The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers recently answered questions from media across the country and discussed their goals and expectations for the 2005 CFL season. Bombers President and CEO Lyle Bauer began by announcing that the team turned a $75,000 profit in 2004 in spite of a losing season and home games plagued by poor weather. That leaves current deficit for the Winnipeg club at approximately $200,000, a fraction of the $5.5 million it was just a few years ago. Bauer commended Brendan Taman on how prudent he has been in running the business. He also projected that season ticket sales will net out at 18,500 as they currently sit at more than 17,000 tickets sold. Bauer indicated that corporate revenues are on pace and that they are looking forward to celebrating the club's 75th anniversary all season long. As well, Bauer touched on the new stadium project, with the goal of making it a true destination complex in Winnipeg. General Manager Brendan Taman commented that the club's first goal was to attack the free agents on their team, getting them signed before the period opened, citing Joe Fleming and Scott Regimbald as prime examples. Their next goal was to look to the talent on the colleges and on the street to find some gems. Finally, Winnipeg rounded out their offseason by securing some key free agents like Wane McGarity and Vinny Sutherland, as well as finding available players like Spergon Wynn. Head Coach Jim Daley focused on the importance of putting together a great team of coaches, introducing a new D-line coach in Jim Kropke, and ensuring that all the staff are on the same page to avoid any gray areas for players. He also highlighted the need for CFL-experienced people on the team, with 40 Bomber veterans returning and 11 players being added to the roster, most with a CFL background. The question and answer session touched on several topics, including the training camp competition, quarterbacks, the new stadium project and salary cap. TRAINING CAMP Daley detailed that camp will consist of three days of back-to-back practices followed by one day with a single practice, cycling throughout the training camp timeline. This originally was set in place by former Head Coach Dave Ritchie and Daley said he was impressed with how well it worked. He also noted the Bomber players' great work ethic and they will keep it up tempo, but also try to avoid any unnecessary injuries. Daley mentioned that camp will have 70 players and he wants them to scrap it out for a spot. Competition is expected at almost every position on the roster, as the Blue & Gold focus on rebuilding the secondary as it sets the tone and establishes the team. QUARTERBACKS A PLENTY A popular subject was the three talented quarterbacks that Daley has to work with and one member of the media wondered if there were any 'intangibles' that would secure someone's place as starter. Daley noted that there are many productive quarterbacks across the League that possess different personalities. The most important factor is production and there is no stereotype with QBs on the kind of leader they need to be. Daley confirmed that going into camp, Kevin Glenn is the starter, as he has played more downs and had more starts. Daley feels it is important for Glenn to have security and be allowed to play without looking over his shoulder. Daley also commented on the talent of Spergon Wynn and the time that Wynn has dedicated to learning the Canadian game and Tee Martin still needs to learn "our game." Daley noted that last season, Martin was smart enough to realize the major change he (Martin) needs to go through and the advanced learning curve that needs to be reached, much like the change that Wynn has already experienced. NEW STADIUM Bauer indicated that they are in the midst of their feasibility study on the new stadium that will provide a larger venue and larger exhibition space that will provide a multitude of uses. SALARY CAP Bauer emphasized that the Blue Bombers are strategic in how they spend their money, and that there are many challenges for a community-owned team to get out of debt. He continued on by stating that there needs to be a competitive balance and a level playing field amongst all nine teams. Bauer also noted that Winnipeg exceeded the salary guideline in 2004 and that an enforceable salary management system is important for the health of the League and its teams.
