Tis The Season

Its the time of year when we wind down our work schedule and for some offices it means a closed office and time off. Family time is so precious and as I think about the holiday season, I think about the events that I was a part of with the Argonauts. We have done countless hospital visits, food drives and toy drives over the holidays but one comes to mind that stands out above the rest.

I didn't go as Jason Colero but rather as the "Argo Bounce", the lovable unknown mascot who was the last mascot to be a part of a Grey Cup team. Yes the cats out of the bag, (plug all the little ones ears), I was the Argo Bounce in 2004. My journey as the mascot will be left for another entry, but this entry is dedicated to a Christmas visit I did in the December of 2004 just after our Grey Cup victory. Aside from the cup making hospital visits, school visits and such it made a visit to an event hosted at the Liberty Grand for underprivileged youth. The cup was on display with a few of our players, but I had the pleasure of playing Argo Bounce. It was a routine visit for the most part with kids high-fiving me, pulling the tail, putting their head into my snout but there was a young girl who took a liking to the Argo Bounce. She trailed me throughout my 1 hour appearance even when there was an announcement for kids to line up to meet Saint Nick himself. What had an effect on me that I will never forget was the young girls attachment to this furry creature. When I had to leave to get out of costume I had a bit of a difficult time. This young girl held my hand and pleaded for me to stay and not leave her. She was saddened by the fact that she would be alone. This girl probably experienced this before whether in her home life or maybe at school. Nonetheless, I thought about this and something as simple as a mascot spending time with these young children may have made them feel better about Christmas.

As I drove home to a family party where food and drink and gift exchange awaited, I couldn't help but feel very lucky to have had a decent childhood and an opportunity to work with this football team. Where I would have opportunities such as this to learn the value of having friends and family around you during this wonderful time of the year.

Hope to blog again real soon.

But for all of you reading. Thank You and...Merry Christmas!

The Reflection of my first Grey Cup

I was going to talk about the off season program just around the corner, the Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program, however as I read a local newspaper's Grey Cup quiz I began to reflect the various Grey Cup visits I made through my career. The quiz, in the Toronto Star, I thought would be an interesting way to showcase such a historic event but much to my surprise it was designed more as a mockery of the event with an underlying tone of education. At least the following article by Damien Cox did this event the justice it deserved.

I go back to my first involvement to a Grey Cup and it was the first to be played in the Sky Dome. Over 50,000 fans filled the stadium ad it would go down as probably the best Grey Cup game ever played. I was merely a spectator with little duty at the game.

Two years later we were in the spotlight and with the likes of the Rocket, Pinball, Dunigan and some of my closest friends that I made in my first year 1985. I had made a few journeys of seasons with Brazley, Schultz, Ferrone and Pruenster as well as Ilesic, Chomyc and some others. Now we would be playing in -18 weather without the windchill. The week in Winnipeg was a whirlwind for me. The activities during the week would warrant its own its own blog but one event that stood out in my mind was the night before the game hearing how Matt Dunigan was practicing in the hotel ballroom just to make that appearance in the Grey Cup. He wanted to play regardless of how injured he was. This game day heroics would go alongside linebacker Chris Gaines, who had already declared he was playing his last game of pro football at a very young career.

We were the most hated team in Canada probably because we were the talk of not only the country but south of the border. After all we had the highest paid pro athlete at the time from Notre Dame. Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky and John Candy would steal the first round draft pick of the NFL. As we arrived in Winnipeg, the Grey Cup atmosphere wasnt so glamourous for us as we were booed wherever our leather Argonauts Root jackets were recognized. My first experience at a Grey Cup was not too a wonderful start but would be a wonderful finish.

No sooner did our players enter the field amongst a stadium of boos, did they surround the Grey Cup to the echos of the commissioner announce " The winners of the 75th Grey Cup, the Toronto Argonauts".

