Thursday, February 05, 2004

Hamilton, the new home of football?

What a turn around! Funny what a little infusion of cash and some positive staffing moves can do. The Tiger Cats last year the door mats and poor step son of the CFL, are currently on a Phoenix like rising. A new owner, a new coach and a new president who is working for free, can the positive vibes get any higher.

David Sauve was named president a couple of days ago, forsaking a salary from the Ti-Cats, instead donating it to a Hamilton area charity. Sauve who is a multiple franchise holder with Tim Horton's had to make the donation, one he did gladly; because of bylaws in the Tim Horton's agreement that say franchise holders cannot have another job.

For Sauve it's a chance to give back to the Ti-Cats, a team that stuck with him when injured during his playing days. And a team he has a strong attachement with. Successful in his own right in the Hamilton area, he's now ready to roll up his sleeves and make the Ti-Cats a success off the field, leaving the on field work to GM Ron Lancaster and head coach Greg Marshall.

Owner Bob Young has been making all the right moves for the Cats. He's building a solid organization, improving the stadium and building a lot of buzz about a team that was almost all but forgotten. Unilike many other monied owners, he seems to be keeping a certain distance between himself and his selected managers, letting the get down to the work required.

It's quite a turn around for the team that went 1-17. They may not be going to the Grey Cup this year, but one thing is certain, the Roar seems back in Hamilton.

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