Name: Darryl Conrad Position: Offensive Line Year: 4th

Once In A Lifetime

It is hard to enjoy the Vanier week when you are there. It is either the aggression, nervousness or anticipation that makes it hard to enjoy. But once you sit back and have time for it to settle in, you realize how special of a time it was. The Vanier week to me now is one of those moments that will stay with me for my entire life. I think it is important to talk about the week leading up to the game.

When we arrived in Toronto, our coaches were stressing to the players about how we needed to stay in our rhythm and ignore distractions. Well, ignoring distractions is almost impossible considering the situations that you are put in. We were practicing all over Toronto instead of on our own run down field. We had to attend the All Canadian Banquet and Coach of the Year Breakfast, neither of which I do in my normal weekly routine. At one point during the All-Canadian dinner I wanted to get up and scream. I couldn’t take being cooped up with the other team for another minute, but I restrained myself because the last thing I wanted my grandmothers to see on The Score was their grandson having a meltdown. I would have loved to invite a psychologist and sociologist onto our hotel floor just to analyze what a week cooped up in a hotel waiting for the biggest game of out lives can do to a man.

I should take this time to thank everyone involved in the Vanier Cup, because it really is a top of the line show that they put on. Our personal Vanier chaperon Andrew was a fantastic help to our team and even found us a pretty sweet buffet spot. At the time, I would describe Vanier week as the longest week of my life. It was like being lifted from our lives and dropped into this crazy situation.

I can’t stress how different and stressful the week can be since you literally sit around and wait for the game, but once you step on the field you forget everything. Now that I have returned to real life and back to school and student teaching, I have had time to reflect on my experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It is unique to have that experience with that group of guys and those coaches. I was talking to our QB John Makie and we were talking about how that group of guys, because of graduation, CFL or other commitments, will never be together again on the field. While that is very emotional to think about, at least we had the Vanier experience before it ended and when we are old and grey we will still be talking about it.

It feels like the Vanier week was months ago when it has only been a few days. I don’t know where I wanted to go with this I guess it really hasn’t settle in yet, but I just wanted to say again that the experience of the Vanier Cup is a once in a lifetime thing and looking back I enjoyed every second of it.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 30

Since we have returned to Winnipeg this last week, it has been a whirlwind. I am looking forward to sitting back on Sunday and letting it all sink in. The public reaction to out Vanier Cup win has been overwhelming at times. I though it would be nice to relay some of our experiences as well as say thank you to all the people for their support and excitement over our win.

Right now, I am doing my student teaching block at St. Paul’s High School and they have been amazing to me during my time there. Not only were they amazingly accommodating to me during the season, but upon my return I received a standing ovation from the students in my class as well as congratulations from every staff member. So thank you St. Paul’s! I know that all the players are experiencing a similar situation on campus and in the community. I guess you could say that this is our 15 minutes of fame, until next year.

Upon our return we took the cup to Boston Pizza, a team sponsor, and then onto Wise Guys, another team sponsor. It was funny watching everyone try and celebrate while hiding the yawns that come with a long week and an emotional hangover. On Tuesday, some people now sporting real hangovers, we were given as a team an outstanding achievement medal by the City of Winnipeg. It was an awesome experience and will look good on a resume. On Wednesday there was a pep rally at school that I was unable to attend, but from what I hear when they wheeled Matt Henry out to be given the trophy it was an emotional event.

On Saturday, we are having lunch at the Legislative Building with the premier. I am looking forward to this because it gives me a chance to thank Gary Doer for keeping my job warm for me. It is especially nice for a guy like myself, who was born and raised in Manitoba, to have the opportunity to meet the mayor and the premier. I can’t even begin to tell you how incredible it has been to get this type of recognition. I know the team is starting to realize the importance of winning this title and what it means to more than just us but to everyone who has gone to the University of Manitoba but also to everyone in the province.

I would just like to say that it has been an honor to play for and represent a University that has been a huge part of my life for more years then I have been attending classes.

Now it is time to get some nice big rings.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 24

We Did It.

We Did It.

We Finally Did It!

I am sitting at the back of the plane with fifth year DT Simon Patrick and I have been watching the team. Most people are sleeping, as they did not get much last night, but some are still talking about the week and the game. It is nice to see the smiles and sense of accomplishment that the players and coaches have. While I was having this emotional moment I couldn’t help but laugh as John Makie wrestles his MVP trophy into the plane.

For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, on Friday night (November 23) we won the Vanier Cup, which is the national title of Canadian College Football. This is the first time that a western conference team has won in nine years and the first time in something like 35 since the early 70s as won the title (Ed note: 37 years…1970 team won for Manitoba). And in 2007, WE DID IT!

This is going to be a longer blog and I hope to get an opportunity to tell everyone about the week that we experienced. First, it was fantastic that some of the red-shirts and back up players got an opportunity to come on the trip even though they were not going to play. On the offensive line, guys like Martin Skiffington and Landon “Landy Bandy” Rice who have practiced and dressed for games but have rarely played got the chance to be on the sideline when we won, which is something that they deserve. The week was so long as we either were in our hotel room or at a team function. We were two blocks from the Hockey Hall of Fame and I didn’t even bother to go. The team was so focused on success that nothing would keep us from our goal.

I haven’t talked trash in these blogs. I didn’t feel that this is what I was supposed to do, but what the hell we won it all and it is time to let you know how I really feel. The banquets were something else. It was like a disrespect Manitoba competition from the awards to the media. The media, outside of Winnipeg, decided to make a big deal about the fact that out team is slightly above average in age. Oh no, we have 25, 26 and 27 year old players on our team, but we also have the best 20, 21 and 22 year old talent in the country so deal with it. The awards shockingly went to the OUA [Ontario] and to the QUFL [Quebec] with a team that went undefeated only receiving three CIS All Canadian awards.

