The BC Lions are riding high following the big 40-27 win in Saskatchewan and their best start through four games since 2007. Players and coaches will now deserve a well-earned week off to rest and re-charge for another important stretch of games that begins Friday, July 29th in Calgary. BCLions.com caught up with a few players to talk about their plans, and rituals for bye week. In the first of a three-part series, Bye Week Quotables focuses on “Family Time.” Rolly Lumbala, Ryan Phillips and Travis Lulay are three of the organization’s longest-serving members, and as you can imagine, family will play a big part of their routine before returning to the facility this weekend. Lumbala is getting married to his long-time girlfriend Jasie, while Phillips is going to enjoy some quality time in Sin City. Lulay? With three little girls under the age of five occupying he and his wife Kim’s time, you pretty much have an idea of what the quarterback is up to!
“I’m getting married. I am very much excited. I wish I could invite all of you guys, but I’m not sure my lady would be good with that. (laughs) But I am getting married and I am very much excited.It’s time to grow up and follow in the footsteps of guys like Gore, Bighill and whatnot. My family is coming in for awhile so we’ll get some time to be with each other and that’s going to be good in itself.”
Any marriage advice from teammates?
“I’m hearing a lot of ‘just say yes mam’ a lot of ‘you’re right.’ Yeah, just listen and communicate, but at the same time just continue to dig each other and appreciate one another.”
Besides showing up, what is your role in the planning?
“Football is easy. It’s been kind of the getaway thing for me. It’s outside of football where you have to pick the type of candles you want, the flower colours and the walls and the food. I’m responsible for the food and the entertainment, that’s always nice. The rest of it, the décor and everything, that was her. She’s done a tremendous job. I’m very happy and excited.”
When Lumbala’s beloved Pittsburgh Penguins hoisted the Stanley Cup last month, he told us “Hopefully it’s not the only trophy I can enjoy this year.” You can bet he would love a second ring in 2016 as well.
“I’m heading down to Las Vegas. Little Ryan has a basketball tournament. He plays on a team that’s one of the best in the state (of Washington) so they qualified to go to a Las Vegas tournament, which is like a national tournament. He’s only nine years old but it’s definitely fun for him to have that opportunity at a young age. It’s a lot about the fun and experience. For me to sit back and be a dad and be a fan is definitely something that I welcome and look forward to.”
Phillips has evolved both as a player and as a family man since first arriving in the Lions Den 11 years ago. It seems like only yesterday, “RP Junior” was a toddler, running around the Lions locker room after games. Give him a couple more years, and he might be able to outrun his Dad in the 40-yard dash. But let’s not count the wily veteran just yet.
“The bye week happened fast, haven’t really made up my mind but I’m pretty sure I”ll be around the house. Three little kids at home, not going to be doing too much of anything. There might be an afternoon where I can sneak away for a round of golf or something, but just getting in some good extra time with the girls at home. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to make a day trip or two, maybe an overnight trip. We’ll get adventurous and take the three little ones for an overnight trip or something. But pretty low key.”
Coming up tomorrow: We talk with Brandon Stewart, Richie Leone and Solomon Elimimian about their outdoor plans this week.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com