There is a position on the football field, offensive line, that tends to receive little recognition or accolades. UBC's Leo Groenewegen however, seems to have bucked that trend throughout his career as a Tackle and Guard.
Leo graduated from Notre Dame high school in Vancouver where he played for the 1982 provincial high school football champions. From that point his university and professional football career would span an impressive 21 years, four with UBC and 17 in the CFL.
Under coach Frank Smith at UBC, Groenewegen started every game at Tackle, specifically the important Left Tackle position, from his rookie season in '83 through 1986. "An outstanding young man and a good student" remembers coach Smith.
Groenewegen started to gain a wider audience when he was named Western Canadian All-Star in 1985. The next season, 1986, was magical for Leo and the ‘Birds. This team, with a very solid offensive line, was undefeated throughout the CIS season, winning the Vanier Cup. He was both a Western All-Star and CIS All-Canadian and the West's nominee for the 1986 John Metras Award as the CIS outstanding lineman. Coach Smith recalls Groenewegen as "very consistent, dependable at left tackle... and a calming influence on the team."
In January 1987 Leo received the honour of being one of two Canadians selected to play in the annual U.S. Division 1 Shrine Bowl at Palo Alto, California. A showcase for NFL and AFL scouts, the recent graduate Groenewegen was the first from UBC to be selected to play in this game. His team, "The West", was victorious as he appeared in 50 of the 55 offensive plays run by his team with his blocking setting up some of the scoring. It was reported he "represented the Canadian football program well." Coach Smith said, "Leo worked very hard and handled himself well against the big boys."
Another highlight occurred in early 1987 when Groenewegen was the first over-all pick in the CFL draft – selected by Ottawa. This is one of the very few occasions a UBC football player has been the first selection in the CFL draft. Groenewegen was then invited to two NFL training camps, the Raiders and Patriots.
Joining Ottawa in 1987 he played just over two seasons before being traded to the B.C. Lions where he played from 1989 through '93. He then joined the Edmonton Eskimos playing from '93 through 2003. His 17 seasons in the CFL is the most of any former Thunderbird football player. And his CFL career was stellar as three times he was selected to the CFL All-Star team, in 91, '96 and '99. He also holds the CFL record for the most starts for a non-kicker with 252.
UBC coach Frank Smith summed it up by saying, "He did a great job... one of our favorite players and people. You can't say too many good things about him!"
Researched and written by Fred Hume, UBC Athletics Historian