Once again, you can keep your plaque because I ran around the field with the Vanier Cup. Perhaps someone can explain. How a coach, that over the last two years has a record of 21-1 and a team that looks up to him like a father, isn’t the coach of the year - once again who cares. I gave a speech before the game about how we don’t need anyone’s respect because we were about to take their trophy, and we did it. The Score in their pre-game coverage said that the St. Mary’s OL was better than our OL. You know what I say to that, 160 yards rushing and zero sacks. They said that the QBs were a wash. You know what I say to that, 270 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions compared to three interceptions by St. Mary’s. As you can see I am very protective of Makie, except in the second quarter (sorry John). And for those of you who say St Mary’s was playing without their starting QB, well we lost our All Star RB Matt Henry. I will let you guess who will be in the CFL sooner…his name starts with M and ends with att Henry. I will only say thank you for the fuel to the black and gold fire.

I have talked in previous weeks about what an amazing feeling it is to have successes and to celebrate and watch teammates celebrate. I grew up living next door to this university. I went to Bison games as a kid and I bleed black and gold and last night was the ultimate celebration to see a team rewarded for their hard work was a moment I will never forget. Some guys wanted to get their hands of the trophy I just wanted to hug the guys that I have gone to battle with. To see Coach Dobie, who’s every breath is taken for Bison Football, get the Gatorade bath was fantastic. He deserves it because he gets it all this done with the smallest budget and the worst facilities and you will never hear him complain as long as he has his assistant coaches and Bison on his shirt. After the game David Asper, who is probably one of our biggest supporters, was nice enough to rent out the Hard Rock Café for us and friends, family and supporters were able to get together and celebrate and celebrate we did.

I need to talk about something on a more somber note. For those of you that saw the game RB Matt Henry was seriously injured at the end of the first quarter, which was a turning point for the game. Matt Henry has become an incredibly important member of this team both in the locker room and on the field. He is one of those guys who brings passion and energy to the game that is contagious, even to us lazy offensive lineman. For a guy with all the gifts in the world, he is humble and works hard. He was a huge part of our getting to the Vanier Cup and while he was only on the field for a short time he was a huge part in us winning it. His helmet came out with us after the game and was with the trophy for the entire night before we dropped it off to him in the morning. I am happy to report that while he did break his leg, his doctors are very confident that he will be scoring touchdowns in a Bisons uniform next year. I am saying this right now and on the record, when this guy is healthy again he is going to break records and it will be fun to watch.

I promised some people that I would take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people that go into this travelling circus that is Bison Football. The Athletic Therapy Staff from Barb and Shannon, the receptionist, to Byron our head trainer, to our student therapists, Don [Lime Jello], Al [Sherbert], Roz [Velvet Vanilla], Casey [Tiger Tail] and Jordy [Rum Butter], these people work long hours to make sure that we stay taped together during the season. The Sports information and set up guys who make sure we are out there and ready to play. Thanks to Chris Zuk, our sports information guy, and my former press agent for constantly getting us the media attention that no one wants to give us and thank you to the Winnipeg media for getting behind us and showing us the love. Thank you to the red-shirts and the back ups I have been where you guys are and you will get your time in the spotlight. Finally, I would like to thank the coaches for everything that you do for us.

I am signing off now and I don’t know for how long. Perhaps I will have the opportunity to continue to write this blog (Ed note: anytime Darryl…at least one more to chronicle the post-celebration when Henry returns!) but if not it has been a magical ride and I thank you for sharing it with me. I will leave you with a few thoughts

Get well soon Matt Henry.

Good luck and support all Bison Sports.

Winning the Vanier Cup is forever and so are the friendships that we have.

It doesn’t matter what your locker room, field, weight room or budget is, it’s always about the guys beside you.

GO BISONS!

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 21

We are not in Kansas anymore. We quickly realized that we are not in Winnipeg upon landing in Toronto. We hop on the bus and drive down the freeway, what a novel idea, and arrive at the Royal York Hotel (which is way too nice for us to be staying at). This team is more of a blue collar Holiday Inn type team. It is interesting because we are staying in the same hotel as our competition so there is serious staring going on every time we walk through the lobby.

We went to practice last night and were confronted with the worst case scenario for a practice. First, the water bottles did not arrive so we were drinking from the tap in the washroom. Second, about ten minutes into practice there was a large fireworks display directly beside the field, which covered us in smoke. This added to the fatigue and jet lag created a very interesting practice.

We have another long day ahead of us between meetings, practice and banquets. I am hoping at some point the game will come because right now all I see is a never ending sea of banquets and breakfasts. Despite the long days it is still a cool feeling knowing that we have an opportunity to do something that has not happened for our school in over 30 years. This team is so focused right now that very little tourism is happening. We are two blocks from the Hockey Hall of Fame, four blocks from the St. Lawrence Market, seven blocks from the CN tower and the only things that I have seen is the inside of the hotel and the East Side Mario’s.

It is time to get back to work, but I will hopefully get a chance to post something tomorrow.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 19

Step by step we have made our way through the season and now we are only one step away from our ultimate goal. I am still too afraid to say the name [Vanier] so I will simply call it V.

