By Erin Sue
With the first week of camp coming to a close on Friday afternoon it was time to talk to one of our rookies.
Guillaume Allard-Cameus, 25, a running back from Laval Quebec and a business major was all smiles and eager to talk about his first two days on the field.
“It moves a lot compared to university football, we are running 100 percent of the time. When we aren’t doing drills we have to sprint to the next one, it’s pretty intense. I’m very glad to be here and I want to make it through to the team.”
The French-Canadian is working well with the dynamics of the team and amongst the other rookies. The move from Laval to Hamilton is not as big of a step as some have to take, however Allard-Cameus has stepped up his game with the move to the CFL. “I’m very happy to have been drafted this year – it was higher than my expectations. Since the draft and all winter long I have been preparing to make this team. I am happy for this opportunity that the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have given me.”
In preparation, Allard-Cameus is not only training but talking to CFL veterans who are offering up some advice and encouragement. “I have talked to previous players in the CFL and they have told me it may be harder as a Canadian, and the fact that I am straight out of Quebec, that the integration may be more difficult. But, in my perspective I find it nice, the guys and I talk and joke and some of them try and talk French with me. There’s a great enthusiasm here and I like it.”
In terms of on the field, suggestions from the veterans have been to keep focused on the drills doing 100 percent and on the end goal. The coaches here are weeding out some, to then determine which players are fit for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and in doing so, they expect nothing less than 100 percent from these guys.
“The coaches want to make sure we know our stuff and that we really perform at our best. This just makes each thing I do on the field – each drill, that I push myself to the limit.”
When asked if there was anyone in particular from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that stood out as a CFL mogul or inspiration to Allard-Cameus, the answer included quarterback Kevin Glenn, slotback Dave Stala and alumni Danny McManus.
“I was excited to meet Kevin Glenn who I have watched in the CFL while I was in school, and Dave Stala. I have met them recently and the guys are really cool. They are excited as first years and are like any other player on the team. Danny McManus, another player I have watched for years on the CFL as a quarterback for his team. When I met him I told him I was honoured to meet him and he told me that, in a few days you’ll get tired of seeing me. But for me it was important to have met them.”
As the veterans move in Saturday and hit the field with the rookies Sunday morning, the stakes are high for this first timer in the CFL. I asked if there was any anticipation upon meeting them.
“I just want to make it through the 42-man roster. I’m very excited to meet them. I met Alex Gauthier a guy who also went to Laval. I had not met him prior, but as soon as I talked to him we said to ourselves, we’re the French delegation. So, it’s really nice and I feel like they are happy to have me on the team.”
Additionally, Allard-Cameus commented on Hamilton and the fans. “I want to make the final move and bring my stuff here. I love the fans. I played the Vanier Cup last November here in Hamilton and the people in the streets were all nice. Everywhere I went everyone was welcoming and nice to me. I think the integration here will go well.”
As the French-Canadian heads into training camp with the veterans, he’s prepared to bring everything he’s got to the game. With the forceful competition for those few spots on the team, we wish Allard-Cameus the best of luck and look forward to seeing what this rookie has in store.
