WILLIE PILE
Special To Argonauts.ca
If you looked up the word rival in the dictionary, you wouldn’t be surprised to see the logos of the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats sitting right next to the word. According to Webster’s Dictionary, rivalry is defined as a competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. Separated by less than 100 kilometres on the QEW, it’s safe to say that Argos and Ticats game on Friday night constitutes a rivalry of highest calibre!
The objective on Friday night is two points in the East Division standings…the amount given to the victor of the game. Our former coach “Pinball” Clemons used to say these types of games were actually four point games meaning the two we aim to get, and the two we aim to keep from them. The superiority factor can also play a huge role, as both teams feature playmakers on offence, defence and special teams. In all three phases, we want to show that we are the superior team; but it’s all just talk until we cross those white lines and prove it on the field. The great thing about a rivalry is that I’m sure the Ticats are saying the exact same thing.
With the theme of this game being Rivalry Night, the next song on my playlist is appropriately named, “Eye of the Tiger”. Released in 1982, this song was performed by Survivor for the album Eye of the Tiger. It was written at the request of Sylvester Stallone for the film Rocky III.
The hook goes:
It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight.
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival,
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night,
And he’s watchin’ us all in the eye of the tiger.
The thing I remember the most about Rocky III is how when adversity struck Rocky (getting KO’d by Clubber Lang, and Mickey, his long-time trainer, passing away), he had to refocus his efforts and energy to regain the form and passion that made him successful in the beginning of his career.
The parallel to the 2010 Argonauts is that each game is like a round in a heavyweight bout. How we perform in each “round” (game) will determine the score/outcome at the end of the “fight” (season). There will be times when we look dominant and knock out an opponent. There will be times when we get knocked out. There will also be times when the rounds are too close to call and one momentous play can shift the balance of the round. But the true test of a champion is how we handle success and how we bounce back from a defeat, while striving for consistent excellence in each “round”.
So look for the Argos to come out swinging (figuratively) on Friday Night at Rogers Centre as we protect our home turf and compete with the Eye of the Tiger!