We were facing the University of Western Ontario for an opportunity to go to the V Cup. The offense started slow against Western’s massive defense, but once again the defense was dominant. It all started with a huge hit on the quarterback by LB Jim Jeavons and it continued from there. The defense was incredible and forced a number of turnovers and allowed our offense to find its stride. In the first half we had scored on a blocked punt and a 99 yard interception return by Jeavons. When the offense hit stride, we exploded for 44 points. The offense looked great and QB John Makie was dropping the ball onto receivers that were scoring touchdowns. I need to say that the Western defense that we played was very good and they played an incredibly hard game.

Now on to the awards… the offensive player of the game would have to be Makie who threw three touchdowns after taking a couple of big hits [sorry buddy]. On defense the decision is hard because of the great play, but when a guy returns a interception 99 yards he is going to get the award… so congrats Jim Jeavons.

It was a wonderful feeling standing on that field watching teammates and coaches celebrate the win. This team deserves the success that we have found. The defensive coaches before the game made a list of everything, in terms of time, money and health, that we have sacrificed to be on this team and now we are being paid for that sacrifice. At the same time that we were celebrating, I can tell you that no one was satisfied and the celebration only lasted a few hours. It is time to get back down to business.

We are faced with a unique opportunity now. Many players will go an entire career without having the opportunity to play for a championship. We now have that opportunity and there is not a group of guys that I would rather seize that opportunity with. This is also an opportunity to payback a coaching staff that eats, sleeps and breaths this team.

For the team it is on to Toronto and the V Cup against St. Mary’s. I will be sure to stay in contact with everyone once we land in Toronto and can start preparing for the game.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 16

I just got home from the Bison Alumni Dinner and once again they put on a fabulous event. I don’t want to go into too many details about the dinner because it is getting close to game day. But a few thoughts won’t hurt any of you. Terry Watson won the Bud Harden award, which is given to a former player that represents a number of positive qualities. Let me tell you, as someone that played with and roomed with Terry, he is a great friend. So to Terry - congratulations and you deserve everything that comes your way. The key note speaker at the dinner was David Asper. Most of us know about the Asper family and we know that they are wealthy. But no one says that they must be generous and no one says that they must support causes. But David and Ruth Asper made another, and I repeat, another incredible donation to our team that will allow us to grow as a program, so thank you David and Ruth.

Moving on to the game this weekend, which is the biggest I have ever been involved in. I was talking to our tireless sports information guy Chris Zuk about why I don’t talk trash in these blogs. Guys on the team always ask me too, but I don’t. It is because this is not about other teams or other players. This season is about us and what we can do as a team. The excitement that is buzzing around the locker room, practice field and in the oline’s case the athletic therapy room is incredible. We are approaching this game with an intensity that I have not seen yet and I think that we are ready. I am not a nervous person when it comes to football, but even I can’t stop thinking about this game.

If I may complain for a moment something has come to my attention with the increased media attention that comes with a national game. The media flocks to QB John Makie and RB Matt Henry passing by the offensive line in the process. I am a pretty funny guy and I am educated and well spoken and my mom says that I am handsome, so why no love? I challenge you in the media to give the big guys some time in the spotlight.

The game is this Saturday, November 17 at 3 p.m. CT at Canad Inns Stadium. Please, I am begging you to come out and fill the stands and let Ontario know how we roll at the University of Manitoba.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 13

It has been a number of years and countless hours of hard work and sacrifice and on Saturday, November 10 night we took another step towards the payoff for that sacrifice. On Saturday night, we played in the Hardy Cup (Canada West Final) against the Regina Rams. After a difficult start, which brought back thoughts of last year, we came together as a team and accomplished something we have not done in last six years; we won the Canada West Final.

It was an amazing experience to be able to win that game in front of family and friends and to celebrate with teammates and coaches. Normally I do not get very excited and emotional about football, it is just the way that I have always been. But to finally win a big game with this group of guys was enough to get to me. After the game, I searched out Coach Dobie and gave him a hug because I know more than anything he wants us to be successful. Our coaches, in a way, live vicariously through us as players and they put just as much time, work and passion into our team as any player and it was nice to be able to turn around and hand them a trophy. I think Saturday night was the only time this year that I saw Coach McNeil smile, but don’t worry the smile was gone by 12:01 a.m. Sunday morning. After sitting on the field last year and watching the University of Saskatchewan celebrate, it was nice to finally have the same opportunity.

This was also the first game where both our offence and defence played well at the same time. This game was the coming out party for our offence, which put up 48 points - a season high. The defensive player of the game would have to be DE Justin Shaw who had three sacks and forced an All-Canadian quarterback to look very average. The offensive star could be a number of players, but one player came back from some controversy this year and had a huge game. WR Terry Firr had a number of catches and two great touchdown grabs that really changed our offense.

The long and short of the story is that the University of Manitoba Bison Football team are now champions of the West and on their way to the National Semi-Final.

This week we play against the University of Western Ontario Mustangs, who has upset their way through the Ontario conference. The game is on Saturday, November 17 at 3 p.m. at Canad Inns Stadium. I am asking everyone who can to come out to the game and show your support, because it really does make a difference. Let’s show Ontario that they are not the center of the universe, or in this case Canada, and Winnipeg is.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 9

I was thinking about using this forum as an opportunity to complain to you about how I was once again passed over for a Canada West All-Star award. But I realized that that’s not really the point of this blog nor is it fitting of our relationship. I could have complained about how political the voting is and how resistant the coaches are to picking new players no matter how deserving they are. I could also bring up the fact that the Canada West All-Star right tackle was part of a unit that gave up seven sacks in a playoff loss, we gave up nine all year. But I refuse to talk to you guys about that.

