By Erin Sue
The veterans have emerged back on the field and pictures have been taken. The rookies are quickly coming to the realization that they have hit the big league, and are in full excitement as they get to know the veterans and watch them in action.
Rookie, Simeon Rottier, the 25-year-old offensive lineman, is giving it his all as he adjusts to the CFL.
“The speed has picked up quite a bit and it was nice to have that rookie camp to get the rust off a little bit. The first couple of days hurt the worst, but come the third day it was pretty good. It’s pretty neat just watching the veterans come in and learn from them. I’m learning a lot.”
Rottier’s anticipation prior to training camp had his nerves working up, however after getting on the field and meeting the guys, the 6’6”, 295-pound native of Westlock, Alberta just did what came natural – he played football.
“I was just nervous. I just wanted to do my best, and the whole time before I was just trying not to be anxious. But you know, once you get on the field it’s just football. It was good to finally get in.”
Now that he’s gotten more comfortable here at training camp, Rottier can focus on his game and the quality of his performance. Just what goes through a players mind while they are out on that field can differ, but this offensive lineman is in the ‘here and the now.’
“Not every play is going to work out that well. I’ve made some mental mistakes today, but I think everyone has theirs. We have tons of meetings so there are lots of installations. So, I’m just thinking one play at a time and I continue to communicate with the other offensive linemen. So far, it has been really good.”
Rottier, like first year Guillaume Allard-Cameus, is also finding that the integration and dynamics amongst the veterans is going smoothly.
“I think as rookies we’re wide-eyed with all the veterans coming in. They all went out of their way to say hi and just welcome us. The bottom line, we’re all fighting for jobs, but we’re all trying to be on the same page too. We ultimately want to make the team better.”
This Canadian is coming to the CFL with several changes not only to his career, but also on a little more personal note. He’s a newlywed. All of TigerTown wants to know how he’s dealing with his move to Hamilton and if there’s anything that makes him a tad homesick.
“It’s tough, but I get a chance to phone my wife now and again. It’s different but we’ve only been married for 6 weeks. It would be cool if she was here, but she’ll come down in a couple of weeks. We’re trying not to get ahead of ourselves.” Continuing, Rottier added that the three things he missed the most from home were, “Mom’s cooking, obviously my wife, and the rest of my family. We’re all pretty close and it’s nice to talk to them. I have a few on speed-dial for sure. It’s still good to be here.”
On a final note, many athletes have some form of tradition before they practice or head into a game. Some have a keepsake that they have to carry around, others listen to Neil Diamond.
Simeon Rottier remains traditional in his pre-game rituals.
“I always play better when I know my strength comes from God. One verse I always keep playing in my head is that, ‘I can do all things if Christ strengthens me.’ I just try and keep that in perspective and just do my best, and I play for Him.”
