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Page 14 ♦ THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ April 26,2006 durhamregion.com Sports ■ SfjC Cflltabtau Statesman ♦ durhamregion.com Brad Kelly Quantrill equalled quality on and off the mound He's leaned against the railings with a relaxing pose in some of the most historic historic baseball parks in the world, yelling instructions or encouragement as the game unfolded before him. That has been the'life of relief pitcher Paul Quantrill this time of year, every year in fact since he broke into the Major Leagues with the Boston Red Sox back in 1992 at the age of 23. You can rhyme off the ballparks he has visited that many of us will never see unless it's in front of the tube. Yankee : Stadium. Fenway Park. Wrigiey Field. Shea Stadium. But here he is, on a Friday night, leaning leaning against the rail of the South Courtice Arena of all places, watching a Toro hockey tryout that his son, Cal, is participating participating in. Oh, he is still offering advice and encouragement, under his breathe to his son, while his wife, Alyson, is just slightly louder when their 11-year-old is taking his turn on the ice during a scrimmage.' scrimmage.' . It's at this time, that the realization ^Strikes,. that yes, his: career in the. big leagues is over. "I don't know the exact time I realized it, but I believe that a player should retire on his own terms, and I did that," says the 37-year-old. "I could see it coming the last two to three years. I really love baseball, but the travel and everything else was getting tough, and I wasn't enjoying it as much." There was much to enjoy during his 14-year-career. He broke in with the Boston Red Sox in 1992 after going in the sixth round of the 1989 amateur draft, following a stellar stellar career at the University of Wisconsin. His most productive years came with the Toronto Blue Jays from .1996-2001, culminating culminating with an appearance in the All- Star Game his final year with the Jays. He also led the league in appearances four, straight seasons, from 2001-2004, with more than 80 trips to the mound each year. . ; The guy was a quality ball player. But people in these parts recognize Quantrill as a quality guy. Despite the persona of being a big league ball player; he remained grounded. Want an example? The time that sticks out most was a few years back when he visited a school in Bowmanville to talk to students about the importance of an education, and then stayed behind after in a cramped office to autograph everything placed in front of him. What he didn't talk about that day was the fact his grandfather had passed away the night before, and through slightly glassy eyes just before getting behind the microphone to speak to the kids, he asked me not to tell anyone. anyone. I couldn't keep the secret back then and wrote about it.in a subsequent column, column, and felt it was time to spill the beans again. It's easy to scan over Quantrill's career • and come up with a shining moment. That day, in that school, was it for me. Brad Kelly's column appears every third Wednesday, E-mail: bkelly@durhamregion.com 'This was my Plan A all along and it was this or bust because to me, without football, there was no Plan B.' Ricky Foley Photo by Andrew Craig Bowmanville native Chris Foley was taken fourth overall by the British Columbia liions in the annual Canadian Football League draft that was held last week. Foley never played football until attending York University. Going pro Bowmanville player drafted fourth overall by B.C. Lions BY SHAWN CAYLEY Staff Writer TORONTO - A few years ago, Ricky Foley was plying his trade in track and field and cross country at Paul Dwyer Secondary School. Now he is about to make a cross country venture of a different different sort. Yet another chapter is being written in the life of Foley and this one is about to take him to British Columbia as a member member of the Canadian Football League's B.C. Lions after getting drafted fourth overall last Thursday. Having never played a single game of organized football prior to joining the York University program, it's a true testament to his raw athletic ability and desire to succeed that Foley has found himself in this situation. "I feel completely and extremely ' blessed that I am in the situation I am," stated Foley. "Everything happens for a reason. This was my Plan A all along and it was this or bust because to me, without football, there was no Plan B." British Columbia is going to be a long way from the Foley family farm which he grew up on, and while the Bowmanville native admits he'll probably experience a level of homesickness, he is absolutely elated to be a Lion: "I couldn't be happier with where I ended up, it's where I wanted to go," Foley said of ending up in B.C. over other possible CFL cities. "It couldn't have worked out any better. Their defensive defensive style perfectly suits the way I want to play, it really fits my game." With that in mind, Foley ceased to over exaggerate when asked about his expectations expectations as a rookie. "I don't want to sound over confident or anything, but I'd like to lead the league in special teams tackles," he said, noting he'll likely spend a majority of his playing time on special teams. "I feel I can really make an impact there. ! "Obviously a Grey Cup would be nice