Congratulations to both the Toronto Argonauts and the Calgary Stampeders organizations for making it to this special event - the 100th Grey Cup. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime weekend, with football being the focus and a special time for a those who attend.
Both the East and West Final lived up to expectations as competitive games and both Montreal and B.C. should be complimented for winning their respective divisions.
As usual in CFL football, the battle-tested team won over the rested team. In some ways, it defies logic and in other ways it makes sense, but both Toronto and Calgary were playing their best football late in the season and by doing so, have earned the right to play in the 100th Grey Cup.
The history of the event is pretty amazing when you think of the game and what was happening in our country at the time. It is a week where Canadian people can recognize something individual and not be concerned about any form of arrogance in association of expression of pride. Even if you could care less about football, if you attend any or all events what surprises you is how happy all involved are.
It is a party on top of many parties and then one day you go to a football game, and although every year it is said "this will be the best Grey Cup week yet," let me say in association with the planning I know about this week. It will be the best Grey Cup ever.
Yes, it will be a little more expensive here in Toronto but the way the event planners have it organized and mapped out, it will also be organized and convenient with all in a reasonable distance.
For the players, it is an oddly wonderful work week with many responsibilities not directly related to the game and free time is never present yet always desired. The key for a football team is not to be content will making it to the game but making a transition to 'how are we going to win the game?' That usually happens around Thursday but the sooner the better.
When you think back to the off-season conditioning - the May mini-camps, the June training camp, exhibition games, 18 regular season games over 19 weeks and finally the playoffs - the time, energy, planning and perseverance is an achievement. Now the final action is taken; one last game on November 25. What had a definable beginning has an unknown ending for the 100th time. Toronto and Calgary; may the best team win for the 100th time.