Roots of CFL greatness run deep at Oak Park High School

When it comes to CFL greatness there are deep roots planted at Oak Park High School in Winnipeg. 

As they prepare to take to the field against the Toronto Argonauts this Sunday in the 2024 Grey Cup, the origin of stars Brady Oliveira and Nic Demski can be traced back to Oak Park, a football program that has produced 10 CFL champions.

“You just knew they were going to do well, whatever that was, there is no doubt in my mind,” said former head coach, Stu Nixon, who helped mentor some of the best football talent to come out of the city before hanging up the clipboard in 2022. “But five straight grey cups, of course that never entered my mind.”

Nixon also coached CFL greats like Andrew Harris, a Bombers’ legend, whose footsteps the 2024 Bombers and Oak Park alumni hope to follow in terms of having starting roles as they bid for the Grey Cup while donning the Blue and Gold. 

“The fact that this school has provided two of the most potent weapons to their offence from one little school – and they keep returning back – the story rightfully so gets bigger and bigger,” said Nixon. 

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He stressed that while he’s proud of what the players have accomplished on the field, what he takes the most pride in, is how players he helped inspire as a coach, are now inspiring the next generations of athletes. 

“They contribute to their community out of the goodness of their 

heart, and I think that is one of the reasons that we are seeing more and more Manitobans play at a higher level,” said Nixon. 

The retired Oak Park coach will be taking part in what has become an annual tradition this Sunday, when he and his former coaching staff gather to watch the game, but when it comes to his prediction for the outcome, the veteran coach says we’ll just have to wait and see. 

“I don’t wanna jinx it,” he said. “I have an idea up here, but I think we’ll do alright. I’ll leave it at that.” 

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kick off against the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday at 5 p.m.