JASON COLERO
Toronto Argonauts Manager, Community Relations
Jason Colero started as a water boy and now, 25 years later, he’s the heart and soul of Argos’ community outreach programs. The friendly and energetic Manager of Community Relations now educates youth through a myriad of programs he leads throughout the GTA.
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I’d first like to thank those people that have sent me a note through my blog. Thanks for the kind words and input. It’s always helpful. I’d also like to thank Susan Hay from Global’s Making a Difference for producing such a great piece on our Huddle Up Bullying Prevention program. I am very encouraged when I see the positivity in our communities, rather than the many tragedies and the negative side of our society.
As free agency has come and gone, and the latest transaction has taken place, I want readers of my blog to understand what these transactions mean to me and, I’m sure, many others in our organization.
When Andre Talbot was involved in the trade I reflected on what he had done at the community level. He was involved in many different charitable events including his contributions to our charity hockey team. After all of the changes I began to reflect on the comings and goings of the various Boatmen throughout the years.
In 1985, in my first game with the Toronto Argonauts, I was fortunate enough to chat with one of the players before the game. As a young 14-year old, that was the best thing that could have ever happened. At the time, the only thing that I could say to defensive back Brian Marrow was to ask that if he got an interception, could he give me the ball. I guess, to be nice, he promised that he would do so after his next pick. I couldn’t wait to have that happen and the best thing about it was that I had built a rapport with a pro athlete. Four games later he was released. I remember that all I could think was, ’if only Bob O’Billovich knew how nice he was then he’d still be here.’ There would be many more heartbreaks in my 25 years, especially working in the community where my heart wouldn’t be the only one broken.
Imagine going back to a school and having to answer questions from grade one students regarding how a player is doing with the Argos, and you have to tell them that he is no longer here. I wanted to tell them that when player XYZ tells you that he is very happy to be in Toronto, it means for now! Actually, all I could say was that its part of professional sports. Over the years, I’ve learned that players will be traded, released, retire and/or be injured and there is nothing anyone can do. These transactions are not done to destroy the club or the community events, but are done as part of the business of sport.
All of the players that have been involved in a trade, been released or become a free agent, they were simply part of a business transaction. Their time on the field may be over but their efforts in the GTA community and their friendship will not be forgotten.
I’d love to hear from all of you regarding the players that have affected you over the years who have left the Argos somewhat prematurely. You can e-mail me at jcolero@argonauts.ca.