Recapping Day 1 of Grey Cup week at the Olympic Stadium

 

Day 1: Grey Cup is officially underway.

                Well its official, this can go in the CFL Records and Facts book, I am the first media member to receive my credentials for the 96th edition of the Grey Cup. The first thing I did as an official media member, my co-host, Trexis Griffin and I decided to go see the football stadium. I marveled at the fact that in 5 days time, this place will be packed to the brim with screaming football fans from across Canada. Meanwhile, the stadium workers were hard at work putting the final touches on the football field, but I can officially say the Grey Cup is here.

After our sightseeing of the football field, we took the elevator down to the bowels of Olympic Stadium where a rush of Montreal Expos memories went through my mind as to who used this elevator during their time in this city. As soon as I open the door to go to the press room, Alouettes head coach, Marc Trestman is leaving his press conference to go back to his office. He acknowledges my presence by giving me a smile, maybe he knows I am the scribe who wrote the potential Trestman to the Oakland Raiders rumour. But as soon I walk into the media room, every major "Canadian" television, radio, and newspaper outlet is waiting patiently for the arrival of Alouettes quarterback, Anthony Calvillo. As Calvillo’s press conference is underway the questions ranged from Calgary’s press man coverage on defense, to his potential retirement, and his wife’s health. As I observed from the back of the press room, I could sense that Calvillo was at ease answering the questions thrown his way. Unlike in past Grey Cups, where it seemed like he had a 10 ton gorilla on his back, it was evident that Calvillo wanted to enjoy the time he had with the assembled media members.

After the Trestman and Calvillo press conferences, we (media members) were allowed inside the Alouettes locker room. Some of the players briskly were in and out, as they were changing into their shirts, and shorts to get ready for the afternoon weight training session. But from talking to the likes of Avon Cobourne, Scott Flory, T.J. Hill, Reggie Hunt, and Adrian McPherson the atmosphere inside the clubhouse was relaxed. In fact, as I was about to leave, star defensive end, Anwar Stewart, pointed me out to the entire Alouettes team and the remaining media members that I am a Toronto fan. It was a great chuckle between the 2 of us. I sent my best wishes to Anwar, and that next year in Calgary (the site of the 97th Grey Cup), the Argos will be playing for the championship title.

Overall, upon leaving Olympic Stadium, the sense that I received from the players was they were relaxed, loose, and enjoying the moment. Some pundits feel this will be the last run for some of the older veterans on the roster, but for now, they will cherish every minute of Grey Cup week.

Check out day 2 of my blog as the Calgary Stampeders roll into town.