The memories of my first Grey Cup were complete at the annual "Meet The Argo Luncheon" in 1992. The luncheon was the event where our players would be introduced to our fans and media. It was also a time when the team is presented their rings and in front of a crowd of 400 people, to my surprise and the other ball boys surprise, the host introduced both myself and the ball boy to get our rings. My first Grey Cup ring. I look at the ring and remember and thank all those that were a part of giving my the first of many memories.

So to that writer from the Star that felt this event is one worth making jokes about, aside from an event that bridges viewers coast to coast once a year, aside from one of the oldest championships in North America and aside from an event that signifies our Canadian heritage and is nearing its 100Th year, it is also an event that has created memories for players, staff and fans from all the teams involved in the game.

Tale of two Seasons

This past week has marked the end of two successful seasons. Both coming to an end disappointing for those involved however both with a hidden reward.

First I would like to address the community program, Level the Playing Field. On Tuesday the 16th of November at 1:00, Downsview Secondary a first year team after almost 20 years of not having a team, played in the Varsity Development league finals against the second year team after about 25 years, Danfort tech. The outcome was not favourable for the undefeated Mustangs of Downsview Secondary as they lost the game after leading the second half.

It was sad but the teams that were introduced to the TDSB this year had a great start and have established something in their schools that gave about 150 young men a new sense of belonging.

As I left the field, I send a text message to Downsviews Argo ambassador, quarterback Cleo Lemon who was coming off an uplifting win to upset the Hamilton Tiger Cats. He was in the midst of an intense week of preparation for the Argos first appearance in an Eastern Final since 2007. The game would take place in Montreal on the following Sunday.

In the office, we had all been invited to attend the game in Montreal courtesy of our owner David Braley. We would be some friendly cheers for our boatmen at the Big O. Our arrival into Montreal was hi-lited by the famous Argo chant and extremely excited morale.

I was asked if I wanted to be on the sidelines by my friend and first boss at the Argos, Equipment Manager, Danny Webb. I was excited to be able to go back to my roots and perhaps be that extra set of hands to contribute to an Argo victory, however on the Saturday I had decided that it was probably a good idea to sit with my colleagues in the stands and give my support from unfamiliar territory for me in the playoffs, the seats. I didn't know what to expect. Danny understood completely but said how I'd be missed on those sidelines.

I would now don my lucky 00 Argo Bounce jersey that was undefeated at the Big O. I was proud to wear it because the last time I wore it I was changing with the Alouettes mascots only to be taunted and told that the Als already have their post game party planned. They also said how they couldn't wait to go to Ottawa. I would be re missed if I said that I didn't feel what they felt before. In fact, in 1988 as the 14-4 Toronto Argonauts took the field for the last time at the Exhibition Stadium on a very rainy day, I had my bag somewhat prepacked for Ottawa because it would be my first trip to a Grey Cup as a ball boy. First I had to fulfill my duty with the visiting Blue Bombers. After a few jaunts and taunts by Rod Hill, James Wild West and the late Tyrone Jones I would be unpacking my bag later that night and getting ready to watch the Bombers take on the Lions in the Grey Cup. However, that day in 2004 as quick as the mascots from the Als explained how their champs cant be beat, I was putting the mascot costume in my bag thinking about what I'll need to wear underneath it in the cold weather in Ottawa at the Grey Cup.

This year however, there would be no upset. We suffered to the hands of the Als in an embarrassing 49-17 loss. My first playoff game in the stands could be my last. It really wasn't too enjoyable to have Vuvuzela's echo to the beat of Ole ole ole ole only 10 seats away from us. Our enthusiastic Argo chant would be drowned out by the second quarter. It was truly a sad day to be an Argo fan, but one where there was a lesson to be learned. The fans of the Als were extremely passionate about their team and in a stadium of 58,000 plus, they made the atmosphere electric. I would love the day when we can have 40,000 plus at the Rogers centre for any Argo game. At any rate kudos to the Als and their fans for a victory on the field and in the stands. Not to play sour grapes I did hear something that was a little disturbing to me and my buddy and Argos game day producer, Steve. During the game while a player was injured to entertain the fans, music was played. I can see how it is a way to take peoples attention off the injury timeout, but what was pretty disturbing was during Cory Boyd's injury where it looked a little serious as he had to be carried off by teammates, he and many people were serenaded by "Hit the Road Jack". I am going to take the side of ignorance and assume that the game day operations of the Als just happened to play that song, but in talking to Steve it is always better to not play anything when a players career could teeter on the outcome of that timeout. That thought was echoed by my wife who saw the game on TV and told me before I could say anything about it. She wondered about their choice in music as well.

