ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO — The Argos held their annual season preview teleconference on Wednesday afternoon for local and national media. Representing the Double Blue on the call was club President & CEO Bob Nicholson and General Manager & Head Coach Jim Barker.
The two addressed the media and answered questions regarding the overall state of the franchise both on and off the field. They tackled such topics as roster depth, player personnel, sales, marketing and sponsorship.
Here are some of the highlights:
What A Difference A Year Makes
Both Nicholson and Barker began the call discussing the major leaps that the organization has taken since putting together two disappointing seasons in 2008 and 2009. Last year’s edition of the call dealt with topics such as new ownership, stadium arrangements and coaching changes. Nicholson said, “Having a great off-season where we were one game from the Grey Cup, we can focus on the game itself and not necessarily the off-field issues.”
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All Hands On Deck
Nicholson revealed the slogan for the club’s 2011 marketing campaign: ‘All Hands On Deck’. He described it as a “…call to action to all of our players, fans and sponsors to pull together and support the club and to focus on what we hope to be a successful journey to the Grey Cup in Vancouver.”
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Sales Updates
Nicholson also provided an update on both ticket and corporate sponsorship sales, stating that the club’s renewal rate recently exceeded that of last year’s at this time. He added that new season ticket sales are up by over 50%. Nicholson finished by explaining that group sales are on par with last year – a number that led the league in that category.
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Continuity
Barker mentioned that he is pleased with his club’s progress this off-season. He resigned his entire coaching staff and all but two players (DT Eric Taylor and DT Adriano Belli) which will hopefully help build on last season.
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QB Battle: This Year vs. Last Year
Barker drew differences between the open competition at the pivot position this year compared to last. He said that this year his quarterbacks enter camp with more experience under their belts, especially Cleo Lemon, whereas last year it was more about having each one adjust to the new scheme and the CFL game.
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The Bar is Always Set High
One reporter eluded to the fact that the Argos may have caught a lot of people off guard last year with their performance and wondered if there was any added pressure to achieve that this year. Barker responded by saying, “I’m not wired that way and we are going to perform the best we can. We can’t control what other people think about us. When you line up for the first game there is always going to be pressure.”
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Pass, Run Ratio
Despite additions at the quarterback and receiver positions, Barker stated that his philosophy is to run the ball and not much will change this season as the club will once again lean heavily on Cory Boyd. “I think I’m a guy who believes that you have to be able to run the ball. We have to be better at gaining big plays,” Barker said.
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Young Guns
Barker assured those on the call that they are close to signing all of their eligible draft picks from this year and it is expected that last year’s picks will have a shot at taking on more prominent roles this season. He mentioned that both Joe Eppele and Grant Shaw reaped the rewards of having Rob Murphy and Noel Prefontaine, respectively, teaching them last year and has high hopes for them in the long-term with the club.