Not when our team, after going 8-0 for a second straight year and only having five All-Stars, is still alive in these playoffs because over half the All-Star team will be watching this Saturday. None of that matters…this team is made stronger by the disrespect that we face, by the torn up field and shed for a locker room. This team is coming together and you can tell this from the maturity that is coming from the locker room and on the practice field.

I am going to turn now from the chest thumping and complaining (who knew I could get both into one paragraph) and instead talk about this time of the year. This is by far the busiest and craziest time of the year. Football, which dominated so much of our time before, has been kicked into overdrive and school has begun to pick up pace and intensity. I personally start student teaching soon at St. Paul’s High School and I apologize to everyone there about looking like a corpse [with a bad beard] for the next couple of weeks. It is harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning and the days seem longer and longer. It is like the final mile of a marathon and everyone is fighting to finish. I should probably thank my girlfriend because the most exciting date that we have been on in the last month is watching a movie at my place [License to Wed, my review: Not Bad]. But at the same time no one would trade this for the world.

This weekend we have the Regina Rams coming to town, which is always a game that can go either way. The Rams have a big league passing attack and a deceptive defense to go against our grinding offense and dominant defense. The game is on Saturday, November 10 and you can check the Bison Football website for the time and location.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 6

I find myself struggling to figure out how to start this blog. It was a pretty exciting day and night on Saturday, November 3.

Let me start by telling you that I have decided to grow a playoff beard, something that I did not do last year, and it is going very well. Well maybe saying that it is going very well is an overstatement because I grow facial hair like I am still in high school. I know as a team we were extremely excited to have another shot at the playoffs after losing in the Hardy Cup last year.

Calgary came in having won a couple big games in a row and riding a wave of confidence. That was until they ran into the Bisons defence, which was nothing short of amazing. To pick and individual player of the game would be an insult to the unit so I will give the award to the entire defense. As for the offense, it would have to go to WR Jeff Strome who had an amazing touchdown catch that turned the game in our favor.

I think that this team is better prepared for the playoffs. Last year we were happy to be 8-0 and we peaked too early. This year no one is content with being 8-0 and no one is happy with winning our first playoff game. Anything less then a Vanier is a failure to us. So when Regina comes in this week for the Hardy Cup, we will be prepared and determined.

I think the real highlight of the night was after the win we got to see a unique celebration from Coach Dobie. For those of you that know the soldier boy dance that is sweeping the nation you will know what I am talking about, for those of you who do not know I am including a link to watch it. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZE2OzguWHo)

After the win we got to see Coach Dobie “crank it” in celebration, which shows how passionate he is about this team. I will write again a little later in the week and let you know how the preparation is going.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

November 2

It is playoff week and the excitement is pretty high around the Butler Hut, which is our locker room such as it is.

This week we will be heading to Canad Inns Stadium to see how the spoiled football teams live. With real locker rooms, heaters, field turf and no goose poop! This isn’t even football, this is a vacation with pads on. I am waiting for someone to roll out a post practice buffet for us and complete the dream.

Many of you will remember that last year we lost in the playoffs and fell short of our goal. That memory sticks with every guy on this team that played in that game and we are doing everything to prevent that from happening again. I think that this team is better suited for the playoffs then we were last year. Last year we didn’t have as much experience. We didn’t know how to win tough games and we did not. This year we have fought through a number of close games.

We are playing against the Calgary Dinos who have been on a tear to get into the playoffs. As a team, we have had a strong week of practice and have been building throughout the week, despite the cold weather. Coach Dobie said it best about what we are faced with when he said that never again would this group of guys have this opportunity. I honestly believe that this is our year, that we are in a position to make some serious noise in the playoffs and hopefully bring a trophy back to the campus where we spend so much of our lives.

I invite, no beg, no plead with everyone to come out and lend us your support. I know that it might be cold but you too have an opportunity to be part of something. So come out! The game is at 6 p.m. on Saturday night at Canad Inns Stadium and if it makes you feel any better I hear that it will be 25 and sunny.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 30

We are off to Vancouver to play against Simon Fraser and I am sitting in the airport at 6:21 a.m. watching the guys arrive, in most cases still asleep and looking like they haven’t seen 6 a.m. in a long time. This is the longest road trip in my time on the team. And trust me, a lot of homework (Xbox) and studying (Playstation) will get done on this trip. This is the life of a student athlete - school all week and the travel on the weekends. It is time to board the play so I will get back to you once I am on the plain.

I feel sorry for the people that I am sitting beside because at 6’5” and 302lbs. I have been assigned the middle seat on the airplane. The mathematics on this decision just doesn’t seem to make sense. I am about to make some new friends as we are now getting very close. It is a little sad but one of my favorite parts of the trip is our flight as we get Peek Frean cookies (you know the ones with strawberry jelly in the middle) and there are always delicious. I am having trouble getting excited for this game and I can’t help but think about the playoff game next week, which can be dangerous.

I just remembered something that I wanted to tell you guys about. At practice on Thursday, we ran out of offensive lineman so assistant offensive line coach Terry Watson got dressed up and relived his glory days. He looked great, which made many of ask why he wasn’t that good when he played, and left an impression on many of the younger players that they too could play into their mid-thirties. We are landing and my computer is dying so I will get back to this once we are checked into the hotel.

I find myself in a Vancouver hotel, with not enough money in my pocket, starving and once again waiting for my roommate Steven Fedus. I estimate that I spend 64% of my road trips waiting for Fedus. You know that joke about how it takes someone an hour to a make minute rice, well it might take Fedus three hours to get that rice on the table. It is 20 above and sunny in Vancouver today, which makes you wonder what kind of people settle in Manitoba.

