If the Rouge et Or of Laval University is banking on a young team, a coach who has a long track record as a player will also experience his CEPSUM baptism on Saturday, during the first leg against the Carabins of the University of Montreal.
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Met at the book launch Antony’s adventures which includes eight comics and a biographical section, the former NFL tight end spoke about this first visit to the den of the Blues since 2018 and his blue sweater which adorns the cover of the volume.
“It’s a beautiful blue,” Auclair said from the outset with a smile.
“In the future, we may have to think about a photo with a white sweater,” adds the general director of Sport’Aide, Sylvain Croteau. Blue is the color of Sport’Aide.”
A victory for the Rouge et Or would ensure them the regular season championship. “It’s an important game as the playoffs approach,” said the Rouge et Or’s tight ends and center backs coach. “It’s the first time I’ll be returning to CEPSUM since the end of my university career.” .”
“A different feeling”
Hired as a full-time coach this year, the former color bearer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Houston Texans will make his return to the den of the Blues. It’s different as a coach because you don’t have a helmet and shoulder pads. It’s a different feeling as a coach, but you have to be there mentally one hundred percent. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to Montreal and it’s going to be fun to get back to this atmosphere. I can’t wait to go back.”
During the last game against the Concordia Stingers, receiver Olivier Cool made a comment to the new coach. “He told me I seemed stressed, but I told him I had seen others.”
In his first full-time season, Auclair is enjoying his new role. “I have always loved coaching, whether in Beauce or with the mini Rouge et Or. In Houston, I was named as position leader. The coaches and players appreciated my knowledge.”
“The adaptation is going well, continues the 31-year-old Beauceron. I have always been close to the coaches and I arrived with the Rouge et Or as a player in 2015 at the same time as Mathieu Bertrand started as coach. It’s fun to work with dedicated and good people.”
Impressed by Betts’ speed
Like many, Auclair saw Mathieu Betts’ 70-yard interception return for a touchdown in the British Columbia Lions’ 32-15 victory last Friday against the Calgary Stampeders. It was the defensive end’s first career interception in the CFL.
“His interception is the talk of the town,” he said. His speed impressed me.”
