A fan for the ages: Lois Hazlett's 69-year Queen's Football journey

Lois Hazlett attended her first Queen's Football game in the fall of 1956. The Golden Gaels were taking on their historic rivals, the Toronto Varsity Blues. Hall of Fame Head Coach Frank Tindall was on the sideline, and the Tricolour came away with a victory.

Hazlett recalled of that first season of fandom, "I remember there was a lot of noise. That was the old stadium down on Union Street. We were on the covered side, the students were on the other side, and it was just good football."

That win nearly seven decades ago marked the beginning of a remarkable streak. Fast-forward 69 years, and Hazlett is still attending every Queen's Football game, unless it's raining.

Since that first game in the '50s, Hazlett has witnessed a number of big moments in Queen's Football history. The program has gone on to capture multiple Vanier Cups and Yates Cups, and celebrated its 500th all-time win last season.

The 1978 Vanier Cup was extra special for Hazlett. Her son Paul played for that team, helping the Tricolour earn their sixth national championship at the old Alumni Stadium in Toronto, a game they attended.

Later Hazlett's grandson would continue the tradition and don the Tricolour, suiting up for Queen's in the 2000s and earning OUA All-Star honours.

And Hazlett's impressive games attended streak extended to the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) from 2012-17, when her granddaughter Emily played for Queen's Women's Basketball. Hazlett saw Emily earn two OUA silver medals and two trips to the nationals, which she of course attended as well.

Hazlett has been a part of Queen's Football for 69 of the program's 143 years—nearly half of its storied history. While much has changed over that time, some traditions have endured. The Queen's Band still plays from the stands, and students still sing the Oil Thigh after every touchdown. Hazlett has seen the team move from the original Richardson Stadium on what is now Tindall Field to the current venue on West Campus, and she's been there every step of the way.

Hazlett said what has stood out to her throughout the years is the camaraderie of the players on Queen's Football. "It's the companionships that they all make throughout the years. And I think every one of them would say the same thing about becoming good friends and knowing that there are people you can depend on."

Hazlett and her incredible commitment to Queen's Football will be commemorated this year as part of Queen's Football's Hall of Fame celebrations. She was presented earlier this year the Fan of Distinction Award by Head Coach Steve Snyder, and will be recognized at the Homecoming Game in October, another game she surely won't miss.

"I enjoy the games. It's a nice time of year to be outside and to support Queen's."