Toronto Argonauts

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Toronto Argonauts
Division	East Division
Founded	1873
Home field	Rogers Centre
Based in	Toronto, Ontario
Colours	Oxford Blue and Cambridge Blue
League	Canadian Football League
Head coach	Michael "Pinball" Clemons
General manager	Adam Rita
Owners	David Cynamon, Howard Sokolowski

The Toronto Argonauts are a Canadian Football League team based in Toronto, Ontario.

Contents 1 Team facts 2 Franchise history 2.1 1990 2.2 1991 2.3 1992 2.4 1993 2.5 1994 2.6 1995 2.7 1996 2.8 1997 2.9 1998 2.10 1999 3 The New Millenium 3.1 2000 3.2 2001 3.3 2002 3.4 2003 3.5 2004 3.6 2005 3.7 2006 4 Trivia 5 Players and builders of note 5.1 Retired numbers 5.2 Not to be forgotten 5.3 Canadian Football Hall of Famers 5.3.1 Players 5.3.2 Builders 5.4 All-Time Argos 6 Current squad 7 See also 8 External links

[edit] Team facts

The Toronto Argonauts are notable for being the oldest pro football team in Canada and the United States, and they are also the oldest pro sports team in North America to still retain its original name; for having the most Grey Cup wins with 15; and for being tied with Winnipeg for the second most Grey Cup appearances with 21, behind Edmonton (23).

Helmet design: Blue background, Blue and silver round shield inscribed with the letter "A".

Uniform colours: Oxford Blue and Cambridge Blue.

Stadium: Rogers Centre (formerly known as SkyDome) (1989-present).

Former Stadiums: Rosedale Field (1874-1897, 1908-1915), Original Varsity Stadium (1898-1907, 1916-1923), Varsity Stadium (1924-1958), Exhibition Stadium (1959-1988).

Grey Cup Wins: 15 — (1914, 1921, 1933, 1937, 1938, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1950, 1952, 1983, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2004).

Eastern regular season championships: 14 -- 1936, 1937, 1945, 1960, 1971, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1996, 1997, 2005.

Main Rivals: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (see Labour Day Classic).

2006 Regular Season Record: 10 wins, 8 losses, 0 ties.

[edit] Franchise history

The Toronto Argonauts were founded in 1873 by the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. This also makes them one of the oldest professional sports teams in North America and the oldest to continue under the same name. Aside from a few college teams, they are the oldest continuously existing football club of any type in North America.

In the 19th century, the most renowned rowers in the world were the teams from Oxford University and Cambridge University in England, and the Toronto rowers adopted uniforms incorporating the two shades of blue used by the English schools. When the Argonauts expanded into football, the "double blue" uniform was used by the football team as well, starting the tradition that Toronto sport teams should wear blue (e.g. Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, Varsity Blues). The team is often nicknamed the "Boatmen."

The Argonauts were the dominant team in Canada in the early days of football. They put together a number of Grey Cup dynasties in the 1930's and 1940's. However after the 1952 season the drought began. The team struggled throughout much of the 50's, 60's and 70's despite having such greats as Joe Theismann, Tobin Rote, Jim Corrigall, Bill Symons, Jim Stillwagon and Granville "Granny" Liggins. The best chance that the Argos had to break their drought was in 1971 when they faced the Calgary Stampeders in the 59th Grey Cup. However, a late fumble by Leon "X-Ray" McQuay sealed a 14-11 Calgary victory.

The Argos reached an all-time low in 1981 when they finished 2-14 despite having talented players such as Condredge Holloway, Cedric Minter, David Newman and Terry Greer. However, the 1982 season saw the hiring of Bob O'Billovich as head coach and Darrel "Mouse" Davis as offensive co-ordinator. Davis implemented the run & shoot offence for that season. The Argos enjoyed an unprecedented turnaround going 9-6-1 in the 1982 season. Condredge Holloway was the CFL's most outstanding player and receivers Terry Greer and Emanuel Tolbert were among the class of the CFL. But, the 1982 season fell short as the Argos were defeated by the dynastic Edmonton Eskimos 32-16 in front of a disappointed crowd at Exhibition Stadium.

The 1983 season brought renewed success. The Argos finished 12-4 and Terry Greer set a CFL record with 2,003 receiving yards. Joe Barnes and Condredge Holloway were a potent duo at quarterback. The Argos went to the Grey Cup to face the B.C. Lions at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver. Despite the hostile crowd, the Argos defeated the Lions 18-17 to win their first Grey Cup since 1952.

