Derek Mortensen/CFL.ca
If anyone on the Tiger-Cats roster knows just how difficult it is to reach the Grey Cup, it’s Marwan Hage.
It took Hage 10 seasons of pounding away in the trenches, snap after snap to reach the Canadian Football League title game. He has spent his entire time in the CFL wearing Black and Gold.
Athletes staying with one team for their entire careers is something rarely seen in professional sports these days. Most want to chase the money and sign with the highest bidder or leave for a team they believe gives them a better shot at a championship.
But Hage never wavered through a whole decade.
In his first season as a Ticat, after being selected in the second round, 14th overall in the 2004 CFL Draft, Hage learned behind centre Carl Coulter on a Hamilton team that made the playoffs.
It got worse before it got better for Hage and the rest of the organization, as the Ticats went through a pretty unsettling few seasons.
“Some of the years were demoralizing,” Hage said. “The low points were driving back home after the season and reflecting on what exactly I was doing here.
“Am I in this because I love this game? Is it worth it? There was a lot of pain mentally and physically. The times weren’t very joyful.”
“There was a lot of stress, friends, teammates, coaches getting fired left and right. It was a very dark time. I persevered and my goal was to get better at what I do and keep believing.”
Even through all the losing he experienced, Hage knew he wanted to be part of the resurgence in the Hammer.
“I could’ve left the team, but I chose to stay. I wanted to be with this team and I couldn’t see myself winning anywhere else than as a Hamilton Ticat,” the veteran centre said.
“On and off the field Marwan has been an outstanding representative of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats,” CEO, Scott Mitchell said.
Hage’s perseverance paid off when the Ticats ended a four-year playoff drought and made the post-season in 2009. But Hamilton couldn’t get out of the East Division in three straight playoff appearances.
After another troubling 2012 season, his contract was up, giving him an opportunity to leave Steeltown.
“Just this off-season I was a free agent and I sat down with Scott Mitchell, and I made it clear I wanted to win as a Hamilton Tiger-Cat.” Hage explained.
“I want my journey here and my career to be justified.”
“I didn’t want to be a journeyman and go on four or five teams and win three Grey Cups. I wanted to win it here because my body of work has been done here. From day one when I signed with the Ticats 10 years ago I have been treated first class. From Bob Young to Scott Mitchell, I was never, never, ever mistreated or disrespected by the team. It has become my family and it has become my home. I don’t see myself playing elsewhere.”
A new contract was hashed out and Hage put on the Ticats colours once again in 2013. His faith and belief was finally rewarded when Hamilton went into Toronto in the Eastern Final and the Tabbies came out with a 36-24 victory.
And with that Hage is set to play in his first ever Grey Cup with his first, and only, CFL team.
“It means my whole career. To me personally it justifies the 10 previous years and the feelings that I went through in the hard times,” Hage said.
Having been through the trying and frustrating campaigns, it makes Hage appreciate the opportunity that lies before him even more. And he knows exactly what it means to the Hamilton fans that have stuck with the team through the worst times.
“I’ve walked with these fans for 10 years and I know exactly how they feel. I know the frustrations they have and I know they want to see this organization do well.” Hage said.
“Deep down inside they’re out there cheering us and expressing a lot of frustration through the past years. But this is now a good time for Bob Young, our organization and the Ticats fans.”
“All the young kids who are in Hamilton right now are going to be Ticat fans for life.”
Like the new, young fans who will be chanting ‘Oskee Wee Wee’ for years to come, Hage has been a Ticat for his entire pro football life.
And if the Ticats win might he walk away from the game on top in Black and Gold? He hasn’t even given it one thought.
“I haven’t even thought about next week. I’m not worried about that. I don’t know,” Hage said.
“Right now I’m all about winning the championship and in the moment. Then I’m going to celebrate next week.”
