Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home seems to be a phrase that I am not quite familiar with in my 30 years. I think ever since I started there was always talk of having to move out of one facility to another.

Lets start but talking about Exhibition Stadium. It was a great place to call home and was not only the site of where we played games but had our practices. We used to practice on the stadium turf for some time. It was great to be able to step right outside our back door to our field. Although we were the first there, we were very happy to share it with the Toronto Blue Jays. Even when we were doing our practice on a field set up for baseball we had a decent relationship with our roommates. After all it was a SHARED facility.

We would practice at the now site of Medieval Times and would only have to practice elsewhere during the Indy of CNE. hoping on a bus seemed like a big task at the time but we got used to it I suppose.

When the talk started about the construction of the SkyDome we knew that we would be playing our games in a multi-purpose facility and there would be some sacrifices but never what would come later. We knew that we would move in and move out each home Argo game. From 1989-1997 we had the luxury of having our day before the game practice at the SkyDome. The locker room would never really be our home while we paid rent at the SkyDome.

When we moved to a new practice facility, we were had some stability. University of Toronto Mississauga was a place we would call home from 1996-2014. Our relationship was best with our roommates when we were owned by the same owner. We shared resources and the facility from 1995-1999. There were some changes once we changed ownership but it all came tumbling down in 2000 when Rogers purchased the Toronto Blue Jays and the President was Paul Godfrey. Who was known as one of the main ringleaders to try and bring NFL to Toronto and demolish the historic Boatmen. In 2004, Rogers bought the SkyDome and made it the Rogers Centre. That's when the relationship changed dramatically. It was almost as though we were the kids on the playground that they wanted away. The faster they can make us unsuccessful, the better it would be for them. They brought the Bills Series which they believed to be the beginning of NFL to Toronto and the death of the Double Blue. Then the facility branding was Toronto Blue Jays from February to October and then Bills from November-December even when we hosted an East Final.

We are now in our last year of existence at the Rogers Centre and off to what was our original home back in the 70's and 80's. The last few years of schedule assignments for the Argos were signals as to how poorly we were viewed by the landlords.This past season we have had to play our first 5 games on the road and then we would play a large chunk of games in October. That's not ideal but its something we would make work for this last year. However with the Toronto Blue Jays success we are forced to likely look for a new venue to play our remaining season games. We could end up playing a total of only 5 home games at the Rogers Centre this season. Not exactly the way I imagined our farewell tour to end. This "Move Out" takes the cake on the biggest move out I've experienced in my 30 years with the club. So for the winningest team in Toronto, the first team to wear blue, the oldest franchise with the same name in North America and the team that has the most players staying in town to do community appearances, we'll just have to grin and bear it.

I won't let that take away from the joy I have of seeing the Jays successful, but I can still be saddened by the way we are treated. Aside from some fans at BMO field that don't want us returning to our original home, I am looking forward to sharing the facility with TFC and sharing in their success on the field. Hopefully, we will finally call somewhere "Home Sweet Home".

2015 Kickoff to the Farewell Tour

It's been way too long since my last post and its likely because I've been writing my book. The team has been on the road since June 26th and are finally back to play in Hamilton and then home to play the Green Riders. This home opener, my 31st is different than any other because it is the last one at the Rogers Centre. That made me reflect and think about all my years at the big round retractable stadium. I still remember in a 1987 Grey Cup promotional video seeing a special segment at the end that talked about the concept of the first multi-purpose retractable domed stadium where the Argos will play. This was all done in a cartoon sketch. It looked pretty neat and we were all pretty excited for the new stadium we would move into where weather would no longer be a factor. I know that many of the players couldn't wait to play indoors. We would still practice on the CNE grounds and have our locker room still at the Exhibition Stadium until the city determined what would happen to the "mistake by the lake." As the stadium was being built we all had great expectations. It would be ready a little later than first assumed but the wait would be worth it. As it neared completion, people began to anticipate the 1989 opening. As if to foreshadow why this stadium was needed our last game at the EX in 1988 was a rainy East Final where we couldn't hold onto the ball, catch the ball or keep from slipping on the watery field.

I'm not 100 percent sure what was so exciting. I think it was the idea of Big City Football in a Big stadium where we wouldn't be affected by weather. After a decline in attendance in the Skydome now known as The Rogers Centre, I can start to say that the excitement was the idea of going to a new stadium because with us now moving to BMO field in 2016, I'm excited. We are going back to that potential for rainy games but despite that I think the feeling of a new beginning has us all equally excited as we were in 1989. I think my next blog will talk about the various reflections of our days at our home from 1989-2015.

27 Years ago this Saturday.....

Yep 27 years ago this Saturday we faced the Hamilton Tiger Cats at IvorWynne in the first of a two game total point formatted Eastern Final. It would be my very first Toronto Argonauts Play-Off game and the atmosphere would be one I'll never forget.