The Argos enjoyed success throughout much of the 80's with 1985 and 1989 being the notable exceptions. They had talented players such as Gil "The Thrill" Fenerty and Darrell K. Smith. However, they weren't able to return to their glory of 1983.

[edit] 1990

Bob O'Billovich left following the 1989 season, Don Matthews took over the Head Coaching reins, and new Director of Player Personnel, Mike McCarthy, rebuilt the franchise around star pivot Matt Dunigan. The Argos put up a record 689 points during the regular season, but had trouble handling the Winnipeg Blue Bombers all season long, and ended up losing the Eastern Final to Winnipeg 20-17 on a last-minute field goal. Michael "Pinball" Clemons set a pro football record with 3,300 all-purpose yards, and became the third Argo to win the CFL's Outstanding Player award.

[edit] 1991

Harry Ornest sold the Toronto Argonauts to a group spearheaded by L.A. Kings owner Bruce McNall, NHL great Wayne Gretzky and legendary comedian/actor John Candy. Their acquisition of the team spawned immediate success. The team snatched Heisman Trophy runner-up Raghib “Rocket” Ismail from the NFL draft and coach Don Matthews was replaced by Adam Rita. The 1991 Argo squad was one of the most electrifying teams that Toronto had ever seen. A 13-5-0 regular season record earned the Argos a home playoff game at SkyDome. In front of a club record crowd of over 50,000, the Argos thumped the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 42-3 en route to a Grey Cup birth. Led by a thrilling 87-yard kickoff return by Rocket Ismail, the Argos captured the 79th Grey Cup by defeating Calgary 36-21 in the coldest championship game on record at Winnipeg. Adam Rita would be named the CFL’s Coach of the Year.

[edit] 1992

The Cinderella story of 1991 would unfortunately only last one year as 1992 was the beginning of a rough couple of years for the Argos. Popular head coach Adam Rita was dismissed in September as the team struggled to find its way, eventually finishing with a 6-12-0 record. Assistant Coach Dennis Meyer took over from Rita after 11 games and finished the season 3-4-0 and out of the playoffs. The City of Toronto hosted the Grey Cup for the 45th time.

[edit] 1993

The CFL made its first venture into the United Sates with the addition of the Sacramento Gold Miners. Argonauts GM Mike McCarthy pulled off the biggest trade in CFL history that saw Tracy Ham come to Toronto in a blockbuster 16-player deal with the Edmonton Eskimos. However Ham's presence and a great season by rookie receiver Manny Hazard didn't stop the slide as the Argos dropped to 3-15-0, their worst record since 1981. Bob O'Billovich returned to the Boatmen and replaced Dennis Meyer as head Coach on September 10, 1993 and was later named GM.

[edit] 1994

McNall, Gretzky and the late John Candy sold the club to TSN Enterprises. Toronto Blue Jays Vice President Paul Beeston was named the Argonauts new team President. Under Beeston and GM Bob O’Billovich, the Argonauts doubled their win total from the year previous and qualified for the CFL playoffs for the first time in three seasons. The Argos new found success was short lived, however, losing to the eventual Grey Cup Finalist Baltimore Stallions.

[edit] 1995

1995 was a transition year for the Argos and change within the franchise was evident. Bob O’Billovich remained as the clubs GM, however handed over his coaching whistle to Mike Faragelli. Veteran QB Kent Austin was introduced to lead the club and the familiar “A” logo was replaced by a bold shielded warrior. The off-field transformations did little for the club. O’Billovich returned to finish the season on the sidelines and the Argos finished a woeful 4-14-0. O'Billovich was dismissed at season's end, and left as the club's all-time winningest coach with 89 victories, 79 losses and three ties in 11 seasons.

[edit] 1996

The Argos went from basement dwellers to the class of the CFL. Don Matthews returned as Head Coach and he surrounded himself with free agent talent that would eventually win him a Grey Cup. Free agents Doug Flutie, Mike O'Shea and Reggie Givens were perfect complements for Michael Clemons, Robert Drummond and the electrifying Jimmy “The Jet” Cunningham. Flutie would lead the Argonauts to a 15-3-0 season and a birth in the 1996 Grey Cup Championship game. Flutie’s Argonauts defeated the Edmonton Eskimos 47-23 in a snowy Ivor Wynne Stadium.

