The BC Lions recent Grey Cup win was the sixth in franchise history and veteran Dante Marsh has been patrolling the corner for two of those titles. Marsh has just completed his eighth season with the team and will hopefully be joining them for a ninth.
We had a chance to talk to Dante about the 2011 season, the future and about an auction he is holding to make a donation to CFL Fans Fight Cancer and Hannah’s Heroes. Dante is auctioning off two pairs of his cleats from the 2011 Grey Cup championship season. One pair are pink Nike Vapor cleats that Dante wore on October 22, 2011, when the CFL allowed players to wear pink items in support of women’s cancer awareness. The second pair of cleats were worn in the 99th Grey Cup Championship game in which the BC Lions defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers by a score of 34-23.
We’ll get you the link to the auction below, but first our interview with the BC Lions veteran cornerback, Dante Marsh.
BCLD: Dante, it was a season that will never be forgotten. The team started slowly before turning things around to end the season with a Grey Cup victory at home. What was that like and what do you feel was the one thing that turned the season around?
DM: It was amazing to say the least. I mean it still hasn’t really hit that we won the 99th Grey Cup. Starting out 0-5 after a sluggish 1-7 start in 2010 was extremely frustrating. We felt like we were the team to beat coming out of training camp especially the way we ended the 2010 season. However that did not happen and once again we sputtered out of the gate. I think our attitude was the one thing that changed which enabled us to get over the hump. We were just tired of losing.
BCLD: Personally you had one of your best years in the league, as your stats show. You were named a West Division all-star, you won your second championship and now you’re eligible to become a free agent. What does the future hold for Dante Marsh and do you want to end your career in black and orange?
DM: I would like a couple more rings. I feel like I have done my part as far as my job goes. I feel like I have had a very good career so far and I would like to finish up where I started and thats in black and orange. This has been maybe my best all around season but like I have said before I think I have had really good seasons other years and they were over looked to an extent. I am scheduled to become a free agent this winter for the first time ever which is exciting but yet gives you an unsure feeling. Exciting to see what your value is to others but at the same time I bleed orange and black and hopefully I can retire as one of the best to ever do it at my position in a Lions uniform.
BCLD: You played eight seasons under Wally Buono as a coach and now your defensive coordinator Mike Benevides is widely speculated to be Buono’s replacement. How might the team be different under a Benevides coached team if he were to get the job?
DM: I am not sure things will change all that much. Benny has been one of the coaches I have had a real good relationship with since my rookie year when he was the special teams coordinator. In fact I think you can keep the same structure and continuity within the team if he is ultimately hired. Benny is a players coach easy to talk to and is open to suggestions so I think everything will just keep flowing smoothly.
BCLD: Your off-season training is well publicized and you train with CFL legend Milt Stegall. How has the old “G.O.A.T.” as you refer to him helped you train for a long and successful career in the CFL? Can you tell us what G.O.A.T. stands for?
DM: Well the G.O.A.T. stands for greatest of all time. Milt has been very influential in my career as far as the knowledge he has shared with me since I moved here to Atlanta in 2006. He has shown me how to be a pro, how to train better, eat better, focus on the business side of the game more like contractual issues and pension decisions. Milt has shown me how to push myself further and further and one of our sayings is, “How can they beat you if they cant out work you?”
BCLD: Dante, let’s get you your charity auction. This is the second year now that you’ve done a charity event for Cancer research. You’ve graciously offered to give half of the proceeds for this auction to our cancer charity of choice, Hannah’s Heroes’. I know that the tragedy that your good friend Korey Banks went through is close to your heart. Can you tell us how that event has made cancer research important to you?
DM: It’s an opportunity for me to give so someone else can have. I feel like if you’re in a position to help someone other than yourself and you dont you are truly missing out on one of life’s greatest moments/feelings. I have always wanted to make an impact on someone elses life. There are people who cant walk, cant see, can’t have the normal life because of cancer or some other ailment and these are little things we often take for granted on a daily basis. When Korey went through that ordeal with his son Kamari, it hit close to home and I wouldn’t want anybody to ever have to go through that. So yeah I just feel its one of my duties to help in any way I can.