Going into Ivor Wynne for a regular season game like the Labour Day Classic was exciting but imagine when a two game, home at home series would decide who will go on to play in the Grey Cup at BC Place. I knew it would be hard to beat the Ticats in Ivor Wynne but for some reason I had a great feeling. Our game earlier in October we lost in Ivor Wynne by 10 points but beat them both times at home. All the games were close so who would imagine what could happen. Under the leadership of #6 Quarterback JC Watts we managed to beat the TigerCats 31-17. A few interesting notes, it was the first playoff game for Darrell K Smith and Chris Schultz. Going back to Toronto all we really had to do is win or lose by less than two touchdowns. Very Possible.

Being a member of the equipment team thats where I realized the rivalry reached beyond the players and fans. Upon arriving at IvorWynne I was startled to see that we were given a few accessories that were supposed to be provided by visiting teams, much to be desired. I'll leave the details for my book. That angered all of us on the equipment team. I also recall that at Ivor Wynne the visiting team had to walk outside their locker room with Tiger Cat fans just above. Walking off the field after beating the TigerCats, as a 16 year old ball boy, I pushed a trunk towards the locker room pretty happy to know I will have a chance to be in my  very first Grey Cup. However, my daydreaming was stopped abruptly when an empty mickey shattered just feet from me and the trunk. As it happened, I recall the person that would be fitting to come to my rescue, #2 Carl Brazely. He looked up and made sure that the fans knew they did wrong and that their actions while passionate for the team were stupid.

That's when I really knew the rivalry that stood before me.

November 23rd we made sure the TigerCats recieved exactly what they gave us. As I wheeled the shopping cart with their gameday accessories, I was given a few messages to relay back to the Equipment crew of the Argonauts. All I wanted was the game to begin and for us to win and I would see if I might be included in the trip plans to Vancouver. Before you could blink we were up by 26 points after the first quarter. Things were looking very promising. then it happened. Just as the legendary "Argo Bounce" was a story I heard about, I saw it first hand. By the end of the fourth quarter and mishaps I'd like to forget, we lost the two game total point series 59-56! and watching Mike Kerrigan and Al Bruno on the TigerCats sideline celebrate made me feel a little on the sick side.

I continued my chores as though it were another game but this time amidst the picking up of towels, laundry and jerseys I heard sobs. Players sat in front of their lockers sobbing about the fact that we were just 45 minutes away from being in the Grey Cup.

Those memories were very hard to take. If anything that two game total point series only taught me how much I detested the TigerCats in the Eastern Final. I had no idea that I wouldn't feel the rivalry 27 years later, in a domed stadium, with the very close potential of over 40,000 fans in the 101st Grey Cup Playoffs.

Right now from that 86 team, only myself and Danny are still employed with the Argos. Only he and I will remember the antics around the game. Who knows it could be another 27 years til these two teams meet in the East Final again.

29th Home Opener-A Refllection

The start of a new season

This Friday will mark my 29th home opener. If you were to ask me back in 1985 when I was working the home opener at Exhibition Stadium, where I would be almost 30 years later, I doubt I would have said still working with the Toronto Argonauts. The Montreal franchise was called the Concordes, the Ottawa franchise was still in the league with a QB, JC Watts who would eventually be the first African American in Oklahoma to win statewide office.  I was assisting the sidelines of the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they played our Double Blue and were not the team with the amazing following they have today. I couldn’t believe that I was part of a team that only a few years ago, I was watching win their first Grey Cup in 31 years. This would be my first taste of being part of an exciting game known as the Home Opener.

My 1987 home opener was somewhat of a unique experience because with very little warning, the team I was supposed to assist on the sidelines that day, decided to hang up their cleats for 10 years. The Montreal Concordes folded just before the home opener that year and were quickly replaced with Winnipeg becoming an Eastern team.

In 1989 the home opener had a new exciting twist to it. In response to the rainy Grey Cup loss at home in 1982, Paul Goddfrey proclaimed that the City of Toronto needed an indoor stadium, a domed stadium. Many forgot to this day that the SkyDome was built based on this proclamation and others just like it. This home opener was under a roof and in front of 33,000 the Argos would lose to the Tiger Cats.

Then there was 1991. 41,000 people filled the SkyDome which became known eventually as the Rogers Centre. It was the birth of the Rocket's career and more importantly the dawn of Hollywood North. John Candy was the owner at the time and making my way to the stadium I could feel the buzz. AAAARRRRGGGOOOS beckoned in the streets carrying over from the pre-game party the night before, hosted at the Horseshoe Tavern with a performance by the Blues Brothers. The team had just come off of a win in Ottawa, despite the question as to when the CFL would see the Rocket perform. He missed the pre-season and first game due to injury, but on July 18th, in front of the 41,000 loud fans, Raghib "the Rocket" Ismail would make his debut in the city of Toronto. The Blues Brothers played at half time and the stage was set for a storybook season. That would be the biggest crowd in my home opener history. That season I would receive my first of five Grey Cup rings.

