What was it like playing in Montreal in the 1960s?
I would have to say it was the pinnacle of my football career, of course. Playing football in Montreal was not much different then playing football at Nebraska. There were a few rule differences but one could soon over come that problem.
The one thing that impressed me the most at first was the number of players on the team as opposed to the number on the varsity team (not to mention the freshman team) at the university.
The overall size of the players was also impressive. The university team might have one player on the team that exceeded 240 or 250 lbs. on the line at that time, but in the pros that would be the average of the line.
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This was before weight training came into the universities and pros. The backs and receivers were about the same size but the speed would be faster.
What was it like coming to the Alouettes from a major program like Nebraska? I did not know what to expect or what to see before I arrived for camp. Growing up I did not know much about Canada or Quebec or even Montréal except that it was north of the States. I did not know anything about the CFL except for seeing one game on television – the famous Fog Bowl, and I didn’t get to see much of that game because I was helping some one move into their house. I had been to only one pro game and that was in New York City and had not been in any other football facilities, but I was a little disappointed when I first set foot in the Alouettes facilities. It was very small and drab and the meals served after practices were catered and we ate in the locker room. That was a let down from eating at the training table at university. I would have to say that the preseason camp that was set up in Joliette, and at the Loyola campus were great, though. I was originally on the Edmonton negotiating list until Eagle Keys was fired. Then I received a call from Jim Trimble who asked me if I wanted to play up here. After thinking about it for a minute I said yes. I had a verbal invitation for a teaching job in Lincoln, NB, when I graduated but decided to try the CFL first. I figured I could come back to teaching if I did not make the team. |
What was the highlight of your career?
I guess I had a couple highlights.
One was when I intercepted a Jackie Parker screen pass and scored a touchdown when he was with Toronto. I played tight end but also occasionally played linebacker on defence.
My other highlight was catching 30 of the 32 passes that were thrown to me in the 1965 season.
But playing for Montreal and Hamilton for parts of three seasons, playing with and getting to know some of the great players on those two teams was the biggest highlight.
Why settle in Montreal after your career?
When I started playing, I decided to apply for substitute teaching during the season and at the end of the first season I returned to Nebraska.
After the next season I stayed in Montreal and entered Loyola College. Ed Enos informed me that I was eligible to play basketball and Doug Daigneault was the coach at the time.
The third season there, was a coaching change with the Als and the new coach (Darrel Mudra, who was also from Nebraska) decided he wanted to keep just three American backs and that meant there were too many Americans on the team.
That’s when I was picked up by Hamilton. I was released part way through the season but signed a contract for the next season. I then returned to Montreal to play for the Montreal Beavers, owned by Johnny Newman.
I decided to stay with the Beavers the next season, plus I had married a Montreal girl during the summer and was teaching full time in Chomedey. My intentions were to teach and coach for a couple years and then return to Nebraska and continue that carrier there, but once you start a family it is hard to pick and move to a new location.
Why are you still associated with the Alumni?
I feel Alumni are like family that one want to be associated with, that have become good friends and want to stay connected with them.
