 Ross Spetittgue has had a long time relationship with football. After playing football at the high school and junior (OFC) level, began to coach in the London Minor Football Association in 1964. In 1980 Ross resumed coaching at Belle River District High School and in 1982 was appointed Head Coach of the JV team winning one WECSSAA title in two appearances in the league final.
Ross revitalized the senior football program at Essex District High School in 1987 and coached until 1997 winning two WECSSAA Championships playing in three title games and a Senior Bowl Championship (All-Star game vs London) in '96. Ross was instrumental in bringing the Essex Ravens one of the founding members into the OVFL in 1999 coming from the GLFL. Ross assumed the Presidency of the Essex Ravens in 1999 and is presently the OVFL Governor for all three teams. Ross has been on the staff of the University of Windsor Lancers as an assistant coach for three years and has continued since 2000 to be the colour analyst on TV Cogeco's telecasts of the Essex Ravens home games.
Under Ross’s leadership has seen the Essex Ravens expand to having teams in all three divisions of the OVFL and since the inception of the League has watched the Essex Ravens reach the playoffs consistently. The Varsity Ravens have appeared in the OVFL Championship four times since 2000, winning in 2002 and in 2010. Ross has coached former NHLer Tie Domi at Belle River and former NFLer and CFLer Ed Philion at Essex, a teammate of present Essex Ravens' Head Coach, Glen Mills also a OVFL Hall of Fame Inductee. Ross continues to referee high school basketball games as a member of the Windsor Association. Ross is very proud of the number of former Essex Ravens who have reached success at the CIS, NCAA, CFL, and NFL levels. |
