The Life and Times of Ron Lancaster

A graduate of Wittenburg College, Ron Lancaster started his career with the Ottawa Rough Riders. The eastern Riders were blessed with another outstanding QB in Canadian Russ Jackson and the two split the pivot duties for three years with Lancaster also seeing some action as a defensive back during that period. In his rookie season in 1960, Lancaster threw 201 passes and had three interceptions as a defensive back. Lancaster was traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and became their starting QB for the next sixteen years. Teamed with fullback George Reed, Lancaster made the green Riders a force to be reckoned with year in and year out. Lancaster's greatest accomplishment might be the 1966 Grey Cup when he led the Riders to their first ever Grey Cup victory. At the time of his retirement, he was the leading passer in CFL history for total yards thrown. Lancaster was a seven time West All-Star (1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975 and 1976), a four time All-Canadian (1970, 1973, 1975 and 1976), and was named the Outstanding Player in the CFL in 1970. After his retirement as a player, Lancaster has remained active in the CFL as a coach and GM. He was best known for being a smart quarterback with great vision on the field. No lead was ever safe from Lancaster as long as there was time on the clock. The "Little General" died from cancer on September 17, 2008.