The train ride home gave me alot to think about. As disappointing as a loss like this is, at the end of a day it is a sport and there can only be one winner.

Next Blog I will chat about what lies ahead for the 10th year of the Huddle Up program with a little reflection on some of the 10 years of this program.

PLAYOFFS!!!!!!!! Remembering the last East Final against the Tabbies

The year was 1986 I had began working for the Toronto Argonauts a year earlier and coming off a 3-15 I was only able to imagine what it must be like to be apart of a Grey Cup bound team. We were in the Eastern Finals in what was going to be a two game total point series between us and the Hamilton Tiger Cats. Game one would take place in Hamilton because we finished the season ahead of them with a 10 and 8 record to their 9-8 and 1 record.

Going into Ivor Wynne was not fun at all because previously that year on October 26 we lost 20-10. However, it was different now. We had first year Argo Willie Pless, Darrell K. Smith and veterans like Carl Brazely, Chris Schultz, Condredge Holloway, J.C. Watts, Rodney Harding and Kelvin Pruenster. I know I missed a heck of alot more but to save space we'll leave it at that.

Amidst the chants,"Argos Suck, Argos Suck", I could hear our player introductions and as our offence took the field I knew it was gonna be a good one. Then a mannequin dressed as an Argo player with a helmet and blue jersey drops in the endzone directly above our locker room. Followed by a sign that fans place above saying"Losers".

Then the large cheer indicating that the Tiger Cats were on their way out. "Grover Covington". I cringed. Here we go I thought. At least we'll have a home game for redemption but to my surprise we were victorious 20-10.

A week later on November 23, 1986 in front of an exhibition stadium crowd over 32,000, Mike Kerrigan led the Tiger Cats to a 42-25 victory over my beloved Argos. In shock we looked at the scoreboard realizing that we lost the two game total point series 59-56. Hamilton would go on to win the Grey Cup that year against the Edmonton Eskimos.

Its different this time, no chance for redemption until July of 2011. The loser packs up their lockers while the victor boards a Via train for Montreal.

That day in the Argo locker room I had two first time experiences, my first playoff loss and the first time seeing a football player in tears. As I cleaned the locker room I realized that my sadness that day was responsible because of those dreaded Tabbies and I knew that I wasn't the only one that felt that way.

Here's to hoping that the 2010 Toronto Argonauts understand the passion that goes behind Sunday's match up. The history the number of times we have suffered to the chants"Argos Suck" and the sacrifice the many have made to lose on labour day so that this year, on November 14, 2010 at Ivor Wynne stadium likely in front of a sell out, we, the double blue and the boatmen will be victorious and complete the second of a four game winning streak to add another page into the memories of Argo fans and staff like myself.

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Proud Moments

Last Friday prior to the disappointing loss to the Alouettes, I was fortunate enough to be honoured at my high school to be named on the Runnymede Wall of Fame. It was truly a rewarding experience but it allowed me to reflect on a few past times when I was proud at the Argonauts and vice versa.

I reflect back to the summer of 95. Actually, back to the November of 88. The Argos players, seeing how I needed funds to carry on to University, collected money to pay for my first year. They presented me with a cheque and said that I had to graduate and show them the paper when I got it. So speed forward to the summer of '95 when the team stopped practice just to see that piece of paper I promised them. The applause was all the inspiration I needed to know they were with me every step of my University career. I feel as though all the players and staff that have been a part of my success with programs and other things are with me every step of the way.

