By François Ferland,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – In his recently published book, Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman stated that Anthony Calvillo is one of the brightest quarterbacks he has ever worked with.
Knowing the path Trestman has taken since he first began coaching in 1981 with the University of Miami and knowing his reserved personality, stronger words couldn’t have come from a stronger person. Safe to say, it may have been the best words ever viewed by Calvillo.
Working Together
Having covered the Alouettes as a journalist since they were brought back into the CFL in 1996, I believe that, like a fine wine, Calvillo improves with age and there’s no denying that his best years have been his most recent ones.
However, it would be unfair to credit just Calvillo and Trestman for the Alouettes’ offensive success over the past few years. Offensive Coordinator Scott Milanovich has also been a major part of the equation. Prior to becoming the offensive coordinator, Milanovich served as the team’s quarterbacks coach in his first year with the club in 2007.
“I think that when all three of us combine our skills, great things tend to happen,” said Trestman who in addition to being the head coach also serves as a quarterback specialist. “It’s all a matter of confidence and I work with two extremely confident people,” noted Calvillo.
“The system implemented by Scott combined with Marc’s patience really helps me out,” he added.
“The offensive system is only what the quarterback makes of it. He has to be able to compose himself and work through his potential,” said Trestman.
Right place at the right time
Now in his 17th season in the CFL (and 13th with the Alouettes), Calvillo recognizes that he has profited from great circumstances that really helped with the development of his career.
“The league got a lot bigger when they expanded into the United States, so when I made my debut with the Las Vegan Posse, I was part of a professional team that has no veterans at quarterback, so I just made the best of the situation and benefited as much as I could from it. Who knows what would have happened to my career if there were no expansion?” said Calvillo.
After experiencing some highs and lows with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Calvillo joined the Alouettes in 1998 as a free agent, playing alongside Tracy Ham. It was a career move that has since seen Calvillo be ranked among the greatest quarterbacks to have ever graced a CFL field.
As for the remainder of the 2010 season, Calvillo only hopes that the team shows more consistency.
“We’re the champs and all everyone wants to do is dethrone us.”
The Alouettes next play the Edmonton Eskimos at McGill on Sep. 19 at 4 pm EST on RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
