Former British Columbia Lions kicker Ted Gerela of Sarrail, Alberta has passed away at the age of 76. According to the Canadian Press, no cause of death at this time was given.
Gerela was the kicker for the Lions from 1967 to 1973. In 1967, Gerela won the Dr. Beattie Martin Trophy, which was presented to the top rookie in the Canadian Football League’s Western Conference at the time. Then in 1968, he won the Dave Dryburgh Memorial Trophy, which is presented to the top scorer in the Western Conference. Gerela had 115 points (90 points on 30 field goals, 16 points on 16 converts, and nine points on singles).
Gerela’s 30 field goals in 1968, set the CFL record at the time for most field goals made in a single season. Justin Medlock holds the current record as he had 60 field goals while with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2016.
In seven CFL seasons, Gerela made 123 of 271 field goal attempts. He also had 110 punts for 4230 yards. Even though Gerela spent most of his time as a CFL player as a kicker, he did play other positions on occasion. Gerela had 16 rushes for 82 yards, 13 catches for 109 yards, two interceptions for 51 yards as a defensive back in 1969, three punt returns for 21 yards, and 19 kickoff returns for 227 yards.