BCLD: Dante thank you for taking the time to do this for Hannah’s Heroes and for talking with us. We wish you all the best in the future, and hope you’ll be back in BC to defend the Grey Cup championship in 2012.
DM: As always I appreciate you Brian and thank you for taking the time to put this Q and A session together. CHUUCH!!!
How you can bid:
For the current auction of Dante’s cleats you can head to the Ebay page they are listed on.
If the auction ends without the reserve being met, get the latest on Dante’s website.
These cleats are one of a kind collectors items and would be a great addition to any CFL memorabilia collection. You’ll also be helping fund cancer research for childhood cancer. For more information on Hannah’s Heroes visit their web site.
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!
There is no doubt that social media has become a valuable tool for many businesses and professional sports teams have taken advantage of this exciting new platform to engage with their fans like never before. News is now updated in real time and teams that have a strong social media presence are expanding their brand.
The BC Lions are no exception, and over the last year the club has made a strong effort to take advantage of social media to promote their product.
Jacqueline Blackwell is the Communications Coordinator and Website Administrator for the BC Lions. She also runs the Lions Facebook and Twitter accounts. She agreed to talk with us about how the Lions are embracing social media as an organization and where they plan to take it in the future.
Interview with Jacqueline Blackwell, Communications Coordinator and Website Administrator for the BC Lions:
Q: Jacqueline thanks for taking the time to discuss your social media program with us. Maybe we can start with when the club really started to utilize social media?
A: We started our Twitter feed and Facebook page in 2009.
Q: There are several BC Lions players on Twitter. Angus Reid, Geroy Simon, Dante Marsh are all prominent on that platform. Does the club offer any social media training to its players or have a policy in place to deal with social media use?
A: As far as media policies go, we treat social media as we would traditional media sources. We provide overall media training to players who we believe require it or request it. The vast majority of players who join the club have gone through media training at some point in their college career. As it applies to Twitter and Facebook however, we ask that they use caution refrain from making statements via social media that they wouldn’t state publicly. Such statements can include criticizing fellow players or coaches, officiating, the league or any other remarks that the club would impose a fine for if they were said to a member of the media or in another public manner.
Q: The Lions recently held a live Twitter chat where fans got to ask coach Wally Buono questions. I thought it was very successful and a great initiative that I haven’t seen other CFL teams do. Does the club have plans to do more of these types of fan interactions in the future?
A: Yes, Wally was the CFL’s first coach/GM on Twitter and is still the only professional head coach on Twitter in Vancouver. He was very receptive to the idea from day one since our overall success as an organization comes from the support of our fans. He will continue to be available via the Q & A’s but has indicated that other coaches should also have an opportunity to speak directly to our fans. We’ll be hosting Q & A’s with both coordinators and other members of the organization moving forward, during training camp and throughout the season.
Q: The Lions were one of the first CFL teams to jump into social media. I believe they are second only to the Montreal Alouettes when it comes to Twitter followers, and your Facebook page has over 26,000 followers. What plans does the club have to build on that momentum in 2011? Will the club explore the use of other tools like Foursquare?
A: We’re always looking new ways to connect and we’re trying to create a variety of reasons to follow the Lions on Twitter or Facebook. Whether you’re after football content, prizes, player profiles etc. we try to touch on all areas of the club. There are challenges to keep the messaging strong at certain times of the year so promotions such as 100 Days to Training Camp allow us to not only start ramping up to the season, but allow us to give away great prizes and shoot cool videos. Tools like Foursquare are interesting but we want to concentrate on elements we know we can do well rather than spreading ourselves too thin.
Q: Obviously, a big part of social media is engaging and networking with others. How is the club planning to do that in 2011?
A: Yes, 2011 is shaping up to be a very exciting year both on and off the field – our first tweet-up last year was a success we’ll be engaging some new partners to host them more frequently. We’re always pushing our players for more content too, so we’re looking at getting one of the guys to commit to a blog in 2011. We’re looking at some social media-specific contests and content which gives us some freedom to use creativity and a little fun. We have always been a leader in bringing behind-the-scenes content to our fans and we’ll continue to do that as well. Our customer service staff has also recently launched their own twitter feed specifically designed to keep fans updated on ticket-related info and then in-game information during home games which will help make everyone’s game day experience the best it can be.
