The 1971 Argonaut's Family

It was July 7th and I walked into the RC for my assignment that day, help the 71 team feel at home. Something I actually looked forward to. You see I had only heard stories over 13 years ago when my Dad was alive. He used to tell me about the days he used to watch his Argos. He used to tell me how they worked hard to bring Toronto a Grey Cup after such a long time of not being in the cup.

So as soon as I began this job with the Argonauts 28 years ago, I was already excited to be a part of the legacy. It was just last year that I was given the role of being the alumni liaison between the team and its alumni. From that point I had realized how important alumni were to this organization. they were there during the good years and the bad years and they were always talking about the Double Blue with pride whenever asked. Even when at times some may have felt slighted by the team or didn't agree with what was happening around the team, they still came around.

Saturday was truly enjoyable. I enjoyed seeing the 200 people lined up for autographs and not just those that may have seen the 71 team play but even youth that were teens or even younger. What a sight to see even a younger generation appreciate these athletes who played when a million dollar salary was unheard of in the entire world.

When those autographs were over it was nice to see the guys get together for something they all had in common, the love of football and more specifically, the Argos. As the score changed and the Argos took the lead you, can sense a hop in their step as they made their way to the half-time celebration.

They all made sure that no one was left behind as they waited for each other by the elevator to make their way down. When they saw their Coach, Leo Cahill, they all made sure he was okay and had a place to sit. Once they made it out to the centre field they waved in pride as their names were announced. Walking back to the elevators they walked by the current Argos waving, shaking hands with players that weren't even born when these guys wore uniforms similar to the ones they wear today. Despite the lack of connection, it still seemed as though no matter the age difference there was still that mutual respect.

71 Argonaut Family

As the game neared the end and the score was tied, the alumni rose to their feet to watch the final seconds. Joining the 71 team in the box was 83' Grey Cup champion Steve Ackroyd and I truly enjoyed the delight in Steve's voice when he told me how he was so honoured to be able to be with the guys that inspired him to play. What made me most content was seeing the camaraderie that these players shared. It was the same camaraderie I saw at the 91 reunion last year and the same camaraderie that other Argo teams have shared and still share. It made me think of family, which brought me back to my memory of my dad, who passed away in 1999. He told me what a special team the Argos had and when I began working for the team I started to see it. Now on July 7th I understood what made them so special, it was the sense of family they all shared. I later found out that I had the privilege of being with the 71 team and ironically when I was one the poster of Joe Theismann and the '71 Argos hung over my crib. I was part of the family long before I ever knew. Now that I am a part of it, I am thankful for it.

Home Opener....Countdown

Home Opener just 4 days away. We kick off our home season against the Calgary Stampeders. Today I was talking with a few colleagues about the significance of a home opener and it took me back to one of my most memorable. 1991 against the Hamilton Tiger Cats. I was an Equipment assistant and I knew that the year ahead would be quite exciting.

There was a tremendous buzz around the "SkyDome" at the time and after a training camp where the Argos made headlines everywhere including south of the border, it could only get better. While the players got a good night sleep, I went to the private party at the Horseshoe Tavern where the "Blues Brothers" gave VIPs a sneak preview to what was coming up the next day.

I went to the party with the other Equipment assistant, Joey, and we walked around the bar looking at all the who's who of the team and their associates. My turned every which way trying to catch a glimpse and perhaps be able to bump into our new owners, specifically, John Candy. I thought to myself how great it would be to be able to chat about the "Great Outdoors" or "Uncle Buck". Most of all I wanted to thank him for bringing back the electricity to the Argos.

The night was young but I had ruled out the fact that I would get to meet him. I began to chat with a nice lady who asked me what i did for the team. When I explained I was one of the locker room helpers, she seemed interested. I told her how excited I was that we had Bruce McNall, Wayne Gretzky and John Candy as new owners and how it would be amazing to be able to meet them. She then said come with me and head towards none other than John Candy. All I could think was that this lady had a lot of guts to just take us over. When we arrived to see John standing with a drink in his hand chatting with someone in a deep conversation, I was startled to hear this lady interrupt John in his conversation. When she claimed how we worked  with the team and said how we were excited to meet him he turned to face us then put his arm around this lady and asked us who we were. When he found out my nickname was affectionately "Sui" he giggled and said that it was a pleasure to meet us and told us not to hesitate to chat whenever we wanted.

That lady was Rose Candy, John's wife and thanks to Rose I got a chance to meet our new owner and realized that I would have plenty of chances to chat about Uncle Buck or the Great Outdoors because we were now part of the same team.

So the next day amongst all the hype and the performance of the Blues Brothers, I thought to myself how now in front of that 35,000 plus crowd, our owner was getting people excited to be an Argo again.

That was one of my favourite home openers in my 28 years. Hope that Saturday will bring back some of that excitement.