CFL
#CFLTC13
The Calgary Stampeders spent much of the off-season on internal, house-keeping matters. They signed numerous players to contract extensions, while limiting their participation in the free agent market.
However, despite coming off a Grey Cup appearance, there are several challenges for the team on the eve of training camp
First issue will be the health of quarterback Drew Tate. He suffered through an injury-plagued 2012, which ended with a broken wrist suffered in the Western Semi-Final. His ability and leadership has never been questioned but he heard the durability whispers all off-season.
Tate modified his off-season workout routine as he trained with an mixed martial arts fighter in Texas. It should be noted he trained, not fought, as an MMA competitor. Tate enters camp as the number one quarterback but there is a reason the team held on to Kevin Glenn in the off-season.
The team will also have a vacancy, at least to start, at one wideout position.
Incumbent Johnny Forzani underwent ankle surgery in early May to repair damage from an October high ankle sprain. He is expected to be on the sidelines until early August. That injury may open the door for third-year receiver Anthony Parker to secure a more prominent role in the team’s offence. 
Parker suffered through a 2012 hampered by injuries and is looking to kick-start his career. Fair or not, he faces comparisons to Edmonton’s Nate Coehoorn and B.C.’s Marco Ianuzzi; receivers also taken in the first round of the 2011 draft. Coehoorn, a former University of Calgary teammate and Ianuzzi, a Calgary high school product, have both established themselves with their respective professional teams. Parker may receive that opportunity in 2013.
The Stampeders may also have a competition at the long-snapper position. That spot is going to be contested between veteran Randy Chevrier and Tim St.Pierre. Chevrier has been with the Stampeders since 2005 and has earned rave reviews for his consistency. However, St. Pierre can also long snap and has the ability to fill in as a fullback, if necessary.
The team will also try to establish some consistency in the defensive front seven. A never-ending series of injuries to that group meant that they were playing a new group almost every week.
One player who will be watched closely is Steve Baggs. The ex-Rider and Ticat stayed in Calgary all off-season to rehabilitate a groin injury that restricted him last year. The Stampeders will soon find out if all his hard work has paid dividends. The team will also welcome back linemen Kevin Dixon, Justin Phillips, Luis Vasquez, Demonte Bolden and add recently acquired-Etienne Legare, among others, to the mix on the line.
The secondary will also feature an interesting competition. Injuries to that group forced the
Stampeders to bring in several players in-season in 2012. Obviously not all will stick with the team but exactly who stays and who departs will be a training camp theme.
Following a brief rookie camp, the Stamps’ main training camp will commence on June 2. All Stampeders training camp workouts will take place at McMahon Stadium.
