affair, the Beefeaters erased a ten-point third-quarter deficit. The turning point was a legendary 82-yard punt return touchdown that shifted the energy of the rain-soaked crowd and paved the way for a late 1-yard rushing score. This 19–16 victory gave the Beefeaters their first-ever OFC title in 37 years. While their journey eventually concluded in the CJFL National Semi-Final against the Saskatoon Hilltops, the 2012 squad's achievements under Vouvalidis cemented their place in history and established the championship pedigree the team still carries into 2026.
The team featured multiple OFC All-Stars - Ian Barrie (DB), Nathan Caranci (OL), Kyle Woldenberg-Puyda (RB), Josh Woodman (REC), Garrett Heming (Dl), Zack Medeiros (Place Kicker), and Zack Medeiros (Punter). Nathan Caranci, Zack Medeiros and Ian Barrie were also honoured as CJFL All-Canadians. George Thomson earned the CJFL Executive of the Year Award.
Congratulations to the 2025 inductees into the
London Beefeaters Hall of Fame in the Individual Category
CLASSIC ERA (1975-2000) PLAYER
IAN SINCLAIR (1979)
The legacy of excellence in London is personified by Ian Sinclair. Following his 1979 season with the Beefeaters, Sinclair moved on to the University of Miami, where he helped the Hurricanes secure an NCAA National Championship. He then transitioned seamlessly to the CFL, anchoring the BC Lions' offensive line for over a decade. Sinclair retired with 12 professional seasons and two Grey Cup rings to his name, standing as a premier example of the heights a Beefeater athlete can reach.
CLASSIC ERA (1975-2000) PLAYER
JAY MCNEIL (1989)
A distinguished alumnus of the London Beefeaters, Jay McNeil has built a legendary career as both an elite athlete and a premier sports executive. Following his time in London, McNeil starred at Kent State University before embarking on a 14-season career (1994–2007) as a cornerstone of the Calgary Stampeders offensive line. A two-time Grey Cup Champion, he earned three CFL All-Star nods, six West Division All-Star honors, and was twice awarded the Presidents’ Ring for his excellence on and off the field.
McNeil’s transition to the front office has been equally impactful. After a successful tenure as a high-level corporate executive, he returned to the Stampeders, being appointed Team President in 2024. In addition to overseeing all club operations and serving as a CFL Alternate Governor, he played a pivotal role in securing Calgary’s bid to host the 2026 Grey Cup. A champion, community ambassador, and business leader, McNeil personifies the elite standard of the Beefeaters legacy.
CLASSIC ERA (1975-2000) PLAYER
STEVE JACKSON (1979-1981)
A dominant force during the early years of the franchise, Steve Jackson was a cornerstone for the London Beefeaters from 1979 to 1981. His standout performance in London paved the way for a successful collegiate career at the University of Guelph, where he continued to refine his craft and attract professional attention.
Jackson’s journey reached the professional ranks in 1984 when he joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He enjoyed a productive six-season tenure (1984–1989) in the CFL, highlighted by a Grey Cup Championship in 1986. A reliable and physical presence on the field, Jackson’s transition from the Beefeaters to a professional champion remains a testament to the high-level development found within the program.
CLASSIC ERA (1975-2000) PLAYER
DAVE RIGG (1975-1976)
A true pioneer of the organization, Dave Rigg holds a unique place in history as a cornerstone of the London Beefeaters both on and off the field. Competing in the mid-1970s during a highly competitive era of the OFC, Rigg was a dominant two-time All-Star (1975–1976) and became the first player in franchise history to receive the prestigious Schenley Award.
Rigg’s talent led him to become the first Beefeater ever to sign a professional contract in the CFL, spending three seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. His commitment to the program continued long after his playing days; he served as a coach alongside Bob Gooder in the early 1980s and was instrumental in the 2000s as a key architect of the team’s Mission Statement and foundational documents. A player, professional, coach, and builder, Rigg’s influence is woven into the very fabric of the Beefeaters’ identity.
