Each week, Toronto Argonaut linebacker Mike O’Shea answers your
questions. To submit a question to Mike please send an e-mail to askoshea@cfl.ca.
Mike,
What is your opinion on some of the new Canadian player that have come into the league in the last couple years (for example, Fantuz and Lumsden). Has the caliber of player in the CIS, or the CIS in general, improved or are these guys anomalies?
Taylor W. (Halifax)
A: Fantuz and Lumsden, as well as a whole host of other rising CFL stars, are definitely not anomalies. Their success is the product of focused preparation meeting opportunity.
There are several factors which I believe have made the CIS stronger as a whole and therefore strengthened the CIS content in the CFL. A noticeable trend of CIS coaches with CFL experience, both as players and coaches, has given great pro exposure to the university football student athlete. These coaches are regularly attending training camps as guest coaches and have gained easy access to pro playbook information. Their use of this system information and their personal knowledge have allowed them to put together schemes that resemble CFL schemes which in turn means that the rookies entering the CFL are not on a steep learning curve and don’t feel as overwhelmed in training camp.
Also, the popularity of the CFL and the growth of football in Quebec (Two newer CIS teams – Montreal and Sherbrooke) have increased the number of athletes choosing football.
Most importantly is the approach taken by the young men entering the CIS – gone are the days of “ya, I think I will try out for football”. The preparation and dedication seems to be en masse and also seems to be focused to one sport at an earlier age.
Mike,
Is there a specific team you enjoy playing against more than any other? If so, why?
Linda C. (Hamilton)
A: I always enjoy playing the best teams; the teams that are playing their best football. These are the games that bring out the best in you and give the most satisfaction when you win. The challenge comes to consistently play at that high level when you face a team that is struggling and to dominate a game when the outcome is already determined. This ability ensures wins and leads to championships. Championship teams don’t make a habit of playing down to their opponent’s level.
Mike,
As a leader on your team, how do you deal with players who may not show 100 per cent commitment to the team?
Terry K. (Vancouver)
A: As a leader, the first mistake you can make is to jump to judge another player’s commitment. If you feel that he is not putting forth the effort required, the first thing you need to do is question why YOU feel that way. If the answer comes back confirming your belief then talking with your teammate and finding out why could help everyone.
Sometimes the problems are completely unrelated to football. When offering suggestions and some “gentle” direction fails, then a heavier hand is warranted. In the end, you can’t fool your teammates and soon your actions will create an environment that surrounds you and makes it tough for you to survive doing things contrary to the team goal.
Mike O’Shea enters his 16th CFL season in 2008. He is a
three-time Grey Cup champion and the captain of the Toronto Argonauts’
defence. He is the CFL’s all-time leader in defensive tackles by a
Canadian and is second all-time on the overall list. In 1999 he was
named the league’s outstanding Canadian player.
