The prestigious honour of playing in the Grey Cup has become a routine one for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and on Sunday they are looking to continue their recent pattern of claiming the championship.
On Tuesday evening, the Blue Bombers led by head coach, Mike O’Shea arrived in Regina on time and on schedule as they look to finish their quest to win their third straight Grey Cup.
Quarterback Zach Collaros was one of the players that followed his head coach off the airplane.
Collaros suffered an ankle injury during the 28-20 Western Final victory against the BC Lions. Following the game the QB said he was fine and felt that he would be good to go for Sunday.
O’Shea didn’t seem to concerned about the chances of losing his starting quarterback when addressing the media after the team’s arrival.
“I think he’ll be good.”
Ellingson says that the quarterback was looking impressive in the airplane during the flight over from Winnipeg.
“I think Russell Wilson would be jealous of the workout I saw on that plane”
O’Shea said that one of the things that he has enjoyed about past Grey Cup experiences, is his team’s dedication despite the distractions.
“I like walking through meeting rooms at all hours when other people are doing whatever they’re doing in Grey Cup week and we got a bunch of guys sitting there watching film together, walking through doing a chair walk through, it’s pretty neat to see. ”
The Blue Bombers head coach gives a lot of credit to his veteran players.
“Our core leadership group really has a great understanding on how to adapt to every situation.”
Linebacker Adam Bighill is a part of that leadership unit, and believes that the preparation leading up to the Grey Cup is important.
“We’re just focused on what we always focus on the details of playing the best game that we can, trying to play the perfect game.”
Even though it has started to become a routine for the Bombers to be in the Grey Cup, it’s still a special feeling being in the championship game according to Bighill.
“It still feels surreal, cause you never expect to get here, I mean you plan to be here, but you don’t put the cart before the horse, you work to get here.”
Ellingson joined the Blue Bombers after spending the first eight years of his career in Hamilton, Ottawa and Edmonton, and he has been impressed by the dedication that is displayed inside of the Blue Bombers locker room.
“But I think in comparison to the other teams that I’ve been on, this is the hardest working group that I have ever been on.”
A three time Grey Cup champion, Bighill had his jewelry on display when he arrived in Regina as the linebacker says the jewelry from past championships are a reminder of what needs to be taken care of in the present.
“Just a reminder of why we’re here, how important this week is, how much hard work goes into these moments.”
On Wednesday, the Blue Bombers and the Argonauts will begin practicing outdoors in Regina.
