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.
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