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.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
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!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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.
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.
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