Paris Jackson had better offers, but in the end he chose to stay with both is immediate and CFL family over the other options.

The BC Lions announced following the Super Bowl that the popular veteran non-import receiver had extended with the Lions for another year plus an option.

Jackson assumed a back up role for the team last season and helped mentor younger receivers such as Akeem Foster, Shawn Gore and Marco Iannuzzi. He’ll assume that role again and also be ready to make a clutch catch when called on, as he did in last season’s Western Final and Grey Cup game.

“Paris has always been a very good receiver and in recent years he has developed into both a leader and mentor for our younger receivers,” said VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “He is an important part of our team and this is another offseason win for the club to have him returning.”

More details on the signing can be found at BCLions.com and at Lowell Ullrich’s Fifth Quarter blog.

The BC Lions will be looking for a new middle linebacker in 2012, as the agent for Solomon Elimimian announced on Twitter Wednesday that his client had signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Lowell Ullrich of The Province reported that the Lions may have had the chance to make an offer on Wednesday to the all-star linebacker but no offer was made. If that was the case, one has to wonder how good the NFL offers were.  According to the Ullrich report, the Lions say no official request for an offer was made.

The off-season loss is the second in as many seasons to the Vikings, who plucked wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux from the black and orange last year.

Elimimian recorded 175 tackles and 9 sacks over his two seasons with the Lions and in 2010 was named the leagues defensive player of the year.

Khalif Mitchell – Photo: Canada.com

The BC Lions gave their fans a great start to the week with news that all-star defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell had signed a new contract with the club. The signing came after reports that the popular defender had signed with the Dolphins earlier this month.

It’s not clear what happened with that situation and how Mitchell became a Lion again, but fans are glad to hear it and you can bet that new head coach Mike Benevides was as well.

“Khalif was an impact player and big part of our championship last season.”, said the new head coach. Given the choices he had, I believe this signing says a lot about our league and our organization and I am very pleased to have him back.”

Following the win in the Grey Cup, an emotional Mitchell talked about how much the Lions meant to him, and how they were family:

The Lions also shocked fans by announcing the release of defensive back Tad Kornegay. Kornegay was given some of the credit for the Lions turnaround last season and helped solidify the defence by allowing Korey Banks to return to a more traditional role in the secondary instead of the hybrid nickleback position he had been playing.

Twitter erupted with shock from Lions fans over the release of the popular @Thadito but the experienced Twitter user quickly calmed the masses with these tweets:

“Take it easy twitter fam. This was set in my contract the first day I sign. My intentions as well ask Coach Bene is to be in BC. #Patience”

“Just a Procedure that had to be upheld cause it was in writing. Now it does make me open to other teams but I plan to be Lion.”

Tad also let fans know his return to BC wasn’t automatic:

“But I must say….I am business man. Lol. I love money that makes me financially comfortable. Lol”

Stay tuned!

The new contract extension for non-import running back Andrew Harris is great news for fans of the Lions and of course the team itself. Considering the fact that the Lions may not have ended up with Harris had he made the grades to get into University, his emergence has been the result of some good fortune by the reigning Grey Cup champions.

Having attended all the training camps that Harris has been a part of, I’ve often left with the belief he was the most talented running back in the Lions system. However, age and experience were against him when it came time to cracking the lineup. Since Harris was in junior and not the CIS, the Lions had the luxury of using a territorial exemption on Harris which kept him from being exposed to other teams. That clause to allow Harris to practice with the team and groom him into the player he’s become today.

Not that he needed a lot of grooming; he just needed the chance and the experience at the pro level. As pointed out in this piece by Ed Willes of The Province, his junior numbers from his days with Vancouver Island Raiders in the CJFL are jaw dropping. The most impressive of all, a 14.5 yards per carry average in his final season in 2009.

