Anthony Malbrough
CFL.ca
There are many aspects that go into fielding a professional football team. Everyone knows the star players’ names and faces, but it’s the guys behind the scenes that are very much responsible for the work in the trenches. I am not referring to the offensive and defensive lines. I am talking about the equipment managers, the head athletic therapist and the video coordinators.
On game day, when the Blue Bombers come out onto the field with shiny tailor fit uniforms, there is only one crew to thank and that is Brad Fotty and his two-person staff; Daniel Yusim and Rod Thiessen. The fans get to see the finished product, but the preparation for the week is long and the requests run deep. “Can I get some gloves?” … “Can you tailor my jersey?” … “ I lost my shirt” … “I can’t find shorts” …
These are just some of the problems they have to deal with on a regular basis. The great thing about it all is that they handle every request without a problem.
Injuries are a major part of the game we play. That is why it is important to have a good, patient and smart athletic therapist. In fact, it is a must. Alain Couture represents the Blue Bombers in this capacity. This might be the most important job within the organization because Al and his large staff, which consists of Kevin – yes, just Kevin Coates – are responsible for the treatment of injured players twice-a-day starting at 6 a.m.
While rehabbing injured players , these two guys have to also find time between 6 a.m. and our 11:15 a.m. practices to tape about 60 ankles and countless wrists, knees, fingers, arms, or any other part of the body a player may feel he needs protected. Without a well prepared and organized head athletic therapist you can just imagine the chaos that would exist!
Film time! Without it, you can’t get better as a player, and the coaches can’t put together great game plans. Daniel Sutcliffe is our video coordinator. He will get any type of film we need on the opponents we are facing. Any formation, any play, any game, and at any time. Daniel is always on the job. I even called him in the off-season for film and he responded quickly with everything that I needed.
Every team is made up of these types of individuals, but in my opinion, the Blue Bombers’ staff is the best. They all play a very important role in the smooth running of a CFL football team. So next time, when your favorite team comes charging out onto the football field, looking good, feeling healthy, and playing well, remember to thank those unsung heroes for the preparation. Give them a pat on the back!
Thank you for reading the Malbrough files!
Anthony Malbrough is a defensive back with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He is a veteran of three CFL teams during his seven year career.
