Ron Lancaster

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Ron Lancaster (October 14, 1938 – September 18, 2008) was an American-Canadian football quarterback and coach in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Known as "The Little General" for his leadership, he left a lasting mark as both a player and a coach.

Early life and college
Born in Fairchance, Pennsylvania, Lancaster grew up in nearby Clairton. Standing 5'10", he was overlooked by many college scouts, but he kept playing. He attended Wittenberg University, where he helped the team amass a 25-8-1 record from 1956 to 1959 and won two Ohio Athletic Conference titles.

CFL playing career
Lancaster began his CFL career with the Ottawa Rough Riders (1960–1962), sharing quarterback duties with Russ Jackson and winning the Grey Cup in his rookie season. In 1963, his playing rights were sold to the Saskatchewan Roughriders for $500, and he became the franchise’s star for 16 seasons (1963–1978). He led Saskatchewan to its first Grey Cup championship in 1966 and helped the team reach the playoffs 14 straight years. Lancaster finished his playing career as the CFL’s all-time passing leader and remains among the leaders in various passing records. He won the league’s Most Outstanding Player Award twice (1970 and 1976) and earned multiple All-Star honors. His nickname, “The Little General,” reflected his leadership and accuracy on the field.

Coaching and broadcasting career
After retiring as a player, Lancaster coached Saskatchewan (1979–1980) and then served as a CFL color commentator for CBC from 1981 to 1990. He returned to coaching with the Edmonton Eskimos (1991–1997), guiding them to a Grey Cup championship in 1993. He later coached the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1998–2003), winning the Grey Cup in 1999, and served as interim head coach again in 2006. He accumulated 142 regular-season coaching wins, placing him among the CFL’s all-time leaders. Lancaster also contributed as a broadcaster, and he called games during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Honors and legacy
Lancaster was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1982, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1985, and the Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Honour in 1985. The Saskatchewan Roughriders retired his No. 23, recognizing his impact on the franchise. He is remembered as one of the CFL’s great quarterbacks and coaches, whose leadership helped shape several teams across decades.

Personal life and death
Lancaster battled bladder cancer in 2004 and later lung cancer in 2008. He died of a heart attack on September 18, 2008, in Hamilton, Ontario. He was survived by his wife Bev, three children, and four grandchildren. In November 2008, the CFL posthumously honored him with the Commissioners’ Award for his outstanding contribution to the league.