Wow. It’s now been 30 years since the Ottawa won the Grey Cup. On November 28th, 1976, Tony Gabriel made “The Catch” with 20 seconds left, giving Ottawa a 23-20 win over Saskatchewan in the '76 Grey Cup. Tomorrow on the show we’ll be joined by former Rider receiver Jeff Avery, the first guy to embrace Gabriel on that play. We’ll also play back the um…electrifying conversation we had with Gabriel about that play.
Just think how the world has changed since this town last savoured CFL success.
In 1976, Montreal hosted the Summer Olympics.
Canada won the first the Canada Cup.
Pierre Trudeau was Prime Minister.
Capital punishment was abolished in Canada.
Rocky won the Oscar for best picture (yes, kids, Rocky ONE).
Grammy Winning Song of the Year was Barry Manilow’s I write the songs. Ironically, written by someone else.
The top TV show was Happy Days. Ayyyyyy.
René Lévesque and the PQ won the provincial election.
Montreal won a record 60 games and a Stanley Cup.
Ted Turner bought the Atlanta Braves for 12 million dollars.
Convoy was the number one country song.
Bionic Woman and Donny and Marie both debuted on ABC TV.
Darryl Sittler scored 10 points in a game.
Barbara Walters somehow became 1st female nightly network news anchor
Kiss performed their 1st concert
CN Tower opened to the public.
Deep Purple broke up
Hank Aaron hit 755th and last home run
Chicago White Sox suited up in shorts
Expos’ last game at Montreal's Jarry Park
Muhammad Ali beat Ken Norton in 15 for heavyweight boxing title
The Blue Jays take Bob Bailor first in the expansion draft.
New York Nets Julius "Dr. J" Erving sold to Philadelphia 76ers
Jimmy Carter defeated Gerald Ford for president
New York Yankees signed Reggie Jackson
QB Joe Namath last game as a New York Jet
Wonder Woman debuted on ABC as a 10 year old Steve Warne looked on with a fascination that was both exciting and confusing.
Sigh. 30 years. Come join me now on a walk down nostalgia crescent (one street down from memory lane). Here’s a little video of “The Catch”. Boy. George Brancato sure was happy on the play, wasn't he?
