Carleton University gets its football team back

Football fans in Ottawa will soon have one more team to cheer for. Carleton University will launch a new varsity team in 2013.

It’s all thanks to a philanthropist --- entrepreneur and former Carleton Ravens defenceman John Ruddy --- who gave the proposed team a $2.5 million boost, matching other fundraising for a total of $5-million in start-up capital.

The Carleton Ravens were axed in 1998 due to financial shortfalls, which came after a poorly played season.

The new team will be controlled by an alumni association called Old Crows Football Inc., which will include community members and the university’s administrators. The university plans to refurbish the old stadium, add new seating, a new press box, a new locker-room and fitness facilities.