Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
While the Tiger-Cats have not decided who will be at quarterback for every game this season, the man handing them the ball will be staying the same for the foreseeable future.
The Ticats continued an off-season full of contract extensions today by announcing the signing of offensive lineman Marwan Hage through the 2012 season.
“It’s very special to be drafted by a team and to stick for so long and then be able to sign another extension,” said Hage. “I feel very comfortable here, Hamilton over the years has become my second home.”
Hage, who was drafted by the Ticats in 2004 (14th overall), has been a key player along the line since arriving in Hamilton, calling the protections and starting every game for the previous three seasons.
“It’s a very important move for us to maintain that stability along the offensive line,” said General Manager Bob O’Billovich. “As everyone knows the centre is the focal point of that group, making the calls and setting the tone for the players up front,” he added.
With a new standard set from the success of last season, keeping the core group of players intact is vital to building on that and putting together a run at the championship.
“It’s great that from the first practice in training camp we can take a step forward and not a step towards just getting to know each other,” said Hage. “From the first day we can just take off, that’s the best part of playing with guys you’ve been to battle with, game in and game out.”
The centre is the leader of the offensive line in the trenches and an integral part of having a successful running game and keeping the quarterback clean. As the first point of attack when a play begins, having a top-tier player like Marwan Hage allows the offense to control the line of scrimmage and take the play to the opposition.
“Marwan’s a physical, aggressive guy and he’s strong enough to handle the better defensive tackles in the league one-on-one,” said O’Billovich. “Not a lot of centre’s can do that.”
Most important to Marwan, his extension means that he will be able to continue the charitable work in the community that he loves so much.
“The Hage’s Heroes program has been a blessing,” said Hage. “The response we’ve had from the city and the kids has been great and knowing that I get to continue growing it for three more years is amazing.”
