[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Hawkrigg_Cup08.jpg” caption=”The 2008 Hawkrigg Cup Championship consisted of (top from left) Jon Behie, Ryan Janzen, Ben Chapdelaine, Greg Muldoon and Chris Rankin. Bottom row from left: Mike Linton, Dave Linton, Kyle Pyear and Ray Mariuz. Photo courtesy of Jason Pottinger.”]The snow came just in nick of time for the fifth annual Hawkrigg Cup on Feb. 2.

Why would anyone prefer to play flag football in the snow? Just ask reigning Hawkrigg Cup champion two years running Ben Chapdelaine: “The 25 centimetres of fresh snow from Friday's storm acted as a protective mat during Saturday's Hawkrigg Cup. It cushioned falls and allowed for incredible highlight-reel catches to be made. The snow was also identified as the 'great equalizer,' allowing players of various abilities, ages, speed and skills to compete evenly. Everyone was slow and all had a great time.”

The Hawkrigg Cup was named after former Chancellor Dr. Melvin Hawkrigg, who played varsity football, hockey, basketball and ran track at McMaster University.

He earned his BA at McMaster University in 1952 before joining the Hamilton Tiger Cats Football Club. The trophy has been named after Hawkrigg to honour his dedication to McMaster University and in particular McMaster Athletics.

This year's Hawkrigg Cup had unprecedented participation, with 12 teams consisting of approximately 120 players, including alumni and students.

New teams were welcomed in the hope of defeating the reigning champions. But Chapdelaine, former Hec Creighton Trophy winner, once again led his team to victory along with fellow teammates Ryan Janzen, Ray Mariuz, Mike Linton, Dave Linton, Kyle Pyear, Jon Behie, Greg Muldoon and Chris Rankin. Mike Morreale, former CFL star receiver, led his team to the finals only to come up short.

Thanks again to all participants for making this year's Hawkrigg Cup a successful one.