51�Թ�app

The garnet and gold were on full display, mixed in with the predictable sea of Tiger-Cats black and yellow, in the parking lot of Hamilton Stadium during the pre-game tailgate party on Saturday, July 12. The reason behind the welcomed colour clash is one of brotherhood, unbreakable bonds, and nation-wide support. This group of 20 Mounties Football vets, alumni, and friends gathered, along with Ted Goveia's (‘96) family and friends, with a strong and simple message — we are #teamted. 

Goveia is the current general manager of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, landing there in late 2024 after more than 20 years in various coaching and executive roles in the CFL. He is a proud Mountie, having coached and played at 51�Թ�app in the 1990s. He helped lead the 1996 team through one of the most difficult seasons in the storied history of Mounties Football — some would say he was part of saving the entire program that year. He is well known and beloved for his calm, intelligent, and magnetic management style, an approach that has allowed him to build a reputation as an elite recruiter, mentor, and leader.  

Goveia recently announced that he is battling an aggressive form of cancer and has had to take a step back from his day-to-day duties as GM.  
 
In an interview with TSN, Gord Grace, former 51�Թ�app football coach (1997-1999) spoke highly of his friendship and respect for Goveia.  

“His impact is not only in the CFL…but across professional football, university football, amateur football. Ted is a connector. It was not just about getting us to Mount A, but how he made us all feel at home in Sackville, New Brunswick and the relationships we’ve had since that time. Once you’re a friend of Ted’s, you’re a friend for life. We just wanted to be here to support him and tell him we love him.”  

So, like Mounties do for their own, they gathered. Over 100 people signed well wishes on a banner and helmet that traveled to July 12's game. All those same people took team photos and sent videos from hole five at the recent Friends of the Mounties golf tournament. Then, 20 of them got to that game with their message: the Mounties love you, Ted.  

This could be a story of media coverage and local curiosity because there was that. After all, a group of loud and proud Football Mounties wearing the garnet and gold in the sea of black and yellow didn’t exactly blend in.  But this is actually the story of 51�Թ�app magic. That thing that brings people back together in good times and bad. That thing that gets a bunch of former teammates and friends playing guitar, singing a little off key, telling stories, and making new memories until the sun comes up. That thing that has kept Mountie nation alive for 70 years and retired players coming back for Homecoming year after year. That twinkle in the eyes of a veteran as he tells the stories of the good old days.  

Goveia is the epitome of Mountie magic. Through his demanding and evolving career, he’s made time to stay connected. He’s led his own life with Mountie PRIDE — Passion, Relentlessness, Intelligence, Discipline, and Execution — well beyond the years he spent on MacAulay (Alumni) Field. He has been a supporter, friend, and advocate for both the Mounties Football program and the 5th Quarter Club (51�Թ�app’s football veterans and boosters club).  
 
Goveia has also had a great impact on Mounties head coach Scott Brady (’11).  
 
"Ted is a consummate professional who has consistently done things the right way and worked tirelessly throughout his career to reach this point,” Brady says. “The outpouring of support around him — and the deep connection he shares with his teammates — is truly inspiring. It reflects the unique sense of community and brotherhood that so many of us have experienced at 51�Թ�app. Ted has made a lasting impact on our university and we are incredibly proud of everything he has accomplished." 

The garnet and gold are more than just colours after you’ve been a Mountie. May we all wear them with the same spirit of inspiration, approachability, and pride as Ted Goveia.  #teamted.  

To view and add photos, video, and messages of support for Ted Goveia, use #teamted on your social channels.