Q: How about Grey Cup? Will social media play a role in the festivities?
A: The 2011 Grey Cup committee has some huge plans for this November and they will be rolling out an independent social media program in weeks to come.
Our thanks to Jacqueline for taking time to discuss the Lions’ social media initiatives with us. It’s going to be an exciting year to be a Lions fan and we’re looking forward to watching the Lions brand grow!
Want in on the BC Lions social media scene? Here is the information you need to be in the know:
BC Lions on Twitter: @BCLions
BC Lions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BC.Lions
BCLionsDen.ca on Twitter: @BCLionsDen
BCLionsDen.ca on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCLionsDen.ca
CFL on Twitter: @CFL
CFL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CFL
BC Lions coaches/players on Twitter:
Geroy Simon @geroysimon
Dante Marsh: @dantemarsh
Korey Banks: @24Banks
Brent Johnson: @brentjohnson97
Cauchy Muamba: @CauchyMuamba
Wally Buono: @Coach_Brillo
Dante Marsh: @dantemarsh
Steven Black: @itSblack
David Hyland: @hylander37
Nick Moore: @NickMoore_1
Paul McCallum: @PaulMcCallum4
Sean Whyte: @SeanWhyte10
The Felions:
Staff:
BC Lions Customer Service: @bclions_service
BC Lions Vault: Photos from the past: @BCLions_vault
Jamie Cartmell: Lions Communications: @SweetJimmyC
Lowell Ullrich of The Province newspaper sports department joins us for a little BC Lions chat during this Western division bye week, a break that couldn’t come too soon for the struggling Lions and their fans. In this blogger’s opinion Lowell is the best in the business when it comes to reporting on all matter BC Lions, so we thought it would be a nice way to fill the bye by getting his thoughts on the Lions season to date and what’s to come in the future.
Q: Lowell the season has been a disaster to date and not many people have an up close and personal look at the club like you do. Is there anything that you see that gives you hope the Lions can turn things around after the break?
A: Thanks for the kind words. Things will get turned around; the question becomes how long will it take and whether all the problems are fixed at the same time. It’s probably not the response many people want but my thought is that we’ll see bits of improvement which, if it all happens on the same night, result in a win or two. Before everyone tosses out Casey Printers like we seem to have done with Travis Lulay, I’d like to see him play more than six quarters while healthy to see where this offence is headed.
Q: Here in the “blogosphere” as you often refer to it, there is a lot of heat being directed at the coaching staff and in particular Jacques Chapdelaine. The Lions offense has struggled for the better part of three years now, so what is to blame in your opinion? Coaching? Personnel? Schemes? All of the above?
A: You certainly have to think there’s enough for everyone to go around. Defensively, I think Mike Benevides had a real hard look at the shortcomings everyone saw on run defence and made changes. It has not obviously been as apparent on offence. It is our nature these days to get out the bazookas, or laptop in some cases, assess blame and move to the next topic. What has happened is not easily defined, other than to state the three-year period you cite coincides with the release of Dave Dickenson.
Q: In your opinion, how big of a blow was it to this organization to lose Bob O’Billovich and has Roy Shivers done enough as a replacement?
A: Bob’s loss was enormous, and not only for the obvious reasons. Also lost by the Lions was once of his associates. Richard Wade, who also went to scout for Hamilton. He does a lot of digging. Roy has his sources but you would like for the Lions to have a succession plan for scouting in play. Neil McEvoy and Barron Miles could be put to better use but in a limited-budget world of a CFL team, they are needed in other ways during the season. Personally, and this is only a guess, Barron will go elsewhere if not given a bigger role.
Q: Losing often can lead to division. You’re around practice every day and you talk to the players and the coaches. Is this team all pulling in one direction or are you starting to see frustration and division?
A: Best answer to give right now would be to look at Edmonton and compare. It comes out here and there to be sure. Most players are aware their comments can make the rounds in public forums, including this one, so are careful with what they say. Most frustration shows when you would figure it to be seen, which is after games.
