Queen's Golden Gaels Football

QUEEN’S GOLDEN GAELS FOOTBALL PLAYER SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT WITH GREY CUP CHAMPIONS

Kingston native Rob Bagg set to play for Saskatchewan Roughriders

Regina (January 23, 2008) – The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced earlier today that Queen’s University Golden Gaels slotback Rob Bagg of Kingston, Ont., has signed a professional contract with them for the 2008 season.   The Roughriders are the current Canadian Football League defending Grey Cup Champions.

Last June the 22-year old Bagg was invited to the Roughriders training camp as an undrafted free agent.  He immediately impressed the coaching staff and earned a position on the team’s roster.  Instead of joining Saskatchewan, Bagg made the decision to return to Queen’s for his fifth year of eligibility as a Golden Gael.

"Rob was, without a doubt, the biggest surprise in our 2007 training camp,” stated Rider GM Eric Tillman. “He's a young man we liked, but didn't draft after selecting a receiver (David McKoy) as our first pick. Obviously, we were stunned when Rob wasn't drafted, and quickly signed him as a free agent. That said, we never expected him to come in and earn an active roster spot during training camp.  Of course, we also never expected him to decline that offer to return to Queens.  Rob has certainly taken an unconventional route to where we are now, but, trust me; we are thrilled to have him back in green and white."

In 2007, Bag led the Gaels in receiving with 804 yards and six touchdowns as Queen’s finished with their best record since 2003 (6-2).  He ranked second in the conference with 36 catches and also played a major part of Queen’s special teams returning 13 punts for 192-yards along with six kick returns for a total of 160-yards.

His biggest game came against the Toronto Varsity Blues where he set a career mark amassing 341- receiving yards with three touchdowns in a 54-24 Gaels win.  His total receiving yards for that day ranks as the second most in CIS history behind former Gaels James MacLean (377 vs. Guelph, 2001).

“Rob was a solid contributor to the Queen’s Golden Gaels Football Club and I have no doubt in my mind he is going to go on and have a fine CFL career,” said Gaels Head Coach Pat Sheahan.  “While he is a tremendous athlete and competitor, his work ethic should also be admired.  He was a role model for our entire team and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Bagg recently completed his degree in Geography at Queen’s University and is a former graduate of Frontenac Secondary School in his native Kingston.