Heading into last season the club had designs on an all-Canadian backfield with Jerome Messam and Jamall Lee, who was coming off a major knee injury, in the picture. After making the team in 2010 and seeing primarily special teams work, Harris himself was recovering from a torn pectoral muscle as training camp began. But during camp he showed signs that he had healed well and was likely ahead of schedule. Another training camp incident for Messam saw him dealt to the Eskimos, while Lee’s recovery hampered his ability to have an impact early forcing the Lions to abandon the non-import idea.

When the Lions struggled out of the gate, Harris eventually replaced veteran Jamal Robertson. He got his chance to shine and never looked back and his emergence as the starter coincided with the turnaround of the club. Where Harris’ age and experience were once a negative factor when it came to getting him into the lineup, those factors have become huge positives for the Lions moving forward. He’ll be 25 years of age at the start of camp and hasn’t even hit his prime yet. The experience he gained last year may have set the table  for him to have a dominant season in 2012.

A healthy Harris and Lee combined with the option of using Rolly Lumbala more, means the Lions could take another look at the non-import backfield scenario entering 2012. They’ll have to sign Jamall Lee for that chance though, as he’s eligible for free agency and may get some offers with his yet to be realized potential, strong special teams work and his birth certificate.

In the meantime, the Lions at least have Harris in their back pocket and the best thing is he’s just getting started.

Before Lord Grey’s mug gets handed off this Sunday let’s review what in August was inconceivable, the Lions chances for winning it all.

I’m not going to delve into all the scenarios based on team records to win a Grey Cup, which was done with my previous article here. Instead let’s focus on the two teams that made it. Statistics look to be on the Lions side so far this year because everything that should be happening is happening. Case in point the two best teams in the league should be meeting at the dance and that’s exactly what we have with the Lions sporting a better record in a tougher conference. Edge Lions.

The Lions regular season winning record of 11-7 is tied with a 13-5 record for making the Grey Cup nine times; this is the most of any other records in the last 20 years. The Lions 11-7 record does not have the highest winning percentage at the Grey Cup, winning two out of the nine games for a paltry 29%. Fear not, the Bombers record is worse! A 10-8 record has made the finals six times and has just one win for a pedestrian 20% winning percentage. Edge Lions.

Interesting to note the one and only time in the last 20 years an 11-7 team played a 10-8 team in the finals was at our barn and the better record won. The 11-7 Eskimo’s beat the 10-8 Alouettes in overtime in 2005. Edge Lions.

The Lions were tied for the most offensive points in the west with 511 compared to the Bombers 432. Edge lions.

On defense you would believe with all the Swaggerville hype all season Winnipeg would support the stingiest defense in the league. You would be wrong. That impressive statistic would befall the Lions allowing a mere 385 points against to lead the league in that category. Edge Lions.

And here’s quite possibly the biggest edge. Since Wally Buono took over the Lions in 2003 the team has been a juggernaut at BC Place Stadium. They have a combined 49 wins to 18 losses record, which results in a 73% winning percentage in the regular season. Edge Lions. Although it’s important to note during Buono’s tenure in playoff home games the Lions are 2-2 for a .500 record.

In 1994 when the Vancouver Canucks made the finals and subsequently had a riot, the Lions picked B.C. sports fan spirits way high by winning the Grey Cup at home in a memorable run. They were also the last team to win a Grey Cup on home soil. So I ask you are we about to experience déjà vu all over again?

Enjoy the game everyone.

 The 99th Grey Cup championship may be sold out but if you’re willing to do a little sleuth work and have a bit of luck, you could win tickets to the big game as well some sweet VIP perks.

Tourism Vancouver is giving away two tickets to the Grey Cup, along with two nights accommodation, and VIP access to Doolin’s Irish Pub and the Roxy Nightclub.

Here is what you need to do:

A Mystery Man will be wandering the streets of Vancouver AND Winnipeg starting Tuesday, November 22nd between 8am and 7pm, until he is caught.

To win, the winner must be the first person to find him and say the secret phrase. The secret phrase can only be found on the Tourism Vancouver Facebook Page.