CLASSIC ERA (1975-2000) PLAYER
JERRY LAMPORT (1989-1991)
Jerry Lamport was a transformative leader under center for the London Beefeaters from 1989 to 1991. Known for his elite precision and high football IQ, Lamport’s 1991 campaign was a historic display of efficiency that stood unchallenged for over two decades. During that season, he set a franchise record with a 105.5 QB Efficiency Rating, a testament to his ability to manage the game and deliver the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
Lamport’s mastery of the pocket was further highlighted by his individual game completion record of 90.4%, a mark of excellence that remained the gold standard in London for 21 years until it was narrowly surpassed by Blake Huggins in 2012.
MODERN ERA (2001-PRESENT) PLAYER
MIKE JONES (2002-2003)
Mike Jones remains one of the most versatile and explosive athletes to ever wear the Beefeater uniform. Competing during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, Jones achieved the rare feat of dominating on both sides of the ball at an elite level. In 2002, he was a nightmare for opposing secondaries, earning OFC All-Star and CJFL All-Canadian honors as a receiver. His 2002 campaign was highlighted by a historic performance on October 5th, where he set a franchise record with a staggering 270 receiving yards in a single game.
Proving his pure athleticism, Jones transitioned to the defensive side of the ball in 2003, where he was once again recognized as an OFC All-Star, this time as a Defensive Back. Whether he was shattering records as a deep threat or shutting down opponents in the secondary, Jones embodied the "Standard" of excellence. His name still sits atop the record books, serving as a reminder of one of the most dominant two-year stretches in Beefeater history.
MODERN ERA (2001-PRESENT) PLAYER
ISAIAH NGANGA (2012-2016)
Isaiah Nganga was a cornerstone of the London Beefeaters’ secondary during one of the most competitive eras in program history. A high-impact defender with remarkable longevity, Nganga suited up for the Beefs from 2012 to 2016, bridging the gap between the 2012 championship season and the continued success of the mid-2010s.
Known for his ball skills and lockdown coverage, Nganga’s elite play was recognized across the conference in back-to-back years. He earned OFC All-Star Defensive Back honors in both 2015 and 2016, cementing his reputation as one of the premier ball-hawks in Ontario junior football. His five-year commitment and consistent excellence in the defensive backfield make him a standout addition to the Beefeaters’ legacy.
BUILDER CATEGORY
DON MAHOOD 
The survival and eventual success of the London Beefeaters are due in large part to the behind-the-scenes dedication of individuals like Don Mahood. Inducted in the Builder Category, Mahood was a vital force during a precarious chapter of the team's history.Between 1980 and 1983, he worked tirelessly alongside Bob Gooder to ensure the program remained operational and competitive.
While many legends are made on the field, Mahood made his impact through sheer persistence and organizational grit. As a primaryfundraiser and advertising lead, he secured the financial resources and community visibility necessary to keep the team on thegridiron. His selfless commitment during those foundational years preserved the franchise for future generations, making him anessential architect of the Beefeater legacy.
BUILDER CATEGORY
IAN HAYES (PLAYER 1977-1980; EXECUTIVE MID '80S-MID '90S)
Ian Hayes represents the heart of the London Beefeaters, serving the organization with distinction both on the field and in the boardroom. His journey began as a player from 1977 to 1980, where he helped anchor the team during its formative years. His passion for the program, however, extended far beyond his playing days.
Stepping into leadership during a pivotal era, Hayes served as Beefeater President from the mid-1980s well into the 1990s. His steady hand and executive vision guided the franchise through a decade of growth and transition, ensuring the team remained a fixture in the London sports community. As a player-turned-president, Hayes’ decades of service provided the continuity and stability required to build the championship culture the team enjoys today.
Don Mahood, Isaiah Nganga, Ian Hayes