Who would have ever thought that in 1994 we would be playing a home opener against a team from Baltimore in the Canadian Football League. In only my 2nd year as a full time assistant equipment manager I would be travelling across Canada and South of the border. The team we met in our home opener would be the first non-Canadian city to win the Grey Cup a year later.

On June 8, 1999 the inspiration for my love of the Argos would leave my life.  My dad would pass away before the Argo season, leaving me without the confidante I could talk to about the woes and celebrations of the good ship Argonauts. The true family spirit of the Argonauts would shine through my dark clouds in the way of a memoriam on the video board for my Dad that home opener. I remember as it went up, despite the game atmosphere, having the many people involved with the Argos making a point to pat me on the back consoling me and letting me know I don't have to be alone on the journey.

In our 115th season in existence, and my 20th Home opener, I would run out of the tunnel with the Toronto Argonauts as the "Argo Bounce". I would be part of the team and excitement leading all the way to our 15th Grey Cup Championship.

Now just a day away we will be starting our 140th season as a franchise, commemorating an incredible win of the 100th Grey Cup. This game will be played against the Hamilton Tiger Cats and hopefully an amazing  crowd will be present to celebrate our momentum from last season, carrying us into another season that I'm sure will be filled with excitement and the pride of being the defending Grey Cup Champions.

In home openers my record is 11 wins and 17 losses. So I have some catching up to do, but home openers can be tempo setters or just eye openers to get a loss out of the way. However in seasons where we won the home opener we are 4 and 1 for winning the Grey Cup that year.

Either way it is a time for fans to get excited for Canadian Football back in town. Brush off those horns, get some fresh new bright blue face paint and forget about last season. It’s a new season. Fans feel the excitement walking up to the gates to see that year's edition of their Toronto Argonauts. The true buzz happens when the home team runs out of the locker room as they are introduced with as much excitement as the fans that cheer for them because this game isn’t built on hype. It's a collection of athletes that play the game for the love of the game who they can relate to anytime. For the fans, it’s a time to reflect on their memories of their past home openers and for some the beginning of many home openers for years to come.

For me it’s a time to be a part of another home opener to set up my 29th season of memories with the Double Blue add another chapter to my book and my life.

The End of an Era

Today marks the last day for a Labour Day game to be played at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton Ontario. I spent 25 Labour Days at Ivor Wynne stadium. While many of my friends and relatives spent their Labour day Monday watching the Jerry Lewis Telethon or the Air show at the CNE, I worked the Labour Day game amongst all the Hamilton fans that welcomed the "double Blue" with the well known "Argos Suck" chant. I thought I would share my first memorable experience at Ivor Wynne, Labour Day Classic as a tribute to the end of a great era in sports history.            

  My first memorable trip to Ivor Wynne for the Labour Day Classic was in 1987. The tension was thick because just 10 months before this game, the Tiger Cats swooped into Exhibition Stadium and came back from a 32 point deficit in a two game total point playoff series to beat us 33-32. The Tiger Cats went on to win the Cup that year so they had complete confidence or I should say arrogance about them.

We weren't in the best position in the standings and we were defined as a rebuilding team. We lost games in such a manner that made it feel that way. We were 4-4 and 1 going into the classic while the Tiger Cats were 6-3. We needed a win and we hadn't won a Labour Day game in Hamilton since 1968.

As I pushed the equipment trunk across the field for the prep of the game all I could hear was "Argos Suck". I thought back to what it was like at the stadium a few hours before that. It was like any other road trip. The fans made it different.
Just 4 hours before that the stadium was a quiet place with the weather a nice warm and humid afternoon. The game was a night game so we had less heat to worry about, however you can still see the ash from the Dofasco plant slightly layered on the field. You knew you were in Hamilton and it was the calm before the storm. As players rolled into the room you could smell the coffee brewing that the offensive lineman would drink as religiously as they drank the gatorade during the game. I did my usual prep for a game and as the clock got closer to the game the stands began to fill and the players made less polite conversation. There were less hand shakes, less pats on the back and less "how are you feeling" "things good at home?" "Have a good game." Now there was glaring, trash talk and alot of shouting at teammates to "Get Hype".

Every play in the game followed alot of yelling and heckling. The bench area was so close to the stands you could hear a person sip their beer in between "Schultzie you suck!".  As the game went on, it was starting to appear that the Ticats would add yet another loss to our rebuilding season but the drama would shock all the 24,770 that were there to see a back and forth battle. The Ticats were leading 19-18 with less than a minute. Gilbert Renfroe would make a number of completions to take the ball to the 1 with 1 second remaining.

