Bernie Custis

Class of 1998


Bernie Custis’ coaching career spanned various levels of football over a period of 31 years. Success followed him everywhere he went.

In his eight seasons with the Burlington Braves of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), Custis compiled a record of 74 wins, 20 losses, three Ontario championships and two Eastern Canadian titles.

At the college level, Custis took the Sheridan College Bruins to 6 OCAA and Eastern Canadian titles. In Custis’ first year at McMaster University, he brought the Marauders from seventh place to first.

Career

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Player
1951 - 1954
Ottawa Rough Riders Player
1955, 1956
Tip Tops Coach
1958
East York Argonauts
1959
Oakville Black Knights Coach
1960 - 1963
Burlington Braves Coach
1964 - 1972
Sheridan College Coach
1973 - 1980
McMaster University Coach
1981 - 1988

Awards/Honours

  • All-Star Coach
    1975, 1977, 1978
  • OUAA Coach of the Year
    1982 - 1985
  • Frank Tidall Trophy for CIAU Coach of the Year
    1982
  • Grey Cup Participation as a Player
    1953
  • Grey Cup Winning Teams as a Player