When I finally arrived at the Rogers Centre to see the team make a great effort to almost beating the Als, I ran into Michael Clemons outside one of the suites. When I told him of my induction he was disappointed that he wasn't aware which made me feel a little more special than just a co worker, but I have never been just a co worker anyways. It was an honour to hear how this was regarded by Michael and in hindsight I should have told him but it was one of those things that I decided to be humble about rather than shout out. I suppose these moments that make me proud are partly because I have spent more than half my life with 75-100 older brothers and sisters that are new every year.

Read my next blog when I recap the Level The Playing Field program.

A Plan

Recently we all discussed plans for the upcoming year and as I thought about what sorts of community plans I would like to implement I thought about the structure of a plan in comparison to life. Back in February on Community Corner, on a ride to Angus Ontario, Jason Shivers and I discussed how life is like making a business plan. We all have Goals, Key Objectives and throughout life we take on a variety of tactics to accomplish these goals or objectives. However,the question I wonder is why is it that we arent viewed as successful when we may fall just short of our goals or objectives.

After a pep rally at one of the Level the Playing Field schools, Thistletown Collegiate, I had the pleasure of driving both Cory Boyd and Anthony Aldridge home from the school. We talked about a young person we ran into at the school that was dejected and not so successful at school. He was viewed unsuccessful because expectations were not met. Cory explained that sometimes when we fall short of a goal, because the goal isnt easily reached because of higher expectations we deterimine our plan to be more of a failure than success. However, to get to that goal we have had a journey, to which we have experineced things that we may not have experienced without trying for a goal new experiences should be viewed as a success. If we learn to appreciate the journey more than the destination then we will likely live our lives with very few regrets.

I actually took note of that and undestood that everyday is an adventure. Whether or not I accomplish a task or not, I will learn to appreciate the things we take for granted the most, the road to the goal.

Next blog I will chat about a humbling experience that made the sport of football seem so miniscule to the game of life.

Off to Camp

To those who read my last Blog, Thank you. Don't be afraid to comment on some of the things you read. I like to hear what you think. You will recall that instead of making the trip to Moncton with a majority of the team, myself and members of the Community team made our way to Parry Sound, specifically for the Tim Hortons Camp. The drive up with stops and all took about 8 hours but was enjoyable nonetheless.

Once we arrived we were greeted by the a few of the lead camp personnel, who on a first impression, were quite enthusiastic. We discussed the routine for the weekend and my thought was that for three high school football teams from Scarborough, Rexdale and Wilson heights area we were in for a ride for sure. Just speaking with the coaches on the buses telling us how restless they were made me think that this would be very hard to keep them entertained and well behaved. Even after the first team arrived I knew that I had to talk rules but in a motivational way or we could lose them for the weekend.

As the weekend went on with team building activities, we experienced the odd inner team scuffle but followed by team applause and the odd player coming to a revelation that he or she is lucky to have the opportunity to not only play football but to do it with an assortment of school mates. This was such a new experience for some that when served breakfast made up of sausages and scrambled eggs, they referred to it as a "rich person's" food.

The weekend was capped off with the Argos game on TV, however ending in dissappointment was still just a small part of the bigger picture. That picture was that of the Argonauts and Tim Hortons bringing football and more than just the sport to three schools who's players will have memories that last a lifetime.

My next Blog I will chat about something that Ive been through a number of times but this time it feels different. Our Company plan.

Thanks for reading

Bitter Sweet

This weekend the Argonauts make their second trip to the Atlantic Coast. The hope of expanding the CFL coast to coast is not far from a reality. For that I am quite excited, however many people in the Argonauts' front office made the trip out east while some of us stayed behind. This is what made me feel excluded. A feeling I can only compare to a time in the late 80's when our rebuilding team was heading out to BC to play in a Grey Cup against the Edmonton Eskimos. I stood around watching the team pack and even assisted in the packing but knew I wasn't going or so it seemed. I planned to work on my homework and while I was preparing to watch the team during the weekend, my family knew that the team had made a collection to get me out to BC for the weekend. My family couldn't keep it from me because they wanted me to finish my homework before Friday and pack my luggage. The cat was out of the bag but thanks to the Air Canada union, all flights out of Toronto were grounded due to a workers strike. The trip would never be.