[edit] 1997

Repeating as champions is one of the most difficult accomplishments in professional sports. The season saw the emergence of SB Derrell “Mookie” Mitchell. The speedy receiver helped lead the Argos to another 15-3-0 season. At the East Final in Toronto Michael “Pinball” Clemons was the hero catching the game-winning TD with just 40 seconds on the clock. The Argonauts easily defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 47-23 in the Grey Cup. The team finished the year with 11 players named to the All-Star team and four CFL awards. Doug Flutie won the Most Outstanding Player award, Mike Kiselak as Most Outstanding Lineman, Derrell Mitchell as Most Outstanding Rookie and Don Matthews as Coach of the Year.

[edit] 1998

The Argos looked to “three-peat” in 1998, however, roster changes and numerous rookies entering camp, the task was going to be difficult. Star QB Doug Flutie and kicker Mike Vanderjagt left for the NFL and RB Robert Drummond became a member of the B.C. Lions. After starting the year slow, the Argonauts starting pivot Kerwin Bell returned to lead the club to an 8-3-0 mid-season run. The team crept into the playoffs and lost to Montreal East Semi-Final. Derrell Mitchell emerged as one of the best receivers in Argo history following his CFL record 160 reception season and all-star honour. Paul Masotti passed Darrell K. Smith as the team's all-time leading receiver after 11 seasons of play.

[edit] 1999

Eric Tillman was appointed to GM and Offensive Coordinator Jim Barker replaced Don Matthews as Head Coach. Injuries riddled the Argonauts early, but the league’s best defence helped lift the club to a 9-9 record. The team would qualify for the playoffs but lost tp the eventual champions Hamilton Tiger-Cats 27-6. Linebacker Mike O'Shea became the first Argo player to win the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian Award.

[edit] The New Millenium

[edit] 2000

On December 20, 1999, New York businessman Sherwood Schwarz was named the ninth owner in the history of the Argonauts franchise. Schwarz named J.I. Albrecht as the managing director and John Huard as the 37th head coach in Argonauts history. This season also saw the retirement of two Argo all-time greats as receiver Paul Masotti retired in May as the team's all-time leading receiver, and on September 15, Michael Clemons went straight from cleats to the coaching ranks as he retired to take over the coaching reins from a fired Huard after a 1-6-1 start. The team responded to their former teammate and the Argos battled to a 6-4 record the rest of the way, just missing out on a playoff berth after finishing the season with a 7-11-1 record.

[edit] 2001

With Clemons entering his first full season as a head coach, after 13 seasons as an Argo player and 12 team records to his credit, the Argos went about the business of getting the team back into the post-season. After a difficult 2-7 start to the season, which wasn't helped with injuries to starting quarterback Kerwin Bell, the Argos, led by veteran players Derrell Mitchell, Mike O'Shea and Adrion Smith, won 4 of the last 6 games to narrowly miss out on the playoffs again, finishing with a 7-11 mark.

[edit] 2002

With the addition of new head coach Gary Etcheverry, a renowned defensive strategist, and newcomers like former defensive player of the year Joe Montford and quarterback Michael Bishop, hopes were high for 2002. After a disappointing 4-8 start, Etcheverry was relieved of the coaching duties, and Michael Clemons, who was serving as the club's president, took over his now-familiar place on the sidelines to put his team back on the playoff track. Clemons' impact was immediate, and the Argos won 4 of the remaining 6 games, including a dramatic 33-32 win over the Calgary Stampeders in the last game of the season, to push the Boatmen into the CFL playoffs for the first time in three years. The Argos proved in the Eastern semi-final that they weren't content on just making the post-season and handed the Saskatchewan Roughriders a 24-14 loss at SkyDome in a "cross-over" CFL playoff matchup. The Argos then headed down the 401 to face the league-leading Montreal Alouettes in the Eastern Final, losing to the eventual Grey Cup champions 35-18 in front of a boisterous sell-out crowd at Olympic Stadium.

