Written by: Brendon LaBatte
Welcome, thanks for coming back for the second instalment of Brendon’s Blog.
Well our trip to Hamilton was a success!!! It was a great feeling in the locker room after that win. The excitement and celebration we had in our dressing room afterwards reiterated why we all play the game. The feeling of being victorious on the road is so unique and special. Going into an environment where everyone is against you but the roughly 65 people on your sideline and the few blue faithful in the stands really brings everyone together. After not being to celebrate a road victory all last year, finally getting to do so was amazing. I had a smile ear to ear and was hooting and hollering which is a rare occurrence for me. Everyone around from Al (our head trainer) to Bouch (our assistant equipment manager) and all players were enjoying the moment and celebrating our victory. On the bus ride to Toronto, you could barely hear through your headphones the bus was so loud and rocking. Several players had Ipads or cell phones and were watching the newly posted Blue Bomber Planking Celebration on Youtube. The bus erupted when it seen for the first time. I even saw the team doctor look it up on his cell afterwards. Everyone was laughing and celebrating and it definitely refreshed our memory on why we not only play, but why we must do the extra little bit each week to ensure we are able to experience that feeling on a regular basis.
After touching back down in Winnipeg, we headed for the stadium to watch the film as an Offensive Line unit. We saw a lot of good things and had some corrections and improvements to make as well. By returning to the stadium for film breakdown on Saturday we were able to make Sunday a complete day of relaxation and freedom. A day I used to work on my swing and introduce my roommate Kelly Butler to the game of golf. Now for being a complete newbie to the game, I give him a lot of credit. He made contact high percentage of the time and improved substantially as the day progressed. At 6’8, 320 pounds and after spending the offseason in Winnipeg he’s a very recognizable person in the community. This became very apparent as we soon had an audience of people watching him take his first ever swings at the driving range. I was feeling a little bit of extra pressure not to suck myself, so I respect the courage it takes to step up for your first ever swings with all eyes on you. After teeing off #1 and duffing a 30 yard dribbler into the rough, K.B’s celebrity status and recognition backfired on him. A man who was unknown to either of us, walked out side the pro shop and yelled “You got a hold of that one Butler!” He probably didn’t know that was his first ever swing on a golf course, and it doesn’t matter, it was hilarious.
Monday our preparation began for Toronto. They too are coming off a road win so it’s a critical game early in the season. When you play a division team at home, its important you win as these are the types of games a successful team rarely drops. The fact that this is our home opener we need to set a tone and precedence of what we are going to be about this year. Canad Inns Stadium needs to become the loud, ferocious stadium that opponents fear like it has been in the past. It’s up to us as players to perform and make the plays thus allowing the fans to celebrate and fill the stadium with energy. We will not be able to build the reputation we all long for after one game but we can definitely dictate the direction we move. Having a successful game Friday will put us on the right track to closing out Canad Inns Stadium in the fashion it deserves.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Look forward to seeing everyone on Friday and thank you in advance for your support!!