A quick run down the gap by Running back Tony Johns put the winning touch down on the board and we were victorious. I ran around the bench in such a frenzy and remember getting a coke thrown on me by a fan in the front row. I didn't care and when CBC had shown high lights of the win, there I was running towards the camera. It would be another 5 Labour day games before we won one.

In my 25 Labour Day games I was part of the winner for only 8. So you can see how that game wasn't one I enjoyed being a part of, however I know that I will miss the hype and the passion that the fans brought to every game we played at Ivor Wynne, especially the game that was the last day of the summer holidays and the Labour day Classic.

I'll have to save some of the hairier stories for my book.

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.

A March Break that Changed my life

I was in Grade 9 at Runnymede Collegiate and had just finished the first semester leading to the March break. A year earlier, my friends and I had attended a leadership camp designed to prepare students to work with the City of Toronto Parks and Rec. A few of my friends that had attended this camp, received phone calls regarding summer employment. As I sat at the kitchen table asking my mom why I wasn't called, I began to question my worthiness as I always had. I once again linked my friends success to the fact that they were taller than me and looked more like grade nine students. It didn't help that just less than 6 months earlier I was victimized through bullying actions on my high school team because of my 4' stature.

My mom, God rest her soul, did everything she could to make me feel as though things weren't as bad as they seemed. My concern was that it was going to be one of those boring summers. Hanging out at the park and perhaps causing trouble while mooching money off my parents.

In the midst of her cleaning the house I remember her asking me what I wanted to do. I decided at that point that what I had always dreamed about was to be the ball boy on the Argo sidelines that got to catch for Condredge Holloway or give a towel to Terry Greer. When I spoke of this my mom said that it wouldn't hurt to call. So after some convincing I opened up the Yellow Pages. Right under the sports area were the Toronto Argonauts Football Club-(416) 595-9600. I decided to call and make an inquiry.

My hands were shaking., my voice crackling but I would muster all the esteem I could to show that I wanted this bad.
"Good Afternoon, Toronto Argonauts Football Club",

"Hello, I am calling to see if there would be any way that I could apply for a job on the sidelines with the Toronto Argonauts". The lady on the other end replied immediately as though this were a regular ask.

"Sure let me put you through to Jeff Howe our Equipment Manager".

I looked at my Mom who paused her cleaning to give me an approving nod.

"Jeff Howe, Equipment room."

"Hi Jeff, my name is Jason Colero and I am calling because I am interested in getting a job as a ball boy with you guys."

"Well, Jason we don't know who is coming back next season so its hard to tell whats available." "If you were to call back in a little while I'll know better." "How old are you?"

"I'm 14 and in grade nine."

"OK. Give us a call in a little while and we'll see what goes on."

"Thanks for your time Mr. Howe and congrats on a great season. I listened to the East Final on the radio."

"Well we'll be back at er next year." "Have a good one Jason."

"You too and talk to you soon."

After hanging up, I jumped out of the chair and said to my mom,"He said to call back. He said to call back." That March break turned out to be one of the best of my life, because as the story goes, I got the call back and the rest is history.

Thanks mom. That little nod of encouragement was life changing.

2011 Season comes to an end with a busy week

This week our season ended on Thursday November 3, but it was as positive as I can hope for. Tuesday night I hosted my first parent information night at Philip Pocock Secondary School. We were starting our parental education of cyber bullying. Constable Scott Mills, the Social Media officer of the Toronto Police and Crime Stoppers was a great addition to our parent session and I am sure the parents were intrigued with his point of view on cyber bullying. My evening ended quite interesting when a Runnymede alumnus introduced himself to me. When I heard his name I was excited because he was one of the last Runnymede football players that left a great mark for that team the year before I attended the school. He was disappointed to hear about the stuff that happened to me, and said had he been there, he would not have allowed that to take place.

On Wednesday afternoon I was a keynote speaker at the Gay Straight Alliance conference for 31 high schools in York region. When I was introduced, the MC asked the audience who was interested in organized sports and the response was not so overwhelming. However, after I talked about my experiences with bullying and where I am now and what I do, for the first time in a long time I received a standing ovation. I was very proud to have made a difference. Then later that evening our community team, made up of myself, Erin, Brian and our community intern, Blane, received more accolades at the 15th Annual Unforgettable Dinner for the Canadian Safe Schools Network. It was satisfying to know that not only is our program one of the most well known with bullying programs, but it was also supported by many who attended the dinner.