Q: Lions fans can be described as fickle. Is the team in danger of losing fans with this record, or will the draw of Empire combined with the new and improved BC Place stadium and hosting the 2011 Grey Cup give them a grace period to get things turned around?
A: Obviously the draw of Empire wasn’t what core fans or the club thought it would be, but what will bring fans back is the thing that attracts everyone, success.
Q: In your opinion, is this Wally’s last year as a head coach and if the team doesn’t turn things around will he make changes to his staff?
A: The evidence represented in losses would lead you to believe as most, and this would be the last year in a coaching capacity. That would leave it to a successor to make changes.
Q: What in your mind is the single biggest thing holding this team back?
A: I’d be tempted to go with consistent quarterbacking and offensive line play and throw out the other trendy answers (coaching/scheme) It isn’t the biggest problem, but you’d also like to see the Lions draft better; you can’t keep missing the boat year after year. It’s seems like forever since Paris Jackson was drafted and another Canadian receiver was moulded into a 1,000-yard candidate.
Q: Obviously some big games are to come. Two dates with the Bombers and one with the Eskimos may decide whether this team makes a post-season appearance in 2010. Of the three teams which one do you think has the best chance to play in November?
A: Pretty amazing to think that way but true. It’s hard to think the Eskimos are going anywhere. Neither is Winnipeg without consistent quarterbacking. On that score, you have to still like the Lions because of who they have collectively behind centre.
Q: Stefan Logan is in tough in Pittsburgh by all reports. His performance last year could get him a look elsewhere if he’s cut, but do you think the Lions would go to the wall to sign him if he became available?
A: Lots would have to happen if he gets cut, not the least of which would be he’d have to escape the attention of every other NFL team which now has film on him. So, no, I don’t think they’d go through the wall, though they might give it a nudge to see what happens.
Our thank to Lowell for taking the time to do this. Follow him on Twitter: @FifthQtr and on his blog the Fifth Quarter and of course read his articles in The Province.
Kent Ridley of Ridley Scouting Services checks in with another guest post for BCLionsDen.ca. Kent recently attended the CFL E-Camp for the top prospects college football and had the chance to sit down with Washington State offensive lineman Joe Eppele. The 6′-7″ native of Vancouver is considered to be one of the top offensive line prospects for the upcoming Canadian Football League draft.
RS: When did you start playing football?
A: I started playing community ball in 5th grade for the Squamish Titans.
RS: How did you end up at Washington State?
A: I attended a summer camp at Eastern with the Vancouver College high school team the summer prior to my move down to the city for my senior year and while I was at the camp I was called up to Washington State because they had heard about me and were interested in seeing me in a practice. After two practices the coaches said they had seen enough and told me to pack my stuff up and following a meeting with George Yarno -their o-line coach at the time- I had an offer for a full ride scholarship at a Pac-10 school and I committed shortly thereafter.
RS: What do you prefer to play – OT or OG?
A: I enjoy both positions but feel the most comfortable with OT because it has been where I have worked for the majority of my collegiate career. I played my first games ever at guard this past season and picked up three starts at the position. I enjoyed the physicality and aggressiveness of the position as opposed to the more strategic controlled aggression that is required at OT because of the open space and need to protect the edge.
RS: Favourite NCAA highlight?
A: Being on the field in double overtime for the winning field goal in our victory over the Huskies in the 2008 Apple Cup and seeing the stands empty onto the field.
RS: Biggest achievement in football so far?
A: Continually earning the opportunity to compete at a higher and higher level in the sport while never letting myself be happy with where I am and maintaining a consistent need to improve my game.
RS: What do you expect to bring to a CFL team?
A: I believe as an athlete who had the opportunity to compete at the Pac-10 level I bring a level of experience and dedication to the sport that can only be achieved through living it firsthand. I am a 6’8 athletic lineman who brings a heightened level of aggressiveness and realizes my best years of football are still ahead of me. I am passionate and eager to excel in every aspect of the game and will stop at nothing to achieve greatness.
RS: Any advice for the 2011 Draft Class now that you’ve been through the E-Camp?
