WINNIPEG – Even though they wear different colours, have different roles and dress for different teams, a group of gridiron gladiators playing in Sunday’s 103rd Grey Cup share a close bond.
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Edmonton Eskimos defensive tackles Don Oramasionwu and Eddie Steele along with Ottawa RedBlacks rookie running back Kienan Lafrance have returned to their old stomping grounds. All three are not only Winnipeggers but also former members of the Manitoba Bisons football team.
“We’re down in the Bisons locker room so it’s good to be back in there,” said Lafrance who played for the Herd before being picked 46th overall in this year’s CFL draft. “It’s good to see the old locker room, see the old therapist staff and coaches. It’s exciting.”
The drive up brought up to Investors Group Field rekindled different memories for Oramasionwu and Steele who both played college football on the campus before the new stadium was built.
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“We could see here our old home field over there around the track,” said Oramasionwu. “The butler hut is still standing there so it’s cool.”
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The players plan to visit with family and friends throughout the week with several of them attending the championship game. All three know though they have to be careful and keep their focus on football.
“(My family knows) why I’m here,” said Steele. “I know why I’m here. It’s to win the Grey Cup. They’re doing a good job of not being a distraction. I’m just going to maintain my focus throughout the week.”
With an eye on Sunday. None of the locals have ever captured a CFL championship title.
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