Game day would provide a very emotional moment for me and anyone that is close to the Argonauts. Earlier that week, I received an e-mail from one of our Level the Playing Field Schools telling me one of their players suffered an injury on the field that would end his sports career. Before the injury, Andre Durie had visited one of their practices to help motivate these players. He told the story of when he was injured at York and doctors told him he would never walk again let alone play football. The student's coach asked if there was a way that this young boy could get a signed ball from Andre. As I forwarded the e-mail to upper management and the GM and our head coach, Jim Barker, the response was overwhelming. After the game had ended Friday night which we won quite handily, Andre Durie was the star of the game and I knew that this ball would mean so much more. I walked the young man and his coach to the locker room to wait as the team made their way back in for the sacred team time after a game where only the team usually is part of. However, Coach Barker not only invited this young man and his coach in, but started his last post game speech by introducing the young man and dedicating the first game ball to him. The young man received a team signed game ball and more importantly words of encouragement from a number of players in that room. What an amazing experience for everyone involved. Since that day I received a number of e-mails from the school thanking us for that moment and to my team the Toronto Argonauts it was something that they were thankful to have been a part of.

Yesterday, I was part of the "Underachievers" Movember golf tournament. In assisting one of my coworkers in the organization of this tournament it is rewarding to see the number of people that don't hesitate to help out.

Finally today, Ricky Foley and I will be 2 of 7,000 people in all of Canada that will be participating in the 25th Anniversary of the Rick Hansen Relay for making a difference in our community. A proud moment knowing the significance of what Rick Hansen did 25 years ago.

Hope you all read my next blog of what that relay was like.

Winding Down

As of November 4th, the 2011 edition of the Toronto Argonauts comes to a close. I remember past seasons, being a part of the locker room when the season ended too soon. When you are eliminated from a playoff game, all you can think about are the "what ifs" "should haves" "could haves". It wasn't too long ago, this past May, when I spoke with a bunch of our current players and could feel the optimism going into this season. I feel their disappointment now and can understand it from my past. For me the early endings I experienced on the sidelines came in 1985, 1989, 1992 and 1995. Of those, the most memorable for me was the 1992 season when we were eliminated from contention of the playoffs and a bunch of us, including our owner at the time, John Candy, talked about the disappointment and the bright future that potentially lay ahead of us. It was a memorable evening having a few chuckles despite the outcome. That would be the last time many of us would get a chance to laugh with John Candy, as he passed away in 1993.

Ever since my transfer to the community relations department, the early season end comes with mixed emotions, as I now plan for the next important season, which takes place in the schools: my work to help prevent bullying. The questions always exists, "who will be back next season?" "what free agents will remain with the Double Blue" or specifically for me "who will stay in Toronto this off season and be a part of the Huddle Up Program?"

I hope to keep you all intrigued with the various stories that both myself and the Argonauts players will experience this off season. But one thing I can guarantee is that the issue of bullying seems to escalate every day and we have a big hill to climb in order to make a difference. Rest assured, I am one person who is doing everything I can to make sure kids in my community don't have to experience what I went through during my time in high school. And believe it or not, one person can make a difference. But there is power in numbers and we need all the help we can get.

The Follow Up

First, Thanks to everyone who read my last blog and commented. It was great to see that this writing isn't just for my self amusement. So in case some of you don't follow the Toronto Argonauts, we played the "Think Pink" game and on the field it wasn't a great success as the team lost 31-24 to the Edmonton Eskimos, however it was definitely a see of pink. It was actually quite symbolic the way the team lost. Down 31-3 in the third quarter things were bleak and the stadium had already started to empty. Then things changed, call it a collapse of the Eskimos if you'd like but there are always two teams on the field and rather than letting the Eskimos finish them off, the Double Blue made a fight of it. They fought back from a 31-3 deficit to fall one play short of tying it. This is very similar to the battle one fights against this horrible disease. Many people diagnosed with this disease can simply let it take over, however I know all the people that have survived or succumbed to the disease never let it take over their lives. Fighting until the end. For all those fans that attended the game, Thanks for your support. For me, I did what I used to do a long time ago. I looked up to section 212 to imagine my parents sitting in their seats give me a wave of approval for the job we did on and off the field. Fittingly there was my moms name just beside the section. As the comment to my blog said,there are always angels watching over me.

In less than a week I will be participating in Movember and yes I'll be asked whats with the moustache, or told "looks like you have more hair on your face than on your head", "you look like an adult movie star". Despite this I will start a new form of support to help those battling prostate cancer.

My next blog I'll chat about my trips to high school football practice where I realized why I do what I do.

A battle of the ages

I submitted the following post to go on the Argonauts Community Corner, however with all the content occuring it may not go up so my hope to have people read it here for now.