Exclusive clues to the “Mystery Man’s” location at certain times during the day will be shared by with us and other selected bloggers. Since we’ll be mobile during Grey Cup, we’ll be tweeting our clues so you will want to follow us @BCLionsDen. All our contest clues will be tagged with #YVRChase

You should also follow the @GreyCupChase Twitter account to make sure you get all the latest information in case we get caught up in the festivities.

Full contest details can be found on Tourism Vancouver’s Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/InsideVancouver

Good luck and happy hunting!

Here are your clues for Tuesday Nov.22nd:

Here are your clues for the day.  Some are minor hints but the picture clues should give those hunting a good idea of where to find the Mystery Man.

1. At 8:30am the Mystery Man will be having breakfast somewhere in the city.

2. At 10am, the Mystery Man will be roaming the streets near the Harbour Centre.

3. At 12:30pm the Mystery Man will start thinking about having lunch somewhere.

4. At 2pm the Mystery Man will head towards Stanley Park.

5. At 4pm the Mystery Man will grab a drink to warm up.

6. At 5:30pm the Mystery Man will do some shopping downtown.

7. At 7pm the Mystery Man will pack it in for the night.

Ask anyone and everyone you see, they could be the mystery man!

This series of blogs will take a look at some of the best parties of Grey Cup week as we count down to the Vancouver event, November 24th to 27th. In this edition, we take a look at the event that puts the “social” into party, the very popular Touchdown Manitoba.

The province of Manitoba is known for its parties known as “socials” and every year at Grey Cup they throw their biggest party of the year, affectionately known as Touchdown Manitoba. The unique aspect to the party is that unlike most of the parties at Grey Cup it is held during the day, providing a great party option for those looking for an early start on Friday’s festivities.

Touchdown Manitoba was established after a successful 1991 Grey Cup Festival in Winnipeg. The organizers decided they wanted to keep that spirit going at future Grey Cups and the event was born. That spirit is in the form of a traditional Manitoba social and it’s become one of the most popular events of Grey Cup week.

Like other parties at during the week, Touchdown is a melting pot of CFL fans from all teams coming together to celebrate Canadian football in the spirit of the Grey Cup. The event obviously has a Blue and Gold theme and some of the CFL’s most loyal fans come from the Manitoba capital and surrounding areas. With the resurgence of the Bombers, this year’s event should be a great one. You may even run into a little swagger!

You can expect to see a few Bombers players/personnel, great live entertainment and enjoy some traditional Manitoba rye bread, kobasa, cheeses and pickles for some much needed party fuel. Tickets are available now and will also be available at the door in limited quantities, which at this time may be your best option.

There are tables and chairs at the event, another unique aspect compared to other parties, but get there early if you want one as they disappear quickly once the doors open.

The event charges an $18.00 entry fee, which includes:

• Live music by headliner band Faith & Desire as well as a DJ to keep you dancing all afternoon.
• A limited-edition Touchdown Manitoba 2011 lapel pin (while supplies last).
• A delicious “social buffet” with all the traditional delicacies – rye bread, kobasa, cheese cubes and dill pickle spears. (while it lasts).
• Appearances by cheer teams, including the Labatt Blue Lightning Dance Team.
• A Choice Auction, with loads of great PRIZES!
• Get your picture taken with the Grey Cup!

Website: http://www.touchdownmanitoba.com/

When:

Friday November 25th, 1pm to 6pm

Where:

Exhibition Hall “C” (East Convention Level)
Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver BC

We’ll see you, at Touchdown Manitoba!

Behind every great team is a great support staff and the BC Lions are no exception. Whether the players are on the roster or on the practice squad, they need to be kept in top physical condition. That’s where BC Lions strength and conditioning coach Chris Boyko comes in. Boyko is a fitness and personal training guru who has many private clients in addition to his job with the Lions.