I don’t want to talk about the game that much because it is an emotional issue and I don’t want to rant. We played against the University of Simon Fraser, which turned out to be difficult. In my opinion, throughout the game, they took cheap shot after cheap shot against our players while their coaches cheered them on from the sideline. I was on a Winnipeg Rifles team that went 1-7 and every game we went out there played hard and took a beating with class and respect. These guys deserved to be 0-8 and funny enough they are.

Now on to more important things that will be our upcoming playoff game against the University of Calgary Dinos this Saturday at 6 p.m. at Canad Inns Stadium. Calgary is a team that is coming on strong and we are in for a battle. I will get back to you a little later in the week with an update on how the preparation is going.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 26

In the rain and the sleet we met on the field of battle and when the bodies were sorted out it was the Bisons who were victorious. The Regina Rams came into town on Saturday, October 20 and played one of the toughest games that I have been involved in. The game was a slug fest in the mud and sludge that has become our field. The game went back and forth. While we made enough mistakes to last us the rest of the season we managed, as we have so many times this year, to win the game.

As is customary I will hand out my weekly awards. I just thought you guys should know that I take a lot of flack every week for who I choose and don’t choose. On defense it is a tough decision because everyone played very well and it would be easy to give it to Jeff Alamolhoda or to Bobby Reist, but I am not going to take the easy way out. The defensive MVP of the game goes to DE Justin Cooper who brought constant pressure off the edge and you know what they say; the nicest gifts come in small packages. We entered the game with only one starting WR due to injury and Kurt Reinfort came off the bench and made big catch after big catch.

This game was a big deal for another reason. It was the last home game for ten 5th year veterans who have left so much of themselves on the field and today they were given the send off that they deserve. It is always emotional when you have given so much of your time to something and then that chapter closes. Here is a list of the 5th year players and what we will remember them for.

DT Simon Patrick - we will miss the barbeques and the MacGyver repair jobs.

S Bobby Reist - he will be remembered for his leather jacket, his glass jaw and his ability to cover the deep third of the field while being slower than me.

CB Mike Howard - he might look like a miniature Justin Timberlake, but he played harder then anyone in my time on the team.

DB Eric Gustafson - he might look homeless or like a shoe shine boy, but trust me he is not.

WR Brad Black -…. There is to much to mention.

FB Neil Fulgueras - His massive head will be missed and in closing “you go A LAAAIN”

WR Jeff Strome - will be remembered for his renditions of the national anthem before every game.

RB Karim Lowen - The best 23 year old player that I have played with.

LB Mike Kissinger - all you can say is skee beep and I hope he stops getting Kissingered.

LB Jeff Alamolhoda - not the fastest or the strongest but he got in done and was always a positive force in the locker room.

So while there is still football to be played, it is at this time that I say goodbye publicly to some great teammates and friends.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 22

I thought that I would take this opportunity to talk about something more serious and more lasting then the game on the weekend.

You come to school as a fresh faced 18 year old kid or a player coming out of junior football and now you are a Bison. It is rare that during the early part of your playing career you think about what you are a part of. Thoughts of playing time, school and parties consume your thoughts. When you get older and you have the time to look back it can be very sobering. I find myself thinking about the teammates that I have had the opportunity to play with during my time as a Bison.

And though we may not get along all the time...there has been problems and fights, we are in a unique position. For a brief five year window, we have the opportunity to gain 60 brothers and 60 friends. We become so close to one another as we practice, travel, workout, play, go to class with, hang out with and live with and we might some times take for granted the friendships that we have gained.

There are guys on this team that I would do anything for and they would do the same for me. That is a unique to find in life. When you think about it how many of us will still be friends in five years or 10 years or when we are 50. How many people in your own lives are you still close with from school. How many of us are going to be together when one of us gets married or has kids or god forbids gets sick.

When football is over, most of us will scatter back to our hometowns or to new cities and new opportunities. We are presented with a five year window as teammates and friends to learn from each other to enjoy each other’s company and win football games.

I don’t know why I am writing about this and I am not sure why I was thinking about it. Maybe it was when some of us went to see legendary coach Bud Grant receive The Order of the Buffalo Hunt award and he mentioned that he was accepting the award on behalf of his team and teammates.

It has been an honor to play football for the University of Manitoba, a school that I have been close to for all my life. But more then that, the Bison on our helmet means nothing without the player wearing it.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 12

It is 1:05 am the day, or night, after the game and I have decided to write my blog. I believe in bringing you the reader the total experience and that includes the night after the game.

Let me start by saying that the game against UBC was a very interesting one. The day started with the decision to wear our all black uniforms with pink tape in support of the Bison Breast Cancer Fundraiser that was an initiative by the Bison women’s basketball team. The shocking style aside, I think that it was a very moving statement for many people on the team and in the stands.

The game was a very tough one. UBC is a very good team, which was reflected by the back and forth score. It usually takes me a couple of days before I want to talk about a game so I will spare you my rants and raves.

The offensive MVP of this game is a tough, call as the offense had some serious struggles, but in the end it goes to QB Jon Makie who had a nice day through the air and showed that Regina hillbilly style leadership that we love him for. The defensive MVP is another very difficult choice as a number of players made big plays. The biggest play though was an interception return by LB Kenton Onofrychuk for a late touchdown that sealed the game.