It was 2003 and here in Argo land financial difficulty saw a reduction in staff. I couldn’t believe that after almost 20 years I was almost unemployed. This wasn’t the only thing my family was dealing with that summer. My mother had gone through treatment for her bout with breast cancer and it appeared as though she was in remission. November we were playoff bound to Montreal for the East Final. I was there as the mascot and very excited because it was a Cinderella story in the making. Our dreams were demolished as a last second fumble was not called and the Als were Grey Cup bound. Just before I boarded the train home, I made a phone call home and heard something that made the loss miniscule compared to what my family would deal with for the remainder of the off season. While I was away my mom was rushed to the hospital and my mom’s cancer was back and had spread. It didn’t look good. I tried to be strong on the 5 ½ hour train ride home. That year, I was also asked to work at the Grey Cup in Regina. The people at the CFL during that year had said they understood if I couldn’t make it but my mom insisted I go because the Argos and the CFL meant as much to her as much as it meant to me. My sister and I shared the moments with my mom taking her to her treatments as my dad had passed away 4 years earlier. My sister and I had each other and that was what we needed to help us through everything. The Toronto Argonauts organization was classy enough to tell me that I can take as much time off as needed to be with my mom. I continued to do the Huddle Up program to take my mind off the situation and on April 1, 2004 my mom lost her battle to cancer. Then that following September, my wife’s sister-in-law lost her battle to Breast Cancer at a young age and left behind a husband and 2 year old daughter. I knew that there are many people that fight this fight with Cancer and share similar stories to what I shared. That’s why today’s game is so special to me and many people involved with the game. I can understand what Taylor Robertson, Wes Lysack and Kevin Huntley went through when someone close to them lost their battle. I commend everyone that helps support those in need. Everyone who is going through this dreadful disease whether they are fighting the battle themselves or they are family of people that are fighting it, needs support from everyone that’s why this is somewhat of a call out for all the fans out there to not only buy a ticket for tonight’s game but to wear pink and support the survivors, the people that are battling and those that have lost the battle. Understand that Friday’s game is not only about a battle on a field.
I know that my mom is looking down on today's game with my dad beside her and somewhat proud of cheering for the team and seeing how they are giving back.

“Make your passion your Life and No one can take that away.

To have Heart or Not to Have Heart. Who can answer that question.

There is a great truth to the fact that when you are winning there are never many issues regarding the team. However, when you arent in the winning column everything becomes magnified. The truth is that there are alot of factors that can lead to this.

In the media every mistake is discussed in great detail and fingers are pointed. Performance is always questioned when things go wrong. Not only in sports but in business as well. Why arent we meeting our quarterly goals? Why are sales slow? Why dont people buy the product? Our restaurant is empty. Why? It doesn't matter what industry you are in, someone has to be to blame. Often its the decision making at the top. What bothers me most, is when the integrity and heart of an individual is questioned. This was the case in a recent article by a colleague and former Argonaut, Sandy Annunziata.

The article was on yahoo sports on Wednesday and was a blog just as this one. It is an opinion and I am never one to say an opinion is wrong but the topic was dealing with the injury Cleo Lemon sustained during a home loss to Winnipeg. He cracked his teeth exposing a nerve, causing him to be sidelined for the rest of that game and the following game. This is understandable considering the possibility of causing further damage is great. In the blog, Sandy compares Cleo to the Winnipeg counterpart Buck Pierce. Categorizing Cleo as a person not "tough as nails" and missing an opportunity to inspire his teammates. In this day and age the notion is unsafe for youngsters.

I'm not taking away from the grittiness others have shown by playing through an injury risking not only their careers but the possibility of living a normal life because that is the choice of an athlete. However, I feel that the integrity and heart of an individual that has been sidelined dueto injury should never be questioned. If we could look into the desire and feelings of others that would make alot of our decisions in life more predictable.

Blaming a loss on a team because of their performance is fine but questioning their heart or determination is not fair. Imagine a high school athlete playing football sustains hit on the head which to many on the sideline looks as though it was a simple graze. This high school athlete has a history of concussions and in order to show his teammates he has grit he hides his concussion and makes his way back to the field only to sustain another head injury that forces his high school career and football career very short.

I have been fortunate to work around the people that decided to lay it on the line and to thm I tilt my hat. In fact, it was the decision of Matt Dunigan, Michael Clemons and Chris Gaines to play through their injuries that helped bring the cup home in 1991. But I never feel someones heart needs to be measured by their will to play injured or not. Moreso their desire to give their all out there. After all Cleo was criticized for not sliding on the scramble he got injured on.

If we were 3 and 1 I'm sure this wouldnt even be an issue.

Us against the World...even our own city!

I write this blog a little disappointed in the city of Toronto. After a few people read too deep into an ad that they interpreted to mean something that is the furthest from the truth. I say this because when a politician believed the Argonauts were sending a message of domestic violence in an ad that in its context referred to the sport of football.

