MIKE EBEN
Special to Argonauts.ca
Mike Eben starred as a wide receiver with the Argonauts for the majority of his ten-year CFL career. Prior to going pro, Eben was a standout receiver at the University of Toronto where he won the Hec Crighton Trophy in 1967 as the Most Outstanding CIS player.
I was very pleased to see that Montreal secured its rightful place in this year’s Grey Cup. They have had a wonderful year and a B.C. upset would have been a horrific turn of events and very much out of character for the former. Moreover, we just simply could not have suffered two western teams in our cross-Canada Grey Cup.
In short, both contenders for the Cup certainly earned their respective places. Saskatchewan got it together in the second half with the great Jason Armstead return and then the three Riders’ receivers went to work. Canadian OR American, they have played very well all year and really put it together in their most important game. On the other hand, well, the Als just handed the Lions a thorough trouncing.
When I think back to my lone 1971 Grey Cup appearance, I must say that most of us that year, I believe, were just glad to get to Vancouver. The Argos hadn’t been to a Cup for 19 years and there had been a great deal of pressure upon us to represent the East. When we finally won the eastern playoff, a whole load was lifted from our shoulders. We had done it and, despite the rainy Vancouver weather, we were just glad to be on be on the same field as the Stampeders. Even despite the close loss, we were nevertheless always near enough to have won the game (don’t we always say that?).
Well done to both teams – it bodes well for a great game; it always is.
Reflections,
Mike Eben – wide receiver – Toronto Argonauts – 1968-1977