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From Paul Rechner
Hi Kamau, Not a question, but rather just a quick note of appreciation. I recall reading one of your blog entries last year about sitting in the stands in Commonwealth and looking up at the names of Eskimo greats that were honoured there. As much as any fan loves to hear about their tradition being revered and respected, I was a little dubious at the time about whether the words were heartfelt or trying to give the fans what they wanted to hear. That would be one of the hazards of someone in your position writing... others are always going to judge for themselves, most of the times without having anywhere near all the facts they need about the man behind the words. Obviously, from the seats and the bleachers next to the practice field, there's only so much I can claim to know about Kamau Peterson the man. Most of what I do know has come from watching your actions, interactions and how your teammates react to you. Let me just clarify that over the past year and a bit, any of those doubts have been erased. I had the opportunity to schedule some business travel out east a week or so ago, and came in early to watch the Toronto game as well as stay a little longer to catch the one in Hamilton. The team lost two very different kinds of leaders in those two games. Both Perry and Tucker are constantly accounted for in opposition game plans, and I think that their teammates appreciate just how special they are as athletes. Tucker will lead by example and come through with big plays in clutch situations but seems to have the easy smile and 'aw shucks' attitude. Perry seems to have a different kind of intensity and aggression that instills that fear and unease in even the most veteran of opponents and doesn't seem to be afraid to try and bring a teammate up to that level of passion. What I saw from you on Thursday night was as big a tribute as you could've given to both men. "The catch" exemplified the execution with which JT has led with, while the reaction was the passion of a Fred Perry and then some. There are plenty of times to "act like you've been there" when you make a big play, but this was not one of them. What it was, was the opportunity to electrify 35,000 fans in the stadium, send a message to 41 other guys going to war with you, and place a thought in the mind of every player that's going to line up against the Esks this year. Leadership's about making others want to follow, and there's so many different styles and practices to try and get that result. I'm not sure that I've seen much finer on a football field in my 37 years. There's talk of the psychological damage that the last second Stegall 100-yard TD did to this organization a few years back, and whether true or not, I think one single play of courage and commitment, followed up by the tribute to brotherhood and honour, has the potential to galvanize this team and really firm up its identity. I'm proud to be a fan. Respectfully, Paul Rechner
Paul,
To me the Eskimos that have come before, and the history that I stand on while playing on Commonwealth means enough to me that there's no play that I won't attempt to make for this team. It simply means that much to me that I've been privileged enough to play here. The fact that one of the finest Eskimo slotbacks to ever play had his career snuffed out prematurely was in attendance so soon after breaking his neck in support of us pretty much exemplified the Eskimo way to me. We as a team need to rekindle that Eskimo way, and I do feel that we're on the right track to finding it. I'll certainly keep doing my best to bring it to light.
I truly appreciate your honesty.
Kp8
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