A Class Act

Tom Higgins was hired recently as head coach of the Calgary Stampeders. I have never understood the viciousness and the contempt people in this city felt towards this man. Humble, honest to a fault, accountable, he was also a quality coach and all he did was win here, his record with the Eskimos equally as stellar as Hugh Campbell's over the same period of their careers. While this season ended badly, he was two horrendous referee calls* away from posting an 11-7 record and maybe competing for the division title again. Referees cost Tom dearly this year and not once did he use it as an excuse, nor did he complain or point fingers when he was handcuffed by the personnel decisions made this last offseason when he would have been fully in his right to do so. By allowing Mike Pringle to come back and try for the rushing record, the team knew the eventual outcome of the season was inevitable. Deciding to bring back Mike dictated that veterans would be kept throughout the roster wherever possible, meaning Ezra Landry was dropped in favour of timid Winston October, newcomer Reggie White was kept off the field and competition for jobs was nonexistent.
Even after he was cut loose, he stilled showed his quality and class by taking the high road. I for one admire him and wish him well.

*The two calls in question;

1. Saturday September 18 @ BC, third down for the Lions with less than a minute to go, Jason Clearmont catches a pass out of bounds but is awarded the catch, Lions go on to win.
2. Saturday September 25 vs. Toronto, Argos are a awarded a TD when the intended pass obviously bounces off the ground prior to the receiver trapping the catch, Argos go on to win.