This week as I watched everyone prepare for the trip and talk about the community events that would be happening in Moncton(a position that I manage, I couldn't help but feeling left out, especially hearing about a "team dinner" that I and some others would not attend.

As sad as that was there is a good reason that I'm not going. It's to be a part of a community occurrence just North of Toronto for an important program. This weekend Tim Hortons has arranged to have the three new football teams added through the teamwork of the Argonauts and Tim Hortons, to go to their camp in Parry Sound. It is here that we will be spending time with the players and coaches to develop teamwork and camaraderie between the players and the Argonauts. On Sunday we will all watch the Boatmen take on the Eskies on TV. So although I may have felt as though I wasn't part of the team going to Moncton, it is all for the greater good of helping youth share in an experience they will long remember for years to come.

Read the next blog to see just what went on this weekend in Parry Sound.

A Loss but AWin Evens Out

You might be thinking, what in the world does that mean. In the world of Jason Colero, Community Relations Manager yes the last game the team played was a loss, but today September 15th we brought a smile to about 150 students grades 9-12 and if you ask them if the team they met today are known as losers, right now they would tell you not in a million years. Today we brought joy to the students at Sir Robert l. Borden, Thistletown Collegiate and Downsview Secondary school by bringing their football team back after almost 30 years for a couple of the schools. As I scrambled around to make sure the microphone was working, the inflatables looked good and there were enough media that wanted to hear, I had to stop and realize why I was part of this. It came to me when one of the players that was dressed in clothing that would make some people believe he was up to nothing positive, or as some refer to it as a "gangsta" look, came up to me and simply shook my hand and said thanks. Who kows what went through his head when he saw me running frantically to make sure we had everyone ready for a jersey presentation. At the end of the day, whether its a 350 lb intimidating Defensive lineman from the Toronto Argonauts, or a tough looking grade 10 high school football player, the sport of football is one that has people from any walk of life playing on a team for a common goal. These kids surely get it and they know that our guys also get it. Today our one vision became one shared by many and now my fun begins at seeing the rewards of our labours.

Labour Day Classic or Massacre

If you are reading this blog you were directed here from the Community Corner Blog on the argonauts site. I spoke about the truly nice things that we shared with those rivals down the QEW. just less than a week from now is the most exciting time in the CFL season. Labour Day. For most kids, summer was coming to an end and Labour Day was sad because it was the last day of summer, last day of the CNE and the day when the Jerry Lewis Telethon covered TV and it was time to get back to a regular sleep schedule heading back to school. For me it was quite different, I was excited because it wa the midpoint of the season but more importantly as a youngster and ball boy it was my road trip to Ivor Wynne Stadium. Yes it was only an hour or so down the QEW but to me it was a chance to experience an away game. Probably in a place where the Double Blue were hated the most. At the age of 15 I was lucky to experience the way the Tiger Cat fans expressed their true feelings about us in two words,"ARGOS SUCK".

