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From Todd:
Hey Kamau This may or may not come as a surprise to you, but I typically look for your posts on eskfans.com in the various discussions there, because I love the "insider's view", and have really come to respect what you have to say. It was for that reason that I was so excited to finally find your blog last year, and now this site! It has always been a dream of mine to be able to "listen in" on sideline conversations between coaches & players, because I would love to learn more about those aspects of the game. Your blogs, to me, are just a little glimpse of that, the game from the player's perspective, and I am loving reading every word! Ok, this message hasn't really had much of a point, but I just wanted to introduce myself. I have lived & breathed Eskimo football since I could understand the game, I am a season ticket holder (section I, right next to the players' family section) and you have quickly become a favorite player of mine since your arrival in the Green & Gold, both for your playing ability, and the respect I have gained for your contribution to the community, your informative blog, and your willingness to speak to us "normal folk" on sites like eskfans.com.
Hey Todd,
I really appreciate the kind words! For the insider in you, keep an eye out on the Edmonton Journal this season. I've just signed on for the "Ask an Eskimo" feature with the Journal and Journal online. Fans like you make me want to retire here in Edmonton and not leave though, I really appreciate the way you guys have welcomed me.
Kp8
From Monicca:
Wanted to send you congrats on little Cassius. I'm sure he is an impressive sight to behold.
Thanks Monicca, it's definitely an exciting time for my family!
Kp8
From Michael Roark:
wats up mr.peterson i was just woundering how c-wood is with out me there oh yeah and thanks for the gloves there really coming in handy.
Hey Mike,
What's goin on out there in New Mexico? Glad to see that the gloves are helping out. You earned them with those grades, so keep it up!
Kp8
From Mike Mason:
I just signed with the Esks recently so I been doing countless hours of research on this team. I really feel that we have a chance to win the Grey Cup which was one reason I chose to play for this franchise. Im glad you have this site KP8 because it may not seem like it but its very useful for a rookie/player that has never stepped a foot on a CFL field. I must admit, Im very anxious and jittery about this opportunity and look forward to meeting my new teamates. When I signed with the Esks it was basically, "Glad to have you aboard Mike, we can use your speed, see you on May 27th". Thats all fine but Im a player that likes to prepare for what I am about to do and really Im in a situation where I am just going up there and trying to make the team. Honestly, I never seen a CFL game but I watch the ESKs highlights often. I was in camp with the Browns last year that concluded with me having knee surgery and camp was a grind like never before. But my question is to you, what would you consider my conditioning routine to be to have me ready for this style of football? Coach told me to be in "basketball shape", but I need some input from a player because I dont play basketball. And what does the fitness test consist of? Im just trying to be ready for whatever. Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks. Mike Mason
Welcome aboard Mike!
If you wanted a winner, you've certainly picked the right squad. Contrary to the last two years, nobody's won more than Edmonton. The field size, compiled with all the special teams does definitely pose some fitness differences from the NFL but one of the things that I find that translates well is the 300yd shuttle. (25yd touch 6 times) I usually run at least 3 of them, and if you can keep them all under 50 seconds, you'll be just fine when you get here. If that's not your cup of tea, Endless routes is a good one to use as well. For endless routes, I go through each route one at a time, catch and sprint 20, jog back to the line, all the way up through the tree on both sides. I hate mundane running so this works pretty well and is applicable to what we do as well. Don't worry about the fitness test, it's more of a cardio test for your breathing output, it's short and sweet though.
One other tip is to practice running routes from motion. Even if it's just a few steps, it will help if you get used to running routes from a run instead of a stand still. Camp isn't that long, and impressions must be made quickly. The quicker you can pick that skill up, the quicker you can let your speed loose and turn heads.
Hopefully that helps, let me know if you need anything else.
Kp8
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