By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Trestman among Coach of the Year finalists
With all that Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman has accomplished thus far in his CFL coaching career, it’s hard to believe that it’s been just two seasons since he was first introduced to the Montreal media and fan base.
Since arriving in Montreal in time for the 2008 season, Trestman has padded his already impressive coaching resumé with two East Division titles, two Grey Cup appearances, a Grey Cup ring and two Coach of the Year nominations.
Last season saw Trestman finish second in voting behind Calgary`s John Hufnagel for the award, marking the second time in a three-month span that he lost to the Calgary Stampeder bench boss, the first coming in a disappointing Grey Cup the previous November.
However, by bringing his Alouettes to their second consecutive Grey Cup appearance last season, Trestman made sure that his second chance at glory wouldn’t end in the same fashion as his first. And it didn’t. Trestman`s Alouettes pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, winning their sixth Grey Cup in the process.
So if past experiences prove likewise, then expect Trestman to walk away with his first Annis Stukus Award when the announcement is made on Mar. 5. Alouettes general manager Jim Popp expressed his joy regarding the announcement.
“I’m very happy for him, he deserves it. He’s done an outstanding job and added a lot to our league. It’s a great reflection on your organization and I’m sure Marc would be the first one to say that,” Popp said. “When you have one of the best seasons in the history of the league then obviously you should be nominated and said to be as one of the best in the league if not the best.”
Trestman is nominated alongside Hamilton’s Marcel Bellefeuille and Saskatchewan’s Ken Miller. Bellefeuille led a resurgence in Hamilton, bringing his Tiger-Cats out of the East Division cellar and into their first post-season since 2004. Miller brought the Roughriders to their second Grey Cup appearance in three years, leading them to a 10-7-1 record, good enough for first in the West Division.
Who do you think will win this year’s Annis Stukus Award?
Fantus re-signs with Riders
Friday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders announced that they have re-signed Canadian slotback Andy Fantuz to a new contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Heading into his fifth year with the Riders, Fantuz is coming off a very strong 2009 campaign with the Roughriders. His 67 catches for 882 yards and four touchdowns allowed him to be recognized as one of the marquee Canadian receivers in the CFL. He was also named the league’s top Canadian of the Week on three occasions.
Smith and Talbot dealt to Eskimos
Wednesday, the Toronto Argonauts announced that they have traded Canadian receivers Brad Smith and Andre Talbot to the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for defensive tackle Eric Taylor.
Taylor arrives in Toronto following a two-year stint with the Eskimos that saw him record 45 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks, four pass knock downs and a fumble return in 19 games. The 29-year old from Winchester, Tennessee played college football for the Memphis Tigers and was a seventh round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004.
Smith, a former Alouette, heads to Edmonton following a relatively strong season in Toronto that saw him record 14 receptions for 142 yards in eight games during his sophomore season in 2009.
Talbot joins the Eskimos following an impressive season with the Argonauts. Though it was his ninth year in the CFL, 2009 may have also been the receivers best of his career. His 76 receptions and 915 yards were both career highs and were good enough to have him named as the Argonauts’ Most Outstanding Canadian nominee.