Former Lion Emmanuel Arceneaux, now with the Minnesota Vikings flew to Vancouver this off-season, just to work out with Boyko.

We recently had the chance to speak with Chris about his duties with the Lions, his business of training athletes on many levels and his passion for his own love of martial arts.

BCLD: Chris, thanks for talking to us. Let’s start with a description of your duties with the football club and how you became involved with the team?

CB: Thanks for the opportunity to give some insight to what happens behind the scenes. As a strength coach and a member of a 5 man training room/equipment staff, I have many duties but my main focus is the players. All 5 of us Billy, Benjie, Kato, Gavin and myself do our best to make sure the players are well prepared to go into battle! My duties can be challenging but its simple. First, to get all players ready to use there talent to the best of their ability. Second, to get injured players back on the field as quickly and safely as possible, and third to develop the practice roster players and to have them ready for the possibilities of getting into the lineup.

I became involved with the team after years of being a personal trainer to up and coming athletes, including CFL players. I would design in-season and off-season programs for players years before I was a staff member and had some communication with Billy throughout, so when the position opened up 4 years ago I was on the list as a candidate and needless to say I attacked the opportunity!

BCLD: Can you tell us the difference between working with different types of players? Like for instance obviously with receivers you want them to maintain speed while being strong, offensive linemen you want bulk and power combined with agility. How do you approach things as a coach for different positions?

CB: I work with many different types of athletes who play different sports as well, and the first and most important factor is that every good trainer must know their athlete because no two athletes are the same. So when I have guys at different positions and body types I pay close attention to each athletes movements, his strengths and weaknesses and his primary function on the football field. So basically I assess my athlete! But even before that, I get info from Billy regarding previous injuries, and recruiting info from Wally and other coaches on specific attributes that need to be improved. So my approach is based on having a communication relationship with my player. Obviously he has talent or he wouldn’t be here, so I want to know what programs he followed in the past or in college or previous team to get a better understanding of my athlete, from there I work him into my program accordingly, then the quest for improvement begins! I will get each guy who works with me as big, strong, fast and explosive as possible based on his own capabilities. I have a certain expectation of the type of athlete that can be a champion, I will bring that quality out in my athlete.

BCLD: Describe your working relationship with long time Lions trainer Bill Reichelt. Obviously when players are injured team doctors and Bill are actively involved in the treatment that player takes. Are you involved from the start or does your role kick in once the player is ready for rehab?

CB: My working relationship with Bill is fantastic! We work very well together. Bill is an amazing athletic trainer and therapist. Bill is cool as ice in the hottest situations, and I do my best to follow his lead. First there is always time invested in going over the players that we have and the injuries to watch out for based on a history of our athletes. By the time training camp hits, Bill has already briefed me with an advantage. At that point I develop injury prevention programs. So yes, I am involved from the start, however when injuries happen during the season the athlete goes through Bill and the doctors first and then depending on the severity of the injury I begin active rehab based on what Billy and the doctors authorize. As we know injuries can be inevitable in contact sports so my goal in my program is to lessen the severity of these injuries so that my guys can stay on top of their game.

BCLD: You often tweet about players on the practice squad coming in for training sessions at the facility. I know these guys are professionals, but is it a challenge to keep a player on the practice roster motivated?

CB: Yes I do often tweet about practice squad players and their training success. First I can’t tell you how much I appreciate and respect the guys who are still grinding away to become a better athlete! And even though they are pros I can see that motivation for some begins to fade. But we are blessed to have each other in this environment. It is definitely a challenge at times to keep the PR guys pumped up! There comes a time that produces a negative thought I call THE ENEMY, when a PR guy may think he dosnt have a shot in ever playing a game during the season, and that’s where I come in! I am passionate about not ever giving up! So this is the point I get across to my players, I always tell them to BE READY! Because things can change so quickly. Before you know it your the guy expected to fill in for a fallen soldier. I usually develop a close relationship with some of these guys due to the fact that I spend more time with them during the week and when the team travels I stay with the slightly tweaked guys and the hungry guys fighting for a shot! I fully appreciate every drop of blood and sweat that my guys shed for me and I won’t stop grinding with them, its an honour.

