They have made the long walk more times than they can count: After huge victories, tough losses, while enduring pain and pressing themselves with ice bags… you name it. That long hallway connecting the visiting locker room to the McMahon Stadium playing surface is unique compared to other venues in the Canadian Football League. For Rolly Lumbala and Marco Iannuzzi, not only has the jaunt become so routine, it also represents what it takes to win a championship: A long, adrenaline-filled journey that comes with an incredible payoff should you manage to complete it.
“It gives me chills every time,” Lumabla said. “The sound, the smell, the feel of everything. It’s definitely full of fond memories.”
“In minor football we’d always play our city and provincial championships there,” Iannuzzi recalled. “Probably from about 1997 to 2004 it was at least a couple times of year. I was very fortunate because I was part of five minor league championships and three high school football championships, city and provincials. A group of about 12-15 of us all started from grade five and went all the way up together.”
The two veteran Lions were actually teammates at St. Francis High School, long considered the best football program in Calgary. Iannuzzi, if you can believe it, served as Lumbala’s lead blocker. “Me and Rolly were the kick returners, Iannuzzi recalled. “I was all of 135 pounds, lead blocking with an eye of the tiger look in my face. Rolly was the same height and weight as he is now,” Marco added with a chuckle.
“We just won the city championship again,” Lumbala boasted after laughing at Iannuzzi’s vivid memory. “Football is huge in Calgary. It’s even better now. A lot more athletes come out of there and play college ball, university ball. Calgary is definitely a good town to play in.”
The St. Francis Browns also have a total of five Alberta Provincial Championships in the school trophy case. For Lumbala and Iannuzzi, the time at St. Francis was more than just about championships. It was about learning great teamwork and paving the road to a long successful career in the Lions Den. The goal now is to get back to their winning ways at McMahon and help the Lions punch their tickets to the 104th Grey Cup in Toronto.
“From playing little league and high school there, having the playoffs and winning championships on that field, this week will bring back a lot of memories. We feel comfortable on that field.”
Lumbala
As for the long walk to the field this Sunday and what will be going through their minds?
“Just that we have to leave it all out on the field, man,” Lumbala said. “We’re so close, but close is not enough, right? The way we won games is by being fast, physical and smart. We just have to do that again.”
Iannuzzi admits his mindset might be a little more relaxed. “I remember there was a 92-year old security woman who was at the top of that ramp. As kids when we were excited for the game we’d have a little trot in our step because we wanted to get to the bottom of the ramp faster and the lady would always yell at us ‘no running, no running!’ So now every time I get to the top of the ramp and come down, in my head I yell ‘no running, no running!’
“It takes me back to being a kid when football was simple, pure and the best of times. This Lions team has come together so well. It will be great and special for me to go back there with this organization.”
Iannuzzi on walking down the long hallway at McMahon
Be sure to stay tuned to the BC Lions social media channels. We may have to capture live footage of the walk from the dressing room.
Just don’t ask Iannuzzi or Lumbala for tickets. As of this writing, they are on the hook for 81 combined for family and friends.
More Calgary Connections
The Lions roster is chalk full of others who once called McMahon Stadium home. Both Eric Fraser and Cameron Ontko started their CFL careers with the Stampeders. Fraser was a first round pick in 2010 and played in 70 games with the red and white. Ontko appeared in four games for them last season before being let go before the final roster cut down in pre-season. He was signed by the Lions soon after and wound up leading the club with 18 special teams tackles. In addition, Tim O’Neill, Kirby Fabien, Mike Edem and Brett Blaszko all played University football with the Calgary Dinos. Running backs coach Adam Blasetti, a Calgary native, played for the Dinos from 2000-2004 and later served as an assistant coach there before coming to the west coast to work at Simon Fraser University.
Lions Practice Report- Thursday, November 17th
Although he sat out for a second straight day, Manny Arceneaux looked quick and agile while doing drills by himself. Fraser is dealing with a groin injury and did not take part but the plan for him is to suit up Sunday. Shawn Gore once again took full part and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat after sitting out the final two regular season games and last week’s semi-final victory over Winnipeg. The club will have one final workout in Surrey Friday morning before flying to Calgary in the afternoon. It is a change in routine from regular season western trips where the team flies the day before the game. They will hold a final walk through at McMahon late Saturday morning.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com