too," he added with a laugh. One of the advantages of being part of the York football program, is the team's. relationship with the Toronto Argonauts, who train on York's campus. "I have learned so much being around guys like Clifford Ivory and Mike O'Shea, they are great guys," said Foley, who graduated from the same high school as Argos receiver and Oshawa product Andre Talbot. "They really helped us learn about what to expect at the next level, and that every day you have to work to get better." Having said that, it's safe to assume Foley will be looking forward to July 29 when the Lions return to his back yard, so to speak, to take on the Argos at the Rogers Centre. While admitting he has already thought about that game, Foley says there are a few others who'll undoubtably be a little more thrilled to see him return. "I am definitely looking forward to it, it'll be circled on the calendar. But my family is probably looking forward to it even more," he said. "I'll probably end up spending my entire salary on tickets for that game." ; Foley will be joined on the Lions' revamped defensive unit by a player who worked out along with hint prior to the draft: Whitby native Jason Pottinger, who was selected two picks ahead of Foley. Although the pair didn't know much about each other prior to the team workout, workout, Foley said that didn't stop them from chatting about the possibility of two locals ending up in the same uniform. "We joked about it a little," explained Foley. "We thought, hey, wouldn't it be funny to see two guys from Durham make the CFL and end up out west together." While his mind is firmly set on helping the Lions return to Grey Cup glory in 2006, it would be tough to blame Foley if his thoughts weren't wandering just a little bit between now and the beginning of next week thanks in part to the NFL draft. "The (Baltimore) Ravens and the (Indianapolis) (Indianapolis) Colts have talked to me over the last year, and while 1 don't expect to be drafted, there might be a chance to sign a deal after the draft, I try not to get caught up in that however, because I am happy to be a Lion." Green Gaels seek winning formula for home opener Clarington hosts Huntsville in Jr. B lacrosse BY BRAD KELLY Sports Editor • BOWMANVILLE - Clarington Green Gaels GM' Neil Atkinson has a simple formula that he hopes will lead to a, victory in the home opener-tomorrow night: pass, catch, check. Doesn't sound all that difficult. The Green Gaëls will host the Huntsville Hawks in the kickoff to the regular season on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Garnet B. . Rickard Recreation Complex. It will , be the first of 20 games for the team in the Ontario Lacrosse Association's Jr. B loop. With just 12 players expected to return from last year's roster, getting off to a quick start to the season will be important in establishing some confidence among the new additions. "Certainly for us it's important to get some wins for a couple of reasons," says Atkinson. "There's nothing like winning to help a team jell and form the basis of a foundation to play like a team. During training camp, with guys coming in and ■ out, it's very difficult to get guys used :to 1 playing with each other." TTie second reason is more directed at the organization. With Atkinson in his first year as GM, and Rick Phillips néw behind the bench, putting up some wins early will be a payoff of sorts for all of the homework they have done in putting together the roster. roster. ' "We can all breathe a sight of relief," laughs Atkinson of the peace of mind needed among the staff. ; Leadership on this year's squad will come from Steve Hutchins, A.J. Ward, Brandon McFarlane and Steve Conrad, who are expected to shoulder much of the load. The club will also benefit from the return of Michael Cudmore, Adam Derks, Matt Cockerton and Jordan Haber, who garnered an extended look at the Whitby Warriors Jr. A camp. University exams will prevent Haber from being in tomorrow's lineup, but the other three are expected to step right in. Among the newcomers who have been impressive, Josh Merzbacher, who played with the Whitby Intermediates last summer, summer, is expected to add some scoring punch from the left side. While not new, but returning, Peter Vandenheuvel, who was unable to play last season after receiving receiving severe bums in a house fire, is back from the 2004 roster. In net, a trio of goalies are still in the hunt to fill the gaping hole left by Joel Weber, who has signed with the Warriors. Last year's backup Calvin Thomas is back, as is Kurtis Doherty from the 2004 roster. Making things difficult is Kyle Waldren, who has previous experience at Jr, B with the Saints. "It's good that we have three quality quality goaltenders, but the bad thing is that we have three quality goaltenders," says Atkinson of the dilemma of carrying three netminders into the season. With 23 players still on the roster, Atkinson Atkinson notes that a couple of more releases are still needed, and then moves will be made during the course of the season as the situation dictates. Following Thursday's opener, the Green Gaels will be back in action Tuesday when they travel to Markham. 13 2006 lift m METROLAND Dl 3 on 3 Basketball Classic Gr. 5-8 Presented by METROLAND DURHAM REGION MEDIA GROUP Call sports editor Brad Kelly for information. 905 579 4400 ext. 2254