Saskatchewan Roughriders

Tom Campana - Wingback - Ohio State - 1972-77

  Receiving         Rushing       Kick Returns    
Yr Team C Yds Avg Lg TD C Yds Avg Lg TD No Yds Avg Lg TD
1972 Ssk 45 719 16.0 57 2 74 365 4.9 27 1 23 678 29.5 49 0
1973 Ssk 57 910 16.0 68 8 20 53 2.7 9 0 14 274 19.6 40 0
1974 Ssk 37 505 13.6 71 5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 6 3.0 10 0
1975 Ssk 52 818 15.7 59 6 32 136 4.3 24 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
1976 Ssk 51 771 15.1 72 4 6 0 0.0 5 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
1977 Ssk 27 317 11.7 23 3 0 0 0.0 0 0 11 25 2.2 35 0
Total 6 269 4,040 10.7 72 28 132 554 4.2 27 2 27 305 11.3 55 0

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Tom Campana was a speedster and a versatile fixture in the Saskatchewan offence’s of the 1970’s. He was drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1972 draft, he failed to make the team. He moved north and arrive in a flourish in 1972 along with fellow Ohio State Buckeyes Ted Provost. Campana had an immediate impact plying his skills as a receiver and return man.

 

The Wingback approach was popularized by Johnny Rodgers in Montreal and Eric Allen in Toronto, Saskatchewan trotted out their version with Tom Campana.

 

The season was a success as Saskatchewan advanced to the Grey Cup only to fall to Hamilton. Campana had a terrific season with 719 yards receiving, 365 rushing and ?? return yards. Campana would be named the West divisions top rookie but would lost out to Johnny Rodgers for league-wide honours.

 

In 1973, Campana had his finest receiving season with 910 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was the clubs top receiver and Ron Lancasters favourite target.

 

He was a steady producer and in 1976 he put up 771 receiveing yards as Saskatchewan would again reach the Grey Cup only to fall this time to Ottawa.

1977 would be the Ohio native’s final season in pro football, he finished his career with 30 touchdowns in 89 games.

 

A versatile player with great speed, Tom Campana was an exciting and central part of the Roughrider’s offence in the 1970’s.

 

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