Gee-Gees

Gee-Gees. The Gee-Gees are the varsity athletic teams that represent the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario. Competing primarily in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) conference of U Sports, the teams have a long history of success in national university competitions. The name is derived from the team's original colors of garnet and grey, often stylized as "Gee-Gee", a nickname for a racehorse.

History

The athletic history of the University of Ottawa is deeply intertwined with the institution's growth, with formal varsity competition beginning in the early 20th century. The nickname "Gee-Gees" was officially adopted in the late 1950s, replacing earlier monikers like the "Garnet and Grey". Key historical moments include the football team's first Vanier Cup victory in 1975 under coach Don Gilbert, a win that cemented the program's national prestige. Throughout the decades, the Gee-Gees have been a dominant force in Ontario University Athletics, with programs like men's basketball and women's soccer also achieving significant milestones and producing numerous championship contenders.

Athletics

The Gee-Gees field teams in a wide array of sports including football, basketball, soccer, rugby, volleyball, hockey, track and field, swimming, and cross country running. The football program, which plays its home games at TD Place Stadium, has won multiple Yates Cup championships and appeared in several Vanier Cup finals. The men's basketball team, often led by notable coaches like James Derouin, has been a frequent participant in the U Sports Final 8 tournament. Women's soccer, under the guidance of Steve Johnson, has captured multiple U Sports national titles, while the women's basketball team has also been a consistent national powerhouse under coaches such as Andy Sparks.

Mascot and identity

The team's mascot is a spirited horse named "Gee-Gee", reflecting the nickname's origin in horse racing terminology. The primary colors are garnet and grey, with black and white as secondary accents, featured prominently on uniforms and branding. The "Gee-Gees" identity is a central part of campus life at the University of Ottawa, with the rallying cry "Go Gee-Gees" uniting students and alumni at events across Ontario. The mascot makes regular appearances at major sporting events, Homecoming, and community engagements throughout the National Capital Region.

Campus and facilities

Gee-Gees teams train and compete in modern facilities primarily located on the university's main campus in the Sandy Hill neighbourhood. The Montpetit Hall complex houses the primary gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, along with dedicated spaces for martial arts and gymnastics. The Minto Sports Complex is home to high-performance training centers and the swimming pool. For football and outdoor track, the team utilizes the nationally recognized TD Place Stadium in Lansdowne Park. Additional facilities include the Gee-Gees Field for soccer and rugby, and the Ice House for hockey training.

Notable alumni

Numerous Gee-Gees athletes have progressed to professional leagues and international competition. Football alumni include Brad Sinopoli, a Canadian Football League star and Grey Cup champion, and Philippe Gagnon, a long-time CFL offensive lineman. In basketball, Warren Ward excelled professionally in Europe, while Katherine Plouffe represented Canada at the Olympic Games. Soccer alumnus David Edgar played in the English Football League and for the Canada men's national soccer team. Other distinguished graduates include Olympic swimmer Erika Seltenreich-Hodgson and renowned sports medicine physician Dr. James Kissick.