A CFL Dream Come True!

I don’t care if you are Canadian, American or something slightly more exotic, you all should seriously consider experiencing the Grey Cup at some point in your life.  I don’t mean the one littered with commercials and completed with an appearance from Gordon Lightfoot, Carly Rae Jepson and “Biebs” all from the comfort of your own homes. And I’m not even talking about going the big game necessarily.  I’m talking about the entire GC weekend.

I spent this past weekend in Toronto, taking in the Grey Cup experience, and the only way I can properly do it any justice is to label it “magical”.  I spent much of Saturday touring the festivities, highlighted by visiting several team’s hospitality events.  I participated in the parade (more on that later… but the picture to the left will give you a clue!), and of course spent the evening at Rogers Centre.

On Saturday, a few guys I know, and another couple I only just met, attended the Official Grey Cup parties.  The idea is that each teams hosts its own party complete with live shows, meet-and-greet with players, coaches and owners, and a healthy mix of libations.  After we donned our t-shirts honouring the entire CFL on TSN panel, we were on our way via taxi to the Convention Centre.  While not a fan of the Green Riders, I was dragged against my will to the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ “Riderville”.

The sea of green and white was obvious.  While out of my element in my black and gold, I was able to meet a few fans from around the CFL world.  See, there is a special bond amongst fans of the Canadian League that we all know about, but can’t identify entirely.  It’s there, just under the surface, though you may have to scratch hard to find it.  It is something that allows us to approach anyone, in any coloured jersey, talk some trash but go away with smiles on our faces having met just another member of this gigantic, extended family.  If you are a fan, you know the bond of which I speak.

Mike and Danny McManus

Eventually I got my way and we left the Sea of Green for more comfortable surroundings of the “Wrecker’s Ball”, the appropriately named party hosted by the Hamilton Ti-Cats.  It was fascinating to wander around and mingle with fans, some of which I’ve certainly seen before at some point during my 26 years with season tickets (I’m 34 now) wandering the hallowed grounds of the now closed Ivor Wynne Stadium.

While I won’t report on everyone I met, let’s just say there were a few particularly memorable conversations.  While standing in line for a beverage, I met Danny McManus.  What a great guy.  I left the line to rally my comrades to come and meet the legendary pivot.  Danny Mac was courteous, approachable and professional.  After ribbing him about his Florida State Seminole loss to the Florida Gators earlier in the afternoon, he took the time to answer some questions.  He even let a very fortunate John LeDonne, a member of my party, try on his Grey Cup ring!  We left Danny with a toast of good cheer to the Ti-Cats and the Grey Cup and were off to our next celebrity sighting.

Not a few minutes later we ran into Bob Young, the owner of the franchise.  An all-round nice guy, Bob made time to answer our questions, which seemed insightful at the time, but in hindsight were probably much less than that.  After sputtering out a few ways he can turn the club’s fortunes around, we posed for a few snapshots and were on our way.  Next up for us was a meet-and-greet with WR Andy Fantuz, who, as with Bob Young, politely answered our questions, however ridiculous they likely were.

Brett and his cousin, Stephanie

After a little more mingling, we met up with Brett’s cousin, who is a Ti-Cats Cheerleader, before the cheer team performed a few songs for the crowd.   The performance was soon followed by some player introductions, as they answered some questions and then dispersed for some photo-ops.

 

 

 

 

I took advantage by approaching CFL Outstanding Special Teams Player, and East Division All-Star, Chris Williams.  I gave him some advice about his future as a football player, which I’m sure was not helpful in the least but must have been entertaining, before I re-connected with my party and made for the door.  It was a great Saturday night, but the best was yet to come.

On Sunday afternoon we were hanging around the hotel room, biding time before our dinner reservations at 3:30.  Brett (Bullough) told us he was heading to the Grey Cup Parade to “check it out for a bit”.  After weighing my options, I decided to join as did John and Gerry, who very nearly stayed back to watch some NFL.  We were told at the pep rally before the parade that some fans would actually get the honour of walking with the Grey Cup.  While the thought was fantastic, it seemed way too unlikely.  I believe at one point I turned to Brett and said, “We aren’t going to get a sniff of the Cup”.  If I only knew…

We were contemplating going back to the hotel, all four of us completely non-commital and uninvested in this parade.  Not that it wasn’t well organized and eventful, just that it was cold and we were completely underdressed.  In the end we decided to follow the throngs of CFL fans, and made our way down Bloor St.  At one point, Brett disappeared, which isn’t terribly surprising.  The rest of us decided to leave the parade and wait on the sidewalk.  The entire crowd passed us, but I noticed John approach some lady who was putting something on his wrist.  It took only a second or two to realize he was chosen to carry the Grey Cup.  Not to be outdone, I raced over and demanded a wristband (in a nice way), as did Gerry, and thankfully we were granted one as well.  Brett, who seemed to reappear at the very last second, begged for one two, which was the last bracelet handed out.

A snapshot from near the back of the parade, before we were chosen to carry the Grey Cup

I can’t explain to you what it was like fighting our way from the very back of the parade all the way to the front.  I weaved, bobbed, pushed, tackled and clawed my way through, leaving the other guys behind – survival of the fittest. I finally made it to the front and was given a lengthy list of instructions for how to hold the Cup.  With mounties flanking both sides, and with many, many on-lookers and television cameras, the Grey Cup was passed to me.  Overcome with emotion, all I could do was smile a silly, six-year-old smile, as I completely absorbed the crowd, the atmosphere, and privilege I had of holding one of sports’ oldest and greatest prizes, as I slowly made my way down Yonge St.

Gerry’s moment in the limelight

After me was John, Brett and Gerry in turn, each having their own personal experience with holding the Cup.  When the last of us passed off the trophy, our smiles ear-to-ear told the story.  We were handed t-shirts that read, “I Carried the Grey Cup”, as we made our way back to the hotel, calling everyone we knew along the way.  Pictures were uploaded, texted, shared and Tweeted, as we attempted to let everyone know of our triumph.

It was clearly one of the greatest moments in my life, and I have the CFL, the Grey Cup Committee and the City of Toronto to thank for giving it to me.

The opening kickoff of the 100th Grey Cup

After our dinner reservations we went to the Grey Cup game at Rogers Centre.  While the game, too, was memorable it was entirely due to the atmosphere and not the play on the field.  It was a pleasure to see fans from all over Canada and parts of the USA (met some Baltimore Stallions fans) coming together for the spectacle.

I’ve been to many sporting events in my life and have many fond memories, but the ones I have of the 100th Grey Cup will truly last a lifetime.  I urge all fans to make your own Grey Cup dreams come true.  Next year is in Saskatchewan, and I hope it’s just as magical.