[edit] 2003

The 2003 season began under head coach Mike Clemons and a host of faces both old and new. Noel Prefontaine and Bashir Levingston returned as well as Michael Jenkins, who came back to the CFL after a short absence. With the acquisition of players such as Tony Miles and future hall-of-famer Damon Allen, and the emergence of Marcus Brady as the quarterback to watch, the Toronto Argonauts provided an exciting combination of offence and defence on the field. Finishing the season with a 9-9 record, the team advanced to the playoffs defeating the B.C. Lions in the Eastern Semi-Final, only to lose by a close margin in the Eastern Finals to the defending Grey Cup Champion Montreal Alouettes. The 2003 season was also one which saw many CFL records broken by Toronto Argonauts players. Most notably were the records broken by Damon Allen. Moving past Dan Marino into 2nd place in all-time professional football passing yards, Allen also broke records in rushing touchdowns, rushing yards, passing touchdowns and total games played. The season ended with 6 Toronto Argonauts (Adrion Smith, Noel Prefontaine, Tony Miles, Eric England, Clifford Ivory, Orlando Steinauer) being named to the CFL All-Star Team - the most of any CFL team. Furthermore, the CFL named Bashir Levingston the Outstanding Special Teams Player for 2003 at the annual CFL Player Awards. In October 2003, Toronto businessmen David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski became the new owners of the Toronto Argonauts, marking the first time in over 30 years that the team has had local ownership.

[edit] 2004

Local businessmen and avid CFL fans David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski purchased the Argonauts and provided financial stability and a passionate, new attitude to the club. Keith Pelley was hired as President and former Argonaut QB Kent Austin was brought aboard as the Offensive Coordinator. In addition, star RB John Avery, back from the NFL, signed as a free agent. The new enthusiasm spilled over from the front office and onto the football field. The team posted its best record since 1997 (10-7-1) and earned yet another home playoff game. The Argonauts went on to defeat the Hamilton Tiger Cats 30-7 in front of more than 37,000 fans in the East Semi-Final at Rogers Centre. They then headed to Montreal to face the Alouettes for the third consecutive year. The Argos walked into a sold-out Olympic Stadium and stole the East Championship from the Als, 26-18. The ageless wonder, Damon Allen played his best game as an Argonaut in the 2004 Grey Cup Game in Ottawa. Allen won game MVP honours, but more importantly helped the Argos capture their 15th Grey Cup in a 27-19 win over the B.C. Lions. The Argonauts realized 10-year attendance highs during the regular-season and a resurgence occurred within the city of Toronto as Boatmen returned to glory.

[edit] 2005

Despite not returning to the Grey Cup game to defend their title, 2005 saw the Argos post their best season of football since 1997 with an 11-7 record and first place in the East, earning the right to host the East Championship. Quarterback Damon Allen recorded his best numbers in 21 years as a CFL quarterback, passing for 5,082 yards, rushing for 461 more and totalling 37 touchdowns (both passing and rushing). His efforts were rewarded as he was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player and was voted as the Rogers CFL Fans’ Choice Award winner. For the first time since 1997, three Argo receivers caught for more than 1000 yards on the season. Receivers Arland Bruce III, Tony Miles and Robert Baker all recorded career highs in yards, receptions and touchdowns. Defensively, the Argonauts led the league in numerous categories. Kevin Eiben and Michael Fletcher both shattered career numbers generating a combined 200 defensive tackles and received East Player of the Year awards for Outstanding Canadian and Defensive Player respectively. The Special Teams continued to prove that it was among the elite units in football. Bashir Levingston captured his unprecedented 10th Special Teams Player of the Week Award in August and Noel Prefontaine won the East Division Special Teams Player of the Year award. The awards continued to amass as the 2005 season came to a close with a league-high 12 Argos being named to the East Division All-Star team and five players being named CFL All-Stars including Damon Allen, Jonathan Brown, Kevin Eiben, Michael Fletcher and Jordan Younger. However, the biggest highlight of the season may have occurred off the field as regular season attendance in 2005 averaged 30,196 fans per game, an increase of 17% over the 2004 average of 25,813.

[edit] 2006

The 2006 season began with the signing of NFL superstar Ricky Williams. They went on to a 10-8 season, finishing second place in the East Division. The defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31-27 in the East Semi-Final before losing in Montreal to the Alouettes 33-24 in the East Final. The game was full of controversy, with the officials making many questionable calls. An ineffective Damon Allen was pulled for the second game in a row in favour of forgotten Argonaut Michael Bishop. Bishop excelled in both playoff games, leading the Argos to a come from behind victory against the Bombers and nearly repeating the feat against the Als.

[edit] Trivia

• The 1997 Argonauts were the first team in professional football history^{[citation needed]} to simultaneously have two different Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks on its roster. The Heisman winners were Doug Flutie (1984) and Andre Ware (1989).

• In 2006, the Argonauts were the only team in professional football to have two Heisman Trophy winners in Ricky Williams and Eric Crouch.