The beginning of the day was highlighted by our entrance into the visitors dressing room to unpack. Things have changed but we were lucky enough to have a few oscillating fans keeping us cool in a hot and humid room. We put the Defence in a room in the far back while the Offence was lucky enough to be close to the equipment staff. After all the O-line saw that as an advantage beacsue they used to drink coffee by the pot before a game. As soon as we were set up it was lunch time. We would have to trek down Balsam Ave to the local McDonalds where we actually were given dirty looks. Sheesh talk about customer service, oh yeah we had our team golf shirt on. I was still proud and wouldnt take it off for no one. As soon as we finished our lunch and had time to toss the ball for a little until the offensive lineman arrived early. The gametime was set for 7:30 onmost Labour Days. As soon as the team bus would arrive from the CNE stadium, it would become quite the intense battle. I would be so pumped up. It was 1987 and going into the game we had a bit of a slump and needed a turning point in a hurry. The action was a little lopsided in the first half and the "Argos Suck" echoed the stadium. Including a few items thrown down at us. Fast forward to the last play on the game. Gilbert Renfroe heroically scored a TD with no time on the clock to win the game and begin our quest. We managed to use that as a catapult into a few more wins eventually making an unexpected appearance at the Grey Cup. Both teams went into that Labour Day game somewhat evenly matched but one team came out on top as the hero. Labour day games were filled with intensity on and off the field. Regardless, thats only one of my fondest memories at Ivor Wynne. There are many more but the other day I had thought about the notion that the Ticats may leave the city of Hamilton. This for me was disturbing as I'm sure it is for the many fans that share memories of the labour day match up in Hamilton. It wont be the same anywhere else. I hope to see more memories formed in Hamilton.

Training Campppppp

I've been involved in almost 13 training camps. I sympathize with those involved because I know what they are going through. Long hours and monotonous work but mostly an eagerness to oput 2009 behind you and start this year. As an assistant equipment manager, I was drained mentally and physically. In 1995, our last training camp at Guelph University, I left for my University graduation and recall being nudged during the ceremony because I dozed off.

I think the most difficult thing for me was seperating personal feelings from what we refer to as the "nature of professional sport". There was a time and era when the equipment staff was responsible for knocking on the players door in the morning and if a player was on a list of those that are on the released transactions, the player was told the coach wants to see you with your playbook.

On particular day I knocked on a door, however the door was opened and I had to tell the player face to face the dreaded words. Once I spoke the words it was evident that he had not much of a fall back plan because he teared up and put his hands in his head.

I had to try hard not to get involved and talk to him because I had always been told that there are alot of released players and through my career there will be many more. Players deal with the news differently, some are prepared others direct their anger to staff and those that bare the news. Next blog I'll talk about the way someone dealt with the news that warranted a phone call gto the Guelph police.

The day before

Tomorrow is our Foundation fund raiser. We'll have Dan Hill performing along with supporters of the Foundation. I hope that we raise some funds to encourage survival of all our incredible programs. For me my day begins at 6:00 when I have to go to the practice facility to pick up our newest edition Jermaine Copeland. The advantage I have is to talk to him and find out the type of charitable events he likes and to get him to sign some memorabilia for donations.

I truly think that it might be a long day, however I'm doing what I enjoy the best so the adrenaline will take me to the end. then I do it all over on Friday. It's going to start to get pretty busy the next few days and I'm sure I'll have alot to say on the blog. With my first Level the Playing field meeting, the first day of training camp and a visit of young kids to practice.

Stay tuned.

In the Beginning........

I am pretty excited to be finally doing this. I have already benn writing a blog on the argonauts website and although its not as often as I'd like, it is still rewarding to share my experiences. I would have expected more comments on some of the things I talked about but I'm not sure why I've only recieved a few including a response having nothing to do with the blog but rather an attack on our off season changes.

Guess thats expected.

I started with the Argonauts at the age of 14 as a water boy helping the team with the locker room duties. I gradually moved into a variety of positions spending a majority of my Argo tenure under the guidance of Equipment Manager, Danny Webb.
Last year I, as well as Danny celebrated our 25th year with the team. I reflected on where I have come from a 14 year old boy a victim of bullying, just wishing to put on a football helmet in a Toronto high school to now being able to share my stories with students across the GTA accompanied by members of the Toronto Argonauts. I have had an opportunity to manage and facilitate, the Argo Recess, Level the Playing Field and Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program, all of which are making an impact in the lives of youth.
Many have told me that I should document my life behind the scenes and particularly with these programs. Often people have said that the Argonauts have made an impact in many lives, however very few have realized how those we come in contact with through all our community work have affected us in many ways.

This blog will be my current experiences with the team and memoirs of my 26 years.

I hope you find this as enjoyable as I will.

Thanks for reading.