Yes people are definitely entitled to their opinions. That is the beauty of freedom, however the opinions should come educated rather than judged prior to research. As a person who is very proud to ensure that youth never have to go through the bullying I endured, I know for a fact that the ad we placed was meant to demonstrate the grit this team has to defend their home field. But the home field we protect has resistance within our city. All the ad critics had to do was look into the lives we have saved while sending the bullying prevention message through our 10 year Huddle Up Bullying Prevention Program. Instead, they tried to make it appear that we condone violence towards others, off the field, in particular, in the home. The ad was removed nonetheless but I still feel very disappointed at the principal. The removal of the ad was the right thing to do to show that we respect what people think. However, I wonder if any of the people that complained know how many years we have been in the schools helping and mentoring youth. Or that the players participating in the program are required to conduct a police Vulnerable Sector Report as per our own program requirements and this is not requested by the schools we attend. These people are probably people that haven't even seen an Argonauts game and have little idea that we do over 500 community appearances annually.

To those that understood or know what we have done to help youth, I thank you. To those that complained, there might be bigger fish to fry in this city such as a football league that has just arrived exploiting women in lingerie playing the sport of football. Why can't they just play football? Why do they need to be in underwear to have it accepted, but then again I guess our ad is more controversial.

I hope anyone who reads this blog will understand my frustration and realize that all I'm trying to say is that maybe if some of the good things we have done received a little more attention in this city I wouldn't feel so disheartened when something like this happens.

Thanks for reading.

The Day after- The Night before

Well its been far too long since my last blog both on the Argo site and on this site. I actually sit here at the end of the off season and the day after our first pre- season game of 2011. 31-12 over the Hamilton Tiger Cats. One would say pre-season isn't one of the finer things to look forward to and as a matter of fact winning or losing them has no bearing on the results in the playoffs. However, there are times that winning your pre-season games is a huge lift for any team. Last year we won our first game by a few points against the tabbies. then lost the second game against the Als. The previous two years were split as well. There are no trends in winning or losing the preseason games but I know that the team on the field Saturday had an air of confidence and attitude about them. I can say that that confidence and attitude that this city hasn't seen in sometime. Torontonians have a reason to be excited about one team this year.

I have just prepared for a two week getaway in the beautiful island of Hawaii. This will be probably the first time I have been absent during the season in a long time. I will be doing something I am quite passionate about aside from football. Scuba diving. I've dreamt of scuba diving and after a long hesitation, I have finally achieved certification and I am an advanced Diver and ready to finally do what I thought I would do as young child. Scuba Dive amongst the sea life of the Ocean. I will be doing this with my wife whom I am very excited to be able to share the experience with.

My hope is to be able to blog a few times while away in regards to the trip to Hawaii and then return to my blog to continue my life with the Toronto Argonauts.

Til next time.

Changing bullying one child at a time; Does anybody know?

On March 10, 2011 the US government set up an anti-bullying policy making principals responsible for students’ activities on and off school property including social media. There are some privacy concerns with this policy but in my opinion I believe that students should refrain from bullying behavior always, regardless if it's within the walls of the school or not. The fact that this issue was addressed by a Federal government signifies how important it is that we never sweep this under the rug and the the role social media plays within the lives of our youth of today.
The other day I was sent a “you tube” file that showed one boy being filmed while he bullied another boy that was seemed to be irritated by the situation. It wasn’t a surprise to see the boy being bullied retaliate and physically harm the boy bullying. Some would say that it’s the best way to deal with a person who is bullying, however there are a lot of negative consequences that could arise from that reaction. The actual bullying situation didn’t bother me as much as the bystanders that stood around to see this happening and do nothing to change the situation, even going as far as to film it on an electronic device. The unfortunate truth is that there aren’t any kids using an electronic device to show the internet world someone saving someone from a bad situation.
As we continuosly take players and cheerleaders to schools in the GTA we hope that we can make a difference in one child life that maybe that person that refuses to allow someone to be mistreated. Many people don’t even know about the number of students we have affected mainly because that’s not the information that is published or talked about in public. It is extremely rewarding to hear a school tell us how students talked about the issue of bullying after we have left the school because that tells me that the awareness part of our campaign is working. Not to mention the countless stories from kids via e-mails and schools sending us testimonials. In fact, at a couple of presentations a few students spoke up as to how they were currently being bullied and in some cases almost to a state of extreme depression. The good news is that schools are addressing these situations, the bad news is we need to hear more of the good news to diminish the bad.
Our latest addition to our facebook page the”Huddle Up” tab, will hopefully be the platform and voice students need. Each and every player that has shared his personal stories from the past and present such as Adrion Smith to Ricky Foley is always rewarded to hear how their message has been echoed in the halls and online. In fact, it was never unusual for a student to yell out the acronym “R.A.R.E” which was given to them at an assembly by Adrion Smith. This is the kind of thing that keeps our programs and players desire to be involved so strong. My hope is that we have more people using the internet tools such as our Facebook tab, as the voice of positivity and guidance instead of a weapon of bullying. Please help us by liking us on Facebook and demonstrating that our efforts are not in vain.