After the game, the team threw on our pink T-shirts and headed over to IGAC and watched the Bison women’s basketball team beat the University of Toronto in overtime. The real question that came out of that game was why didn’t Toronto play number 12, despite us pleading for them to let her into the game? After our cheering assault on the U of T we turned our attention to men’s hockey and their game versus the University of Saskatchewan, a team that we have bad blood against. However we could not propel the men’s hockey team to victory.

All in all, the Bisons Breast Cancer Fundraiser was a huge success and a great awareness for those of us who were involved. After the game, a couple of the old war dogs and I went out for dinner and discussed life and love and then headed out on the town.

This week we have an incredibly tough test in the Regina Rams which have had us on the ropes once already this year.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 12

Most of these blogs have been written in a joking manner and have been about fun topics, but I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about something serious.

I wanted to say thank you to all of the family members, girlfriends and wives of team members and coaches that are neglected by the season. During the season we are at the field every night from 4-9 p.m. On the weekends, the team is either traveling or playing at home, which does not leave a lot of time for other people.

First, to the families, both here in Winnipeg and across Canada, thank you for putting up with the missed birthdays and holidays and being hospitable to all of us when we come to visit. Second, to the girlfriends who can go weeks without seeing one of us and provide endless support. It is a long lonely road during the football season and these women come back every year and sit in the freezing cold stands without many complaints.

Finally, and in my opinion the most impressive, are the wives and mothers that not only are without their husbands and boyfriends during the season but they are looking after the kids. These people are a huge part in what goes into making us a successful team and without all of these people it would very difficult for us as players to do what we do on the field.

So I think that we can take a break from jokes and football to say thank you.

I would also like to draw everyone’s attention to a few things that are going on this weekend. On Saturday we have two events that I think that everyone should know about. The first is our game against the UBC Thunderbirds at 2 p.m., which will be a great test of our 5-0 record.

The second event and one that is very important is the Bison Women’s Basketball game. The basketball game is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer and I encourage everyone to come out and make a donation and wear pink to the game, which starts at 6 p.m. at the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC). I think you would be hard pressed to find someone that has not been affected by breast cancer, myself included, and this is an opportunity to not only support a cure but to also support your university.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 9

Last week was our best week of practice all year and it showed in the game against the University of Alberta.

We went into Edmonton with a 4-0 record and we weren’t about to lose that. The team came out swinging and scored first and it was turning into a blowout before the men in the stripes [referees] scored a touchdown for the Pandas with a terrible call on a Manitoba fumble. I mean these guys were either watching me make a nice block or staring at the sun because they were not watching the game.

The aspect that was the most important to our development as a team was that we never gave up control of the game and we kept rolling despite some setbacks. In the end, we won 29-16 and improved our record to 5-0.

I have started inadvertently to hand out stars of the game over the last few weeks and this week’s stars go to…. On offense, the star of the game would have to go to either RB Matt Henry who ran like he was a young Darryl Conrad and WR Jeff Strome who made the Panda linebacking core look silly. The entire defense played very well holding the Bears to one touchdown, but the single award would have to go to Bobby Reist who had a nice interception and looked dashing in his leather coat.

When we return to Winnipeg, most of us have to begin cooking immediately for the team Thanksgiving dinner on Monday. A special thanks goes out to Kurtis Stolth’s wife Christina for A) hosting the dinner and B) putting up with Stolth. I know that it sounds weird, a bunch of big guys putting on our culinary hats and cooking up a storm. It is always an impressive spread and everyone has a great time.

I would also like to invite everyone out for our game this Saturday, October 13 against the UBC Thunderbirds at 2 p.m. CT. I hear that it will be sunny and 25 - so it should be a beautiful day for football.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

October 4

Bye week has ended and the brief little vacation from football has ended and how quickly it disappeared. I will miss the weeknights off and the Saturday afternoon on the couch, but it is time to refocus and get ready to defend our undefeated record.

The first business that we need to take care of is the report from the rookie symposium. The rookie party was a success again this year and another group of rookies has been welcomed. The first award that I would like to hand out is the best dressed award for the evening and this is a close race. Kicker Scotty Dixon and his bubble rap dress, Jeffrey “Jaun” Charlton and his sombrero or Andre Clark and his BeyoncÈ impersonation. And the award goes to…Andre “BeyoncÈ” Clark and his independent women outfit.

The second award of the evening is going to the most committed participant. This award is shared as it goes to a couple of recent St. Paul’s graduates, and man are they making their high school proud, in Tom Hall and Dan Cobb who did not slow down once as the night wore on, oh to be young again.

The final award and the most prestigious of the evening is the vaunted dance contest. This is one of the most important awards in all of Bisons Sports - more important then athlete of the year. This award goes to a special young man who pulled a back flip midway through his routine; his name is Grayson “Skippy” Wells. In the end, I think everyone made it home safely, but by 2 a.m. I no longer cared.

Now that we have rested and healed, it is time to shift the focus back on to football. This week we are facing the Alberta Golden Bears who are coming off a big victory against Calgary. I have heard that the Bears have gone and guaranteed victory, but I will leave that alone till next week.

It is always tough playing a game after the bye week as some people experience a bye week hangover. For the offensive line this was an important week. It allowed some of the corpses that we have been passing off as OL to get healthy. Now that we are healthy, look out Canada West conference and look out class cause there might be a couple of football players actually attending.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

September 25

I think to best way to sum up the game on Saturday is to say it is not how you win - as long as you win. Our win over the Saskatchewan Huskies was not one of our prettiest wins, but in the end it was a 15-10 win.

