It doesn't matter whether you played varsity sports or cheered on the Lions from the stands, sports helped define your time at York U. For Shawn Stone, football got him to university and it is what kept him there for three years. His pursuit of a political science degree from 1981-84 was secondary to his passion for football. "The camaraderie I had with my teammates was something special. We all shared a love for the sport and knew we each had a job to do so we could function as a team and succeed."

As a proud football alumnus, Shawn reconnected with the York Lions Football club and with who he calls "his brotherhood" to volunteer. Ron Ferguson, a fellow alum and current Coach Warren Craney have been building relationships with old players. "I was really inspired and compelled by Ron and Coach Craney to get involved. These young men deserve my help. Their level of commitment to the game and to each other is unparalleled. It really woke something inside me."

For the past 4 years, Shawn has been working to strengthen the York Football Alumni Association by giving his time and through regular donations. Alongside many other former Lions, they are building events like Homecoming, the Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament and more to "bring guys back to the program – reignite the team and hopefully raise money for York football." Last year the association raised $36,000 and today they are on track for $50,000. Funds raised go to support training camp, bolster tutoring and to provide a hot meal after practice.

Shawn through his own company International Electronics Components Inc., Ron through his connections as a lawyer, and another alumnus Lou Taffo, from Fiat Chrysler, are also working hard to help place athletes with part time work, internships and full time positions. This stems from their belief that these young men are a part of the Lion family, "we are supposed to take care of each other. If we can help – it will help the entire program and the next generation of athletes to succeed."

Two years ago, Shawn's youngest son Brando joined the football team, and the Stone family gained another Lion. Life has come full circle, for the camaraderie. For the game.