As the Gaels won their homecoming game against the uOttawa Gee-Gees at Richardson Stadium last weekend, all eyes were on running back Jared Chisari, MSc ’25, who smashed the Gaels football record of yards rushed in a single season.
Chisari is in his second year on the Gael’s football team. In the 2022-23 season, his first season as a Gael, he put up 644 yards. With his new record, he’s rushed a total of 1,178 yards this season.
Achieving the record in just an eight-game season, Chisari gained an average of eight yards on each of his rushing attempts, stringing together a record of nearly 150 yards per game.
When asked about Chisari’s success in the post-homecoming game interview, Men’s Football Head Coach Steve Snyder emphasized not only Chisari’s work ethic, but also Chisari’s frequent praise for those around him, as lending to his success.
“He’s a special human being, he is ultra-competitive,” Snyder said. “There’s a drive about him that’s very unique, and he’s worked hard for this. He’s fought, he’s clawed, he’s scratched, and he’ll be the first one to tell you about that offensive line and getting behind those guys, trusting the H-backs, I’m just proud of him.”
Chisari’s initial reaction further affirmed his selflessness when he was asked about how it felt to achieve such an esteemed record at Queen’s.
“It’s really a tribute to everyone on the offense. I mean, from coaches, even equipment staff, all the way down to those O-lineman and our quarterbacks, receivers who are out on the perimeter blocking every play. I just can’t feel anything but gratitude right now,” Chisari said.
Despite Chisari’s humility, the single-season rushing-yards record he broke is a record that stood for over a decade.
Kingston local Mike Giffin set the old record in 2007 when he gained 1,157 yards in a single season. Alongside his record-setting season, Giffin earned first-team all-Canadian honours in both the 2007 and 2008 campaigns.
Shortly after graduating, Giffin went on to sign with the Montreal Alouettes in 2009, winning back-to-back Grey Cups with the team in 2009 and 2010.
Earlier in the season, Chisari broke another Queen’s record. After scoring five touchdowns in one game, he now holds the program record for single-game touchdowns.
Thanks to Chisari’s fast feet, the Gaels lead the league in rushing yards. Football fans can watch Chisari continue his hot streak on Oct. 28 when the Gaels square off against the Gee-Gees once again in a win-or-go-home playoff game at Richardson Stadium.
Tags
Jared Chisari, men's football, Record, Steve Snyder
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