Alouettes

By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com

Montreal – Nine years ago, a young bright-eyed Davis Sanchez attended his first CFL training camp as an Alouette.

The then 25-year old Sanchez, fresh out of the University of Oregon was one of 21 Canadians on a team which eventually went on to finish first in the East Division with a 12-6-0 record.

Then listed at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Sanchez was trying to find his place in a secondary that featured just two other Canadian-born players.

Enter Stefan Reid.

A four-year CFL veteran, Reid had already established himself as a solid Canadian linebacker and seemed like a perfect fit to mentor Sanchez.

“(Stefan) was my guy. I asked him as many questions as I could, and really pried myself into his head as a student,” Sanchez said. “He taught me that yeah, I am a Canadian guy, but I’m playing against guys from the U.S. I didn’t wanna end up being a good Canadian cornerback; I wanted to be the best, period. That’s why I’ve had a successful career.

“It wasn’t good enough for me to be the best Canadian, that’s why I’m doing well.”

Almost a decade later, it’s Sanchez who’s taking on the role as teacher with another bright-eyed Canadian who’s looking to find his place on a veteran-laden Alouettes roster.

The Alouettes second-round pick in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft, Paul Woldu found himself, along with fellow 2008 draftee Shea Emry, on the team’s full-time roster straight out of camp. While the pair will likely see limited time on the field, playing mostly on special teams, Woldu is looking forward to the learning aspect of the game.

“It’s a great feeling making the team as a rookie. Me and Shea are one of the few guys out of the draft who are actually active in the league now,” said Woldu. “I just have to work hard and keep learning from the older guys.”

Among those older guys is the now-188-pound Sanchez, who understands what it takes to be an elite athlete in the CFL and takes pride in playing the role of mentor to Woldu.

“Paul asks a lot of questions and demonstrates a lot of respect (for the veterans on the roster),” Sanchez said. “What makes him different from a lot of other kids is that he uses what he learns and brings it into his game. He’s a smart kid.”

For Woldu, learning from a player of Sanchez’s calibre is an added bonus to his situation.

“He’s the best Canadian born cornerback ever, no doubt,” he said. “When I’m not on the field, I’m watching him, when I’m looking at tape and I’m not on the screen, I’m looking at him.

 “Playing under guys like (Sanchez), Anthony Calvillo, Ben Cahoon and Kerry Watkins really helps you out in the long run, it makes the transition a lot easier,” he added.

Woldu may have a long way to go before he becomes a star himself, but who knows? Nine years down the road, it just may happen that Woldu encounters a wide-eyed Canadian rookie of his own…

The Alouettes next host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers tonight at Percival Molson Stadium (TSN, RDS, CKAC SPORTS, CJAD 800 AM, CHOM 97,7 AM). For tickets, call 514-871-2255.