BCLD: How closely do you work with veteran players like a Geroy Simon? Obviously he’s been doing this for a long time and is in great shape year round. Does a player like Geroy still get input from you or is he pretty much left to do what works for him?

CB: I work closely with a lot of the veteran players throughout the year but Geroy and I have been training together for over 6 years. Geroy hired me as his personal trainer in 2005 to get him ready for the 06 season and that led to an outstanding player award, new record and a Grey Cup championship! Since then we have had a lot of success with my program. Geroy is an unbelievable athlete, he never seizes to amaze me with the things he does on that field. Geroy is a unique man with unique training needs and I feel I have developed a training style that fits. Geroy treats his body like a finely tuned machine and stays in shape year round, and as geroy would tell his teammates ” that’s the difference between being good and being great”

Even though Geroy has been around a long time and has a lot of experience in training for football, we both have an understanding that when it comes time to train even the most elite athletes can benefit from having a trainer guide them to a higher level of performance. It’s because of all the experience we have together that makes the training process so successful. Geroy knows his body and I know Geroy’s body! So when I develop the program, I know what needs to be improved. The human body goes through changes year after year in this sport so the program has to evolve along with the athlete.

There is certain things that Geroy likes to keep in his training because he knows they work for him, but he is a true pro and still is open for input because he is a competitor and wants to always improve! I can tell you that Geroy is one of the hardest workers on the field and in the weight room/ track. The up and coming athletes should use his work ethic as a manual for athletic success. Its an absolute honor to be his trainer and his friend! I am definitely a Superman fan!

BCLD: I understand you do other training besides working for the Lions. Do you have individual clients in other sports?

CB: Yes I do other training besides the Lions. My passion for developing athletes of all ages has put me in a position to be a conditioning program designer for the youth program at GAME READY FITNESS, in addition to that I am the strength and conditioning coach for a high level of athletes for the India Field Hockey club, youth soccer and high school football teams. My amazing wife and I run our company BOYKO ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT and cater to team, group, fighter and individual personal training.

Photo by: www.masiphotography.com

BCLD: Can you tell us a little bit about your passion for martial arts? Do you have a desire to, or do you compete in UFC type events?

CB: I have a burning passion for martial arts! I am deeply rooted in the lifestyle of a martial artist, I have been training since I was 12 years old in different fightings arts. Starting with tae kwon do, kung fu, and muay thai. I have been in many fighting tournaments, form competitions and in the ring fighting muay thai. I have been blessed with great trainers that have prepared me to fight here in Vancouver, Vince at WKX years ago and recently Master Song at KAI SING THONG MUAY THAI. I believe that if you want to be the best you have to train with the best! I absolutely love UFC and mixed martial arts. I still 100 percent have a desire to compete as a fighter and I don’t know if I will ever lose that, its such a part of me! I train hard year round, always developing new methods of improvement to add to my tool box. I also enjoy training other fighters when I am not preparing for a fight. I am a peaceful warrior, but my mind, body and spirit are ready for war.

BCLD: Chris, thank you for taking the time to give us a glimpse of your role with the BC Lions. Best of luck to you and the club in your pursuit of a Grey Cup in 2011 and with all your goals and ambitions for the future!

CB: A big thank you to you and everyone who is interested and supports us as we pursue a Grey Cup title in 2011! The pleasure is all mine. Talk to you soon!

Following a great night of football at BC Place where the BC Lions took a share of first place in the CFL west, some fans are complaining that the game was blacked out on standard definition cable.

Boo hoo.

You have a brand new stadium and a team playing in it’s biggest game in a  long time and you can’t get off your butt and head to the stadium? The team hasn’t had a blackout in over a year and a half, and it hasn’t exactly resulted in sold out games. It seems there is always an excuse for “fans” not to buy a ticket. It’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s not the NFL, it’s the Lions, I can afford a Canucks ticket but the Lions are too expensive.

