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I wanted to take a moment to update you on our football team as we head into the final third of our inaugural season. So far this has been a season of missed opportunities. The good news is we are capable of competing with all of the teams in the CFL. Over the past several weeks we have consistently put ourselves in a position to win football games against some very good teams. What has been so frustrating is our inability to find a way to make the one or two more plays to close the deal and win the game. We will continue to work hard as coaches and players in order to get ourselves over the hump and get the wins that our loyal supporters deserve. While we are going through some tough growing pains right now, there are several reasons why I am optimistic about our future.
Regarding our roster, we have a solid core of players that will play and win football games in Ottawa for the next several years. Many of these players are young guys who are rookies in the CFL. They will continue to grow and get better as they get more playing experience. We also have strong Canadian player content that we will continue to grow through next year’s draft. The quality and depth of the Canadian players is a huge factor for long term success in the CFL.
Our players have character. You learn a lot more about people in tough times than you do in good times. I give our players full credit. Despite the tough stretch we are going through, our guys continue to keep the faith. They play hard, are united, and have a strong belief that good times are ahead.
Word is spreading throughout the football world that the Ottawa area is a great place to live and a great place to play football. We are trying to surround ourselves with quality people and treat them well. The benefits of being a REDBLACK are many. These include the quality of the city, the new stadium, the stable ownership, and the unwavering support we are getting from the fans in the stadium and in the community.
Our fan support is something we will never take for granted. We all get excited for our home games because the atmosphere in the stadium is awesome. Last Friday night we could feel you urging us on. Your patience and support is commendable. We appreciate it more than you could ever know. The wins can’t come fast enough for any of us, but they are coming.
Keep the faith.
Coach Rick