“Make your passion your Life and No one can take that away.

Imagine what if…….

Imagine what ifs are always part of football or any sport. What if we scored on the first drive, what if we just stopped them when it was 2nd and 10 or simply what if we made it past Montreal. The “what ifs” in sports are always great to think about, but harmless in nature. However, as I listened to one of Cory Boyd speak about his bullying experiences I began to reflect on some of the other speeches of former Huddle Up players like Chuck Winters who talked about choices and how they mould you for the future. He reaches the students by explaining how he almost never gave football another shot after University. If he never showed up for the Arena football tryout, he would have never made the team and been in touch with Rich Stubler who then brought him to be a part of our 2004 Grey Cup team. Even Pinball who throughout his football career was told you aren’t big enough. Then when he finally made it to the NFL he was released due to injuries. Had he not answered the phone call from Ralph Sazio of the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts he would have probably never been such a big part of our storied franchise, and there is no telling where we would be. Those “what ifs” are a key part of life and specifically our message to youth during the bullying presentations. Personally, if it wasn’t for a bystander stepping up for me I wouldn’t be here at all. Then not making the phone call to the Toronto Argonauts hoping they would have room for one more ball boy. Never would I have imagined that the call 27 years ago would result in me creating a 10 year bullying prevention program affecting over 250,000 students in the Greater Toronto Area. I would hate to think of the “what if” that person never spoke up for me in my high school.
I am quite sure that someone or something in your life has allowed you to carry on in some way and I’d love to hear your “what if” story with how someone or something changed your life.

“Make your passion your Life and No one can take that away.

Happy 50th Birthday Wayne Gretzky

For many of you who haven't followed the Argonauts until recent years, you are probably wondering what I would be doing writing about Wayne Gretzky's 50th birthday in an Argo blog. Well 20 years ago around this time, Bruce McNall, John Candy and yes Wayne Gretzky owned the Toronto Argonauts Football Club and put the team on the map south of the border.

Not only did these owners bring celebrity status to the city of Toronto, but they brought attention from our neighbours south of the border by stealing the Oakland Raiders #1 draft pick in 1991, Raghib "Rocket" Ismail. I remember the day like it was yesterday. The equipment manager, Danny Webb, called me and told me to turn it on the NFL draft, which is something that I historically never hurried to watch. As I turned the TV on, there was Chris Berman stating that "the number one draft pick has decided to go to the Toronto Argonauts Football Club of the Canadian Football league for a rumoured $4 million per year, the highest salary in pro football."

This of course became big news in no time. The owners earlier promise to make the Toronto Argonauts the talk of the CFL ws starting to become a reality. In June 0f 1991, the "SkyDome" had almost 40,000 fans for the home opener. This was one of the biggest regular season attendances in Argonauts' history.

That season, Wayne et. al brought such celebrities to the game as Marty McSorley, Dan Ackroyd and various other notables. The sidelines became a "who's that" attraction for not only fans but players and staff, such as myself.

People however began to wonder if the Argos were for real. Rocket was injured a few times during the season and despite the early 7 and 1 start fans wondered if we would sizzle out. However, thanks to the great leadership of Adam Rita and owners that spoiled us with gifts and treated us as though we were celebrities, we found ourselves in -18 degrees weather in the 75th Grey Cup championship.

Dramatically, we won the game with Hollywood-type scenarios occurring around the game, such as a player playing in his last game of football due to a career ending injury, a quarterback playing with a separated shoulder and a 21 year old rookie phenomenon that put all the naysayers to rest by taking a kick off the distance to seal the victory.

Here is where my memory of Wayne comes in. After the game, the celebrations began with champagne, tears and for myself, awe that I had won my first Grey Cup as a locker room attendant. As I went to my locker to change into other clothes, I realized that sitting away from all the hoopla in my locker was Wayne and Janet Gretzky. So I walked over and in my meek and timid voice asked: "excuse me Mr. Gretzky, I am just going to get changed" he giggled and said to me: "you have a lot of time to do that, for now just go and celebrate with the guys. Championships don't come as often as you hope so enjoy it while you can."

I couldn't believe that Wayne Gretzky actually talked to me. But I never forgot his words of wisdom because I have been able to experience seasons where I wondered if I would ever get another championship.

The next June I was privileged to be the last person called up on stage at the annual "Meet the Argo Luncheon" to receive my first Grey Cup ring from the owners which included Wayne Gretzky. Those memories will last a life time so I will end off by saying Happy Birthday Wayne and Thanks.

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.