It was a hard fought win for the Bisons against a team that does not make a lot of mistakes. This lack of mistakes caused us to go into half time down 3-0. After an uplifting half time speech that involved some choice words and yelling, we came out much sharper in second half. Our offense started to click and running back Karim “Father Time” Lowen finally scored his first touchdown of the year and his first as a senior citizen.

Another player who played very well was defensive back Mike Howard who was blocking field goals and making tackles all over the field. In the end, a win is a win; it pushes the Bisons to a 4-0 record heading into our bye week.

I am still a little upset that we are ranked lower than a team called the Gee Gees. What a sweet word that is “bye week” a time where football goes on hold for a week and you can rest and relax.

There are a couple of other reasons to love bye week besides the break from football. The first reason is the Back Up Bowl a game in which all the young players and red shirts strap on the pads and play each other. We have never done the Back Up Bowl before and I am really looking forward to watching our young offense steamroll the defense.

But do not worry, the young guys are not done when the Back Up Bowl is over because on Saturday they are required to attend our rookie symposium [rookie party] and be formally welcomed into the Bison family. By formally being introduced to the family they are required to dawn prom dresses and participate in the vaunted dance contest, which has never been the same since Don Oramasionwu set the Wise Guys dance floor on fire in 2004.

I hope that this has proven to everyone that bye week is not just a time off for rest and recovery, but instead a very busy time of the year.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

September 21

The aches and pains are starting to get worse and worse and even though my drivers’ license might say 23 my body is screaming 65. It is a sad day when your 81 year old grandmother gets around the house better than you do. I am surviving right now on an iron will, a few Advils and our fantastic athletic therapy staff.

As the weather changes, now the old men on the offensive line [myself included] are starting to come down with coughs and colds. So when you see a bunch of larger gentleman sitting around sniffling and drinking tea - do not judge us.

But I must go back to my love of the fall and the changing leaves. But with these changing leaves comes the freezing rain, late practices and oh yes actual school assignments. One of the lone bright spots in this changing time is what I like to call the fat kids Christmas, Thanksgiving.

Enough about the changing season. I am not here to right poetry and let’s talk about this week’s game.

We are playing our arch nemesis Saskatchewan this week. This is the team that knocked us out of the playoffs last year and ended our perfect season. Needless to say, none of us have forgotten that and while watching them lose the Vanier Cup on their home field in front of their home fans for the fourth time in recent memory helped heal the wound a little - it is still there.

So this Saturday both teams hit the field with 3-0 records and looking for sole possession of first place in Canada West. So I ask all the people who read this blog [Hi Mom] and all the people at the game last week to come out and get University Stadium rocking and help us get our revenge.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

September 17

The post homecoming haze has worn off and now I am left just sore and tired. It was worth it for another great weekend.

First things, let's talk about the game and then we will move on to the celebration. The Calgary Dinos came into town and provided an all out fight for us. The much-improved Dinos featured a fast running attack and some disciplined play, which almost cost us in the end. The game was deceivingly close as ill-timed penalties allowed Calgary to score 21 points and stay neck-and-neck with the Bisons right up until the end. In the end we were able to hold off Calgary and preserve a 35-28 win in front of the home crowd.

I would like to talk about the atmosphere that came with the homecoming game and at the same time I would like to thank all the fans that came out and made the game so special. The stands were packed and you could hear the "Dinos suck" chant going throughout the game. It was exciting to play in front of all the people and to get the opportunity to talk and take pictures with some of them after the game.

So from the team and myself and to you - Thank you to everybody for coming out and supporting us.

Now that we have taken care of the game and once you win, you must celebrate or at least I think that that is a rule. The post game party was held at Wise Guys on Campus and was a fundraiser for Bison Sports. From the celebrating football players to the dressed up volleyball and basketball rookies, the night was a huge success and with any party that is a huge success comes the next morning.

So as I said the haze has lifted and so has my headache and now we are left with bumps, bruises and Saskatchewan coming in this Saturday. For those of you who do not know, we owe Saskatchewan something from last year.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

September 15

I apologize that this week’s blog is a little late, but being back to school is taking up a lot if time and energy. Let me start by saying that being a student athlete can be very challenging and life right now is incredibly busy as we go to school all day (well…some of us do anyway) then run over to practice and are there till nine at night and then some players have to go and make sure that Wise Guys on Campus is still open.

But enough of me venting and on to the business of this week.

It is Homecoming week and I would be in trouble if I didn’t advertise that the game is on Saturday at 1 pm at University Stadium. This is very exciting for everyone as we finally get to play a game in front of our friend, family and fans. For me being a Winnipeg guy, it is a real opportunity for my extended family to get together and watch the game. So if you see an awkwardly tall family walking around, please say hello.

So far this week has been very productive in practice and the team in my opinion is starting to hit stride. The Calgary Dinos are coming in to town and they will be much improved from last year when we beat them 33-10. The Dinos are well coached, by yet another coach that never really recruited me (add him to the list), and it should be a very competitive game. The most thrilling thing that happens this week is that we finally get to wear our flattering black jerseys with gold pants - something the larger gentleman on the team appreciates - and I am sure you will appreciate as well.

With my final thoughts I would ask that everyone come out and watch the game this weekend. It will be a great opportunity to relax in the beautiful Fall air with friends, family and a few cocktails and watch your university [that’s us hopefully] show the world that Winnipeg still does something better then Calgary.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

September 10

A report from Vancouver - The day after the game. I am writing this while sitting in the airport food court the, so I apologize if it seems like I am half asleep.

