By Erin Sue / HTC
Getting back on the field after almost two seasons sitting on the sideline, Dave Stala is making his return with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for a seventh season in the CFL.
For the first six years of his CFL career, this 6’2,” 205-pound wide receiver played with the Montreal Alouettes. However, for both the 2007 and 2008 seasons Dave sat on the injured list after breaking his foot. He is not ready to retire just yet though, as the 2009 season is in full gear, Dave is bringing back his skills to the turf.
“Getting dressed for every game is still a lot of fun. The reason you practice and work so hard is to play games, it was tough for two years but I’m back now. The biggest thing was taking that first hit.”
Getting all the rust off after two years is more difficult than some would think. Dave explains, “When you practice, it’s only a simulation, you don’t have guys coming full speed at you.”
Playing the Montreal Alouettes earlier this season, Dave stood on the other side of the sideline and played against many of his friends on defence for the first time; just another game of football. Being in Montreal brought back more than just memories, maybe a little fashion sense for Dave, who explained you can’t just walk around in jogging pants, it’s all about wearing a nice pair of jeans and a golf-T. Well, we definitely aren’t in Montreal anymore as Stala is commonly seen in flip flops, baggy shorts and a t-shirt, loitering outside of his favourite burrito joint downtown. Straw hat, check.
This casual guy whose fashion sense is unpredictable, is happy to be playing for his home team. Dave and his family immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1987, moving into a house here in Hamilton. ESL, the works.
Growing up, football was far from this kids mind, he’s European after all, soccer was his thing. Lets throw in some basketball, and hockey since we are in Canada. The football dream did not come until late in high school when one of the coaches persuaded Dave to consider it and go to Saint Mary’s in Halifax.
Since then, Dave has played in three Vanier Cups, winning two, and two Grey Cups with the Alouettes.
“After you have been in the Grey Cup one or two times, you want to win one.” It wasn’t for lack of trying or amount of discipline that’s for sure.
While Dave is off the field he is conducting football fundamentals camps for kids 10-18 years old, which he has run for the last four years in Halifax. Bringing in guest speakers such as other CFL players, strength and conditioning coaches and some professors, the message being sent to kids is that, “It’s not just football, if you don’t go to school you can’t play pro.”
“I had this one kid, he was 10 when he started and his first year you could see that what you were teaching him he was applying it. He’s come every year and he’s gotten so much better. I think he may have a chance in the CFL in the next few years.”
As for Dave’s future, working with kids and possibly coaching could be his reality. Right now he’s just happy to be living at home again.
“Cook, clean and do my laundry – I love my mom.”
Fun Facts:
Pets: 3 snakes
Favourite ride at Wonderland: Behemoth
Greatest game: I have two. In 2005, I had a winning touchdown, we [Alouettes] won 46-44. And the 2005 Grey Cup that we lost.
What movie would you act in if you could: Lucky Number Slevin, playing Josh Harnett’s role.
One word to describe yourself: Different.
Super hero power: Ability to fly
Goals for the 2009 season: Definitely the Grey Cup. For short-term goal, stay healthy all year.
