Joe Asquini

Canadian football player
Joe Asquini
Born:c. 1925
Died:April 9, 1990 (aged 65)
Ottawa, Ontario
Career information
CFL statusNational
Position(s)Forward, HB
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight190 lb (86 kg)
Career history
As player
1945–1951Ottawa Rough Riders
Career highlights and awards
  • Grey Cup champion (1951)

Joseph Asquini (c. 1925 – April 9, 1990) was a Canadian football player who played for the Ottawa Rough Riders. He won the Grey Cup with them in 1951.[1][2]

Asquini began playing Canadian football in 1942 while attending Ottawa Technical High School, though he also played basketball, ice hockey and track and field.[3] As a senior in 1944, he was awarded the Gerry Boucher Memorial Trophy, given to the Interscholastic Football League senior "who best combines sportsmanship and ability," as well the Mayor of Ottawa Trophy, given to the most outstanding athlete at Ottawa Tech.[3][4] Asquini led the league in scoring and helped his team reach the league championship game after beating the defending champions, St. Patrick's, in the semifinals.[3][4]

Asquini tried out for the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1945.[5][6] He entered a quarterback battle with Ken Preston, Frank Dunlap, Marty Swords, and Gordie McCullagh.[7] Asquini quickly settled into a backup role behind Preston ahead of the season opener.[8][9]

Asquini was married to Alice Richards and they had four children: Jo-Ann, Michael, Peter and David.[10] He died on April 9, 1990.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Joe Asquini football Statistics on StatsCrew.com". statscrew.com.
  2. ^ Sketches in Brief of Players for Football Final: Calgary The Globe and Mail (1936-Current); Nov 25, 1948; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Globe and Mail (1844-2011) pg. 20
  3. ^ a b c "Joe Asquini, Tech Quarter Wins Gerry Boucher Trophy". Ottawa Citizen. December 15, 1944. p. 18. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b "Award Gerry Boucher Trophy To Tehnical Star, Joe Asquini". Ottawa Journal. December 15, 1944. p. 18. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Joe Asquini Will Make It". Ottawa Citizen. August 7, 1945. p. 13. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Rough Riders and Trojans Open Training Grind at Lansdowne". Ottawa Journal. August 7, 1945. p. 16. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Ottawa puts faith in vets". The Leader-Post. September 17, 1945. p. 14. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Trimble Speeds Up Pace As Riders Prep For Opener". Ottawa Citizen. September 18, 1945. p. 8. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Riders Test Pass-Offence For Opener Here With Argos". Ottawa Citizen. September 20, 1945. p. 15. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b "Asquini, Joseph". Ottawa Citizen. April 10, 1990. p. E11. Retrieved August 17, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
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Ottawa Rough Riders 39th Grey Cup champions