Wall of Distinction
Ray Bernard - B.A. ’92 - Football
ay Bernard is one of the most decorated linebackers to wear a Bishop’s Gaiters jersey. A four-year starter and a key member of the Gaiters’ Dunsmore Cup-winning squads in 1988 and 1990, Bernard won the Presidents’ Trophy as the CIAU most outstanding defensive player in 1991.
Bernard was a two-year defensive captain for the Gaiters, a two-time OQIFC All-Star, a Second Team All-Canadian in 1990 and a First Team All-Canadian in 1991. Playing both middle and outside linebacker, he was the heart of a unit that contemporary descriptions said “only gave up yards grudgingly.”
Bernard was drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders (10th overall) in 1992, and spent six seasons in the CFL, with Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Calgary and Montreal. He led the CFL in special teams tackles in 1992 and was Saskatchewan’s nominee for CFL Rookie of the Year. In 1993, Bernard led the CFL in defensive tackles. After three seasons in Saskatchewan, he was signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders, where he captained the team for two seasons. Bernard retired from the CFL in 1998.
While a student at Bishop’s Bernard also served as a member of the Lennoxville Volunteer Fire Department, and as a house parent assistant at Bishop’s College School. Bernard is now a real estate agent with Royal Lepage in Toronto.