The trip to B.C is always an interesting one as it is the longest trip, the biggest time shift and for a number of the guys on the team they are going home. I should first say that Vancouver is a beautiful town and it is always fun walking around on Granville and Robson, except for the hills, and taking in the sites. But enough about how nice it is in Vancouver and instead let¹s move onto the game.

In my career, UBC has always played us very tough and it always turns into a real battle on the field. This game was no exception as UBC came out swinging. I am happy to announce that offensively we were much improved, despite some troubles scoring in the red zone. Once again the defense played very well making life miserable for the UBC quarterback, who I am pretty sure is not walking well this morning. Of everyone on the defense, I would like to single out Bobby Reist who had a couple of interceptions and looked like the fifth year leader of the defense (Ed note: named conference defence player of the week as well).

On the offensive side of the ball the real stars of the day were Karim Lowen and his young apprentice Matt "Reggie" Henry who combined to rush for over 200 yards. In the end, we won 21-12 pushing us to 2-0 and allowing us to return for Homecoming next weekend with a still undefeated record.

The real treat came after the game when by some stroke of luck I was selected to be drug tested. Now to properly explain the drug testing process I need everyone to think of your most embarrassing moment and then multiply it by ten and once you are sufficiently embarrassed you have to fill out pages of paperwork. The peak of my embarrassment came after the test was done and I returned to the bus to a round of applause and cheers.

Upon our return to the hotel, people disperse to see family or go for dinner and celebrate. Once the celebration is done everyone crawls onto the bus in the morning and we head home - back to school, work, practice and the real world.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

September 4

This is blog number three and I am finally getting the hang of it and remembering to write it.

The team just got back from a game in Regina, which we won 36-13. I think it would be appropriate to begin with a recap of the trip, before I discuss the game. The trip starts with the bus leaving at 7 a.m. sharp. Of course when you are dealing with Bison Football that means we leave the parking lot closer to 8:30 a.m.

But before the bus leaves the real fun has already begun. The night before, the rookies are told that they are required to wear travel attire [shirt and tie] as we do on team flights. It is always a highlight of the season to see how many rookies show up wearing suits and dress cloths. Once on the bus, the rookies hand over the doughnuts that they brought for the old men on the bus and we set out on our adventure. After the customary McDonald's breakfast in Brandon, we settle in with our bad movies, good teammates and make it to Regina.

Once in Regina, the offensive line and some selected friends got to go for dinner at OT Ryan Karhut's mothers house, which is always an amazing spread of food which included beer can chicken, perogies, pork chops and the fabled ice cream sundae station. A few players visited the sundae station more then others, but I refuse to name Sam Nemis. Now that dinner is complete, it is back to the hotel to settle in with your roommates and begin the race to fall asleep before they start to snore. The next day is game day.

We won the game, but there is plenty of room for improvement. The first thing that I wanted to do was give praise to the defense. At all levels (defensive line, linebacker and secondary), the defense played some of the best football I have ever seen them play and really allowed for us to win the game. On offense, we are looking for some serious improvement in the upcoming week. New players and new positions combined with a new Regina Rams defense made for some early struggles. One person who did not struggle was WR Randy Simmons who made two spectacular touchdown catches that sealed the win for the Bisons.

While the win was not pretty it was still a win. We look forward to going 2-0 this weekend in Vancouver against UBC.

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

August 25

It is time for round two of the blog entries and I hope this one sounds a little more positive then the last.

As the week progresses, training camp is winding down quickly and I can say that it is not a moment to soon. The focus of camp is beginning to shift from two-a-day practices and competing with one another, to coming together as a team and focusing on beating the Regina Rams and then on to the Canada West Conference.

The Canada West Conference looks very strong this year and as a team we are going to have to bring our best every week. As I mentioned, this week the focus is on the Rams, or as we like to call it "beat the sheep week", a team we played and defeated three times last year including a playoff game. The Rams are always a dangerous team to play as they bring an explosive offense led by quarterback Teale Orban, the second best QB to come out of Regina in recent years. If you are wondering whom the best QB to come out of Regina, ask John Makie where he is from. For us, this is an opportunity to start the season with a strong road win against a rival team.

On a different note, this bus trip to Regina will be the first opportunity that the team will have to truly bond. There is nothing like being cooped up with thirty plus guys in a bus heading across western Canada. It's the conversations, jokes, attempts to sleep and most importantly the bad eighties action movies that make these trips a favorite of mine every year. As a senior player on the team, I have been on a few of these road trips and every year there are a handful of stories that will survive the test of time. For me, the excitement is starting to build and I can't wait to get this season started and I hope that the excitement that we have for this team will spread across the campus.

I will get back to all of you after the game in Regina and wish us luck!

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca

August 21

Every player hates training camp, it is long, grueling and painful.

My recent time spent with the Montreal Alouettes has only furthered my understanding that training camp is equally hated at every level of football. Training camp is a necessary evil; like paying your taxes or going to the dentist. So we gather together a couple of weeks before school starts and proceed to beat each other up twice a day for a week.

If there is a bright spot, and I would never admit that there is one, it is that the team comes together again and football comes back into our lives. The fall is secretly my favorite time of year, football, back to school and of course Thanksgiving. The first couple of days are in the books, thank goodness, and so far we have been having very crisp practices and getting a lot of things together. By having such a veteran team in camp this year it is easier to get down to the business of preparing for the season, one in which there is very high hopes.

This is the most excited that I have ever been about the beginning of the season in my five years on the team, but it is going to require a lot of hard work to get there. Right now we are in the middle of the hard work and I can only hope that it will work out in our ultimate goal, the V word [shh…Vanier].

Any comments or feeback please Email: bison_sports@umanitoba.ca