There was an old joke in the 1970s. One Montreal Canadiens fan would ask the other, “Are you going to the Stanley Cup parade?” to which his friend would rely, “Nah, I’ll just go next year.”
It’s not quite like that for the Toronto Argonauts, though with two Grey Cup wins in three years, and three in seven years, it’s been a great run.
But for some members of the Argos, winning the Grey Cup was a new experience. In fact, winning a championship at any level was something different.
Right guard Anthony Vandal was selected in the 8th round, 72nd overall, making him the last player selected in the 2023 draft. Receiving his championship ring last Sunday was a big deal for someone not expected to make the team at all, let alone become a starter.
“For me, as Mr. Irrelevant, it was a pretty big accomplishment,” said Vandal. “It’s an incredible feeling to receive the ring. It’s something I’ll look back at every year in my life and I’ll be happy to have it with me forever.”
Vandal didn’t do much winning before reaching the Argos. He played at the Universite de Sherbrooke, where it was next to impossible to win in a conference featuring powerhouse programs at Laval and Universite de Montreal.
In his five seasons with the Vert et Or he won multiple awards and made the conference all-star team three times, but his teams compiled a 12-27 record.
He was a surprise contributor for the Argos last season, starting 10 games in the regular season, then all three post-season contests.
“Being the last player taken in the draft and starting in the Grey Cup means a lot to me,” he explained to Argonauts.ca. “It symbolizes the work I put in, and keeps reminding me that working hard works, and it reminds you that the next one is the best one. Having one now means I want one more and another one after that. It felt great opening it and seeing it, but you want another one as soon as you open the box.”
While the offensive lineman’s story is a remarkable one, it didn’t receive much attention, largely because of the play of some of his teammates. Another low-profile player, at least before the playoffs, was cornerback Benjie Franklin.
That changed in a hurry as the Houston native was seemingly everywhere in the Argos post-season run, intercepting four passes in three games, two of which he returned for touchdowns, while another foiled a late two-point conversion attempt by Montreal that would have tied the Eastern Final.
It helped him accomplish something the Tarleton State grad hadn’t achieved at any level of football.
“This is my first time actually winning a championship, it’s the best experience in the world,” said Franklin, though opening the ring box ranked up there as well. “That was the best feeling in the world, I can tell you that. Just opening those ring boxes was a great joy. Being able to celebrate with my teammates, is a feeling that you just can’t get back. I think that was one of those moments I’ll never forget.”
A cornerback must have a short memory. If he gives up a big play, he must be able to not dwell on the bad play and get focused on the next one. That’s what Franklin must do now after the Argos season opening loss in Montreal. It’s essential that he and his teammates forget about the ring ceremony while remembering what it took to get them in that position.
Franklin learned how to win last year and now wants to share with his new teammates what it took to achieve that success, and what he learned from the process.
“Putting your best foot forward and leading by example,” he explained. “I like to lead by example with my play. I’d like to learn how to be a better leader, that’s one of the things I’m working on.”
Derek Parish is someone who is young by CFL standards. His first Grey Cup win came last year in his rookie season, but with the exodus of a handful of defensive linemen over the off-season, he’s one of the highest profile returning players in that positional group.
He also had a great flashback when asked about the moment he saw the ring for the first time.
“Oh my gosh, chills. I’m getting chills right now talking about it,” he told Argonauts.ca. “It just makes you want to grind for another one.”
He had some success in little league and high school but looks at last year as being his first true championship. That said, he’s already put it at the back of his mind.
“Last year doesn’t matter anymore,” said Parish. “You can indulge for the 24-hour rule; you look at the ring, you love it for 24 hours, then you put it away, while also knowing in your mind we have the ability to do that again. But what did it take for us to get us there the first time? Reminding yourself to double down on that I think what the key is.”
Did the Argos enjoy receiving their rings this week? Absolutely. But part of the reason the team won that jewelry is their dedication to detail. Vandal, Franklin, and Parish all have the right attitude; winning was great, but they realize it will take a lot of hard work if they want to reach the top of the mountain again.