Step aside Michael Scott, there’s a new iconic “NOOOOOOOO!!” in town.
Jesse Bell of CFRC 101.9 radio at Queen’s University has gone viral for his call of the Western Mustangs’ game-winning touchdown this past weekend, which spoiled the home side’s 27-25 lead. With 13 second remaining in the fourth quarter, Evan Hillock found Savaughn Magnaye-Jones for a 55-yard touchdown pass to beat the Golden Gaels.
“Hillock drops back to pass. He’s airing it out, it’s gonna be long. NOOOOOOOO!! NOOOOOOOO!!” screamed Bell before leaving a long pause. “Touchdown, Western. Savaughn Magnaye-Jones. 31-27.” He then capped his commentary with an audible sigh.
.@CFRC should be funded for the next 3 years off the strength of this clip alone.
Iconic. Inspirational. No notes. pic.twitter.com/3VCgBpjnvz
— r/CFL on Reddit (@cfl_reddit) September 18, 2023
The commentary has garnered well over one million views across social media as outlets including Sportscenter and Sports Illustrated have shared the clip on Instagram and TikTok.
Bell’s radio commentary was dubbed over the television broadcast in video clips shared online, leading to some confusion as to who was behind the microphone. The OUA TV commentary, which was conducted separately, was provided by play-by-play man Bill Miklas and colour analyst Don Lewis.
Queen’s and Western have a long-standing rivalry in Ontario University Athletics with the Mustangs dominating it on the gridiron as of late. Western won Saturday’s game at Richardson Stadium in Kingston, Ont. in front of 8,082 fans but also beat the Golden Gaels twice last year, including in the Yates Cup, which serves as the OUA’s conference championship game.
Founded in 1882, Queen’s football program has won four Vanier Cups, most recently in 2009. The team has since appeared in three Yates Cups, losing each of them to Western.
Though local fans would have undoubtedly preferred the win, the Golden Gaels can take solace in knowing their program garnered international attention thanks to Bell’s iconic, impassioned radio call.
