Do like I do…if you think there’s a void in coverage, just start writing your own column for local community newspapers…it’s fun, sharpens your writing and creative skills and helps get more people interested in the team from the outlying areas…
Here’s a sample of what I do for three community newspapers with a total of 30,000 readers…this is from 2005.
(of course this is only the draft but the final product in the papers looks real cool with Ticat logos and nice headlines…)
Give it a try because I think there’s a lot of writing talent out there…
Tiger-Cat Talk
by Mike *******
If Ticat kicker Jamie Borehams crushing hit on Winnipeg kick returner Giles Colon wasn’t an indication that the tide had turned for the Tabbies, then maybe it was the stellar performance by Hamilton quarterback Danny McManus.
Danny Mac completed 20 of 29 passes for 441 yards and was directly or indirectly responsible for five, count 'em, five Tiger-Cat touchdowns en route to the team’s first victory of the 2005 season. This by hanging on to a 41-39 win over the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers in front of a near capacity, delirious crowd at Ivor Wynne Stadium last Friday night.
It was a night of huge individual efforts by the likes of DJ Flick (2 touchdowns and many key catches), fellow receivers Mike Morreale, Kamau Peterson. Back-up quarterback Khari Jones also played a key role by coming in for short yardage situations and was near perfect in execution including one rushing touchdown. The entire offensive line and some key defensive plays and interceptions in the backfield added to the overall effort. Besides Boreham lighting up the field with his hitting prowess, he was near perfect in his kicking game including two huge, perfectly placed punts near the end of the game to keep the Bombers out of reach of a winning field goal. Fun stuff for sure !
Now to even better news!
The game all Hamilton waits for is upon us. That’s right, this Monday September 5th sees the annual Labour Day Classic between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts in the “Jungle” on Balsam Avenue. You just know that Coach Greg Marshall and all of the assistant coaches will have the team pumped up and prepared for this game and with the expected sell out in the stands acting as the “13th man”, the hated Argos have a few things to be concerned about.
All the action starts early as even though kickoff isn’t scheduled until 5:45 pm, the gates open at 3:45 pm for the usual pre-game activities in the west end zone featuring live entertainment. The atmosphere is carnival-like and is a great way to meet your friends, fellow fans and even some of the Tiger-Cat office staff to answer any of your questions. And make sure you visit the “Cats Claws” face painting stations on both sides of the stadium. A donation towards their fundraising activities and painting supplies is always appreciated.
The usual on-field unveiling of the world’s largest Canadian Flag compliments the National Anthem. If you haven’t seen this, it’s quite a sight. It requires appoximately 200 Air Cadets to carry the flag into the stadium which gives you an indication as to how big this flag actually is.
And here’s something thats really neat. Artist Todd Dawes will create a commemorative painting that will be completed during the game. The painting will be signed by The Hamilton Tiger-Cats team and then auctioned off after the game for CH Raise-a-Reader in support of family literacy.
Half time will include a special event on the field with the appearance of the Purina Pro Plan Dog Star Show. This should be fun!
As usual, 900 CHML will carry all the play by play with their pre-game show starting at 5:00 pm. Tune in after the game for exciting “Fifth Quarter” with Ted Michaels where fans can chat about the game. (905) 645-3221, or free by cell at *9900. You can also e-mail Ted at tmichaels@900chml. Don’t forget to listen this Sunday to the “Sunday Tiger-Cat Show” at 12:05 pm… Go to www.900chml.com if you want to listen to the game "on-line’ or to check out the “Tiger-Cat Nation” page.
Hope to see you on Labour Day!
Oskee Wee Wee!
For tickets, call (905) 547- CATS
Go to www.ticats.ca for all your other Tiger-Cat needs.
Mike ******* is a resident of ******** and long time Tiger-Cat fan