[edit] Players and builders of note

[edit] Current squad

As of March 4, 2007 [1]

Active roster

• * 1 - Noel Prefontaine, P/PK
•   2 - Michael Fletcher, LB
•   3 - Khalil Carter, DB
•   4 - Andre Talbot, WR
•   5 - Arland Bruce III, WR
•   7 - Eric Crouch, QB
•   8 - Chris Hardy, S
•   9 - Damon Allen, QB
• 11 - John Williams, Jr., RB
• 15 - Tony Miles, WR
• 17 - Michael Bishop, QB
• 20 - John Avery, RB
• 21 - Orlondo Steinauer, S
• 23 - Bashir Levingston, KR/CB
• 24 - Jermaine Mays, CB
• 25 - Leron Mitchell, CB
• 26 - Jordan Younger, CB
• 28 - Byron Parker, CB
• 30 - Kenny Wheaton, DB
• 32 - Chuck Winters, LB
• 33 - Jeff Johnson, RB
• 35 - Kevin Eiben, LB
• 36 - Jason Gavadza, FB/TE
• 37 - Dave Donaldson, DB
• 39 - David Hewson, LB
• 40 - Bryan Crawford, RB
• 41 - Sean Bennett, RB
• 45 - Randy Srochenski, LS/LB
• 50 - Mike O'Shea, LB
• 52 - Raymond Fontaine, LB
• 56 - Chad Folk, C
• 57 - Jeff Keeping, OL
• 58/73 - Jeff Yorga, OL/TE
• 61 - John Feugill, OT
• 63 - Michael Bailey, OL
• 66 - Jude St. John, OG
• 67 - Cliff Washburn, OL
• 68 - Dave Costa, OG
• 69 - Bernard Williams, OT
• 77 - Michael Palmer, WR
• 78 - Adriano Belli, DT
• 85 - Chad Rempel, WR
• 89 - Christian Heffernan, WR
• 92 - Noah Cantor, DT
• 93 - Matt Kudu, DT
• 97 - Jonathon Brown, DE
• 98 - Riall Johnson, DE
• 99 - Ronald Flemons, DE
• -- - Tom Arth, QB
• -- - Eugene Baker, WR
• -- - Glen Carson, OL
• -- - Derham Cato, DT
• -- - Nic Costa, WR
• -- - Todd Devoe, WR
• -- - Scott Evans, OL
• -- - Richmond Flowers, WR
• -- - Abdual Flowers, DB
• -- - Darrell Lee, DL
• -- - Jeris McIntyre, WR
• -- - Mike McMahon, QB
• -- - Derrele Mitchell, WR
• -- - Willie Pile, S/LB
• -- - Bryan Pray, WR
• -- - Brian Ramsay, OT
• -- - Alonzo J. Riddle, WR
• -- - Jason Shivers, S/LB
• -- - Michael Washington, WR
• -- - Jamel White, RB

 * Although born in the United States, Prefontaine lived in Canada during his childhood and is classified as a non-import.

[edit] See also

• Toronto Argonauts all time records and statistics
• List of Canadian Football League stadiums
• Canadian Football Hall of Fame
• Canadian football
• Comparison of Canadian and American football
• List of CFL seasons

[edit] External links

• Toronto Argonauts official site
• Argonauts history
• History of the Toronto Argonauts to World War I
• Canadian Football League Official Site
• CFL Historical Toronto Argonauts
• ArgoFans.com (Not Yet Official Fansite of the Toronto Argonauts)
• Argonaut Rowing Club
• Argonotes, the Toronto Argonauts Band site
• Friends of the Argonauts (Official fanclub of the Toronto Argonauts)
• BoatmenBlog.com, a blog site for Toronto Argonauts fans

v • d • e Sports teams based in Toronto, Ontario
Baseball	MLB: Toronto Blue Jays, IBL: Toronto Maple Leafs
Basketball	NBA: Toronto Raptors
Football	CFL: Toronto Argonauts
Hockey	NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs, AHL: Toronto Marlies, OHL: St. Michael's Majors, NWHL: Toronto Aeros
Soccer	MLS: Toronto FC, USL W-League: Toronto Inferno, USL Premier Development League: Toronto Lynx
Lacrosse	NLL: Toronto Rock, OLA Jr. A: Toronto Beaches
Rugby	RCSL: Toronto Xtreme
University Athletics	Ryerson Rams · Varsity Blues · York Lions