I’m sick of it.

The CFL is a gate driven league. They don’t have a huge TV deal that ensures a profit for each team before a ticket is sold. They count on ticket revenue to be profitable and to run their business. Do you provide your services for free?

There seems to be a sense of entitlement by BC football fans that they should be able to sit on their couch and not contribute to that business model. I have no sympathy for them.

In a day when more and more households have high definition TV, where the games are not blacked out, it’s really not that hard to see the game anyway. If you can’t afford a ticket, and you don’t have HD, you could head to a friends, a bar or a restaurant like Boston Pizza to watch the game. If you’re outside the GVRD the game isn’t blacked out anyway.

The real question you should be asking yourself, is why didn’t I buy a ticket to one of the biggest football games this city has seen in three years?

I realize there are people that simply can’t afford to go out to a game or can’t afford HD cable. People that are REAL fans of the BC Lions that would kill to be in the stadium if they could. Unless you’re one of those people, I really have no time for you sense of entitlement.

The Lions are great value for your entertainment dollar. Many of their players are making less than some of the fans complaining about blackouts.

If you were there last night you would have witnessed a record be broken and a great moment on the final play of the game. I’m pretty sure the 30,622 that were there got their money’s worth.

The Lions next game is October 29th versus the Edmonton Eskimos and will be another big battle for playoff positioning in the West. Good tickets are still available.

Now that the BC Lions have done the seemingly impossible and clawed themselves back to respectability, the playoffs are all but a certainty.  Most years this would be enough, but not this year.  This year the Lions are opening up a shiny new stadium that’s preparing to host the Grey Cup.

With memories of the incredible ’94 run culminating in THE-PASSAGLIA-KICK clinching a Grey Cup victory in BC, let’s look at what regular season records give the Lions the best chance of winning a Grey Cup at home in 2011.  Stats junkies rejoice.

 

Based on the regular season winning percentage of the past 20 years of Grey Cup challengers (see above graph), the winning team and losing team had records no higher than 15-3 and no lower than 8-10.

The records in descending order are: 15-3, 14-4, 13-5, 12-6, 11-7, 10-8, and 8-10.  Note that there were no 9-9 teams that made the Grey Cup in the past 20 years.

The “mean” or “average” regular season winning percentage for Grey Cup champions the past 20 years was .681(just over a 12-6 record).

The mean regular season winning percentage for the losing team was a close .644 (just under a 12-6 record).  Further analysis will show if 13-5 or 12-6 are the “sweet spot”.

What about success rate in the Grey Cup for the teams with those records?  The above chart shows the cumulative Grey Cup winning percentages based on regular season records.  The 15-3 teams showed the highest winning percentage at .800.

The teams at 13-5 and 11-7 have been to the final the most with the former having the most success.  It’s interesting to note that the 8-10 teams had the second best winning percentage at .666 (with one of those wins coming from the Lions).  And don’t go 14-4 during the regular season, as you won’t win a Grey Cup!

So what record would give the Lions the best chance at winning a Grey Cup?  Unfortunately it’s a record they can’t achieve this season.  The chart to the right shows the percentage of Grey Cup victories in the past 20 years based on regular season record.

Based on all the information the record with the most success is a 13-5 team winning 30% of cups.  Unfortunately the current 6-6 record does not allow BC to achieve this result, or the second place result of 15-3 which clocks in at a 20% success rate.

All is not lost, tied for second place is the 12-6 record at a 20% success rate…it only means the Lions have to go undefeated the rest of the way.  6-0 no problem!

The good news is that an 8-10 team has just as good a chance as an 11-7 team and has a better winning percentage in the finals cumulatively than most other records.  With the enigma this team has been all season it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the Lions are the first team in 20 years to go to the Grey Cup 9-9.  Then all bets are off!