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Everything felt right in the world on Thursday.
It may only be Day 1 of rookie camp, but the sights and sounds of players strutting their stuff on the McMahon Stadium turf was very pleasing to all those who have anxiously been waiting since November for football to return.
And while Thursday’s double practices constituted rookie camp in name — and sure enough, first-year Stampeders players were on hand — there were plenty of familiar faces, too.
Former Red and White offensive coordinator George Cortez is here as a guest coach. Ditto for recent Stamps alumni Edwin Harrison and the unusually reserved Juwan Simpson.
A few of the “rookies” were actually players who were with the team last year but played six games or fewer and still qualified for rookie camp. Guys like Dexter Janke, Cameron Ontko and Randy Richards, not to mention ex-Dinos star Andrew Buckley, who is attending his third Stamps camp.
Then there are all the veterans who officially don’t take the field until Sunday but couldn’t help but go out on the field Thursday to stretch their legs and take a peek at the kids in action.
“That first time back at McMahon Stadium always feels good,” tweeted veteran slotback Marquay McDaniel.
Deron Mayo, Shane Bergman, Dan Federkeil, Rob Maver, Drew Tate and Bryant Moniz, sporting a spiffy new hairdo, were just some of the other vets who showed up.
Then there’s Bakari Grant and Taylor Reed, the former Hamilton Tiger-Cats who signed with the Stamps during the off-season.
When the two players were spotted side by side during the stretching period, a wisecracking onlooker said: “Hey, you Hamilton guys need to split up and mingle with the others.”
Reed smiled and replied: “We’re Calgary guys now.”
Within a week or so, the grind of camp will set in, the legs will get weary and the focus will be either on securing a starting job or a roster spot.
But for a brief moment on Thursday morning, there was a chance to soak it all in and rejoice on the fact that football is back.
HOOFPRINTS:
By the numbers: Including CIS development program quarterback Brett Hunchak, a total of 34 rookies took the field on Thursday
Menu, please!: For the culinary enthusiasts out there, Thursday’s lunch menu options included lasagna and chicken cacciatore . . . Seen in the dining area — veteran Brad Erdos helping rookie and fellow Simon Fraser University product Quinn Horton with his playbook .
Baggage claim: Due to a connection change, receiver Chelb Ravenell’s bag took a slower route than he did to Calgary. Coming off the field this morning relief set in as he got word that his bag had arrived during practice. He had enough stuff with him to get through practice but admitted another 24 hours and he would’ve been in trouble.
Quotable: Dave Dickenson’s assessment of the rookies on his first day on the field as Stamps head coach: “We had good energy and it was a nice day. We’re trying to give our guys a foundation and you could tell there was a little bit of nerves. But it was fun to watch the guys compete.”
MORE COVERAGE
Brett Hunchak learning along the way
Stamps TV: Dickenson talk to media
Stamps TV: Catching up with Juwan Simpson
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