A: Come hungry, you only get one shot at the E-camp so don’t cut any corners and make sure you are prepared in every aspect and leave it all on the field. It’s a meat auction out there so make sure you are the Filet Mignon.
Photograph by: Nick Procaylo file, The Province
Receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux had a great rookie season for the BC Lions, and became a big art of their passing game. He recently took time out of his off-season to answer a few questions for BCLionsDen.ca. Lions fans can follow Emmanuel on Twitter @emannie84.
BCLD: Emmanuel, thanks for taking the time to talk to your fans at BCLionsDen.ca. You had a big impact on the Lions receiving core this season in your first year. How much did you know about the CFL before this past season?
EA: I knew very little about it because much of it isn’t aired in the States, but my agent Ken Austin had brought it too my attention.
BCLD: Following you on Twitter (@emmanie84 for those who don’t know) it’s obvious you are very dedicated to trying to get better. How much time did you take off after the season ended, and can you describe your workout regiment now, and how it might change as the season gets closer?
EA: Well, I took off about 2 weeks to let my body recover after the hit I took in the eastern finals by Davis Sanchez. It left a a stiffness in my traps. I also had to to make sure my hand was okay, because i broke it in the Edmonton game when the weather was freezing. That was the last minute victory we came away with after the awesome catch Geroy made. I’m currently lifting at my high school and doing the workouts given to me by the strength coach, but for my endurance I usually jog about 3 to 5 miles. Once the weather warms up I’m going to begin my sprints. Earlier this week I got a membership to the YMCA so now I’m taking Yoga and Pilate classes and man its intense! But as i get closer to the season im going to focus more on route running and my health like im doing now. Mentally and physically I want to be at another level so when i come into camp I want the world to know I’m serious about my profession.
BCLD: How much did you learn from veterans like Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson this season?
EA: Geroy taught me how to love the game and use the tools that I have to make it harder for opponents to cover me. He is an excellent guy to learn from, plus he was kind enough to take me under his wings and polish me as a WR. Paris taught me to be furious and play with heart and to never back down. He brought more of the physical aspects to the game and I like that about him. But when you’re in the huddle with 2 great wide receivers you cant help but want to perform on the highest level possible.
BCLD: In your opinion, what is the biggest thing you want to improve on in your second year?
EA: I want to improve mostly on hand placement when catching the ball and staying low in my route running, meaning I want all my routes to look the same when I hit the line full speed. I dont want to be predictable when teams watch film on me. I also want to improve my speed and quickness and plus play at a more intense level.
BCLD: In the Eastern Final you made a spectacular catch and landed awkwardly on your neck. A lot of people were amazed you weren’t injured. Can you describe the play and were you hurt at all?
EA: To be honest I dont believe in being hurt, but I had to make that catch because I dropped a ball right before that, due to being so anxious of trying to make plays instead of letting them happen. But I wasnt injured at all, just a little scared because my trap muscles had spasms in them, so as i walked to the sideline I just prayed for God to give me strength so I can make it through the game. My first time seeing the hit was like a week later. All he did was take my legs from under me, so it really wasn’t a big hit, but thats why I’m training like I am because I refuse to be hit like that again, so im getting my weight up plus when I return I will be bigger, faster and stronger.
BCLD: Does the number 84 have any significance?
EA: Yes, it’s my first professional number. Wally gave me an opportunity that no one else gave, and that was an opportunity to be apart of his BC Lions football team..so whether we’re down or winning, I need to find 84 ways to be successful in the course of the game!
BCLD: Where is home for you, and what do you enjoy spending time doing in the off-season in your free time?
EA: Alexandria, Louisiana is home for me. I most of my time spend time with my homeboy Dewayne Dupar or I’m at Platinum Styles barber shop. I just got a Playstation 3 and Madden 2010 is awesome, so if anyone out there wants to play me, my online id is: emmanie84! I’m just glad to be with my family and I’m a mama’s boy. I also attend church on Sunday and more than anything I’m glad to be able to give back to my community by speaking to the youth and training athletes at my High School.
BCLD: Emmanuel, thanks for taking the time in your off-season to speak with us, and all the best to you next season, Lions fans are very excited to see what you can do in year two!
