A player from the Rouge et Or from Laval University has already had the experience of playing a game at the home of the Regina Rams.
Choice of 4e ronde (37e in total) of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the last draft, long throw specialist Ian Leroux played an exhibition game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on May 20 at Mosaic Stadium.
“I loved my experience,” he said. It’s a beautiful stadium. It wasn’t packed because it was a preseason game, but you could feel the football culture. It’s going to be windy, but we’re used to PEPS. I’m going to be on familiar ground.”
“I am still in regular contact with the two Blue Bombers kickers and I will watch the Gray Cup carefully on Sunday,” continues Leroux. It’s going to be a great weekend.”
Feet on the ground
Even though the Rouge et Or are favorites, the veteran and co-captain of the team makes sure that everyone keeps both feet on the ground and doesn’t look too far ahead. “We take nothing for granted,” he assured. In the West, it plays a very physical style. It’s going to be a difficult match.”
“The guys are 100% still hungry,” adds the Elans de Garneau product. After going under the radar this year, the guys want to show what they are capable of and what we are all about.”
This year, Leroux is working with two first-year kickers who have had their ups and downs. Felipe Forteza, however, is currently having a good time with a streak of six consecutive successful placements. “My job is to give the guys confidence,” he summarized. I miss Vincent [Blanchard]but I love Felipe. He has the work ethic, attitude and abilities to be successful.”
“He is currently reaping the fruit of his efforts,” adds the master’s student in physiotherapy. Because this is his first season as a full-time kicker, there have been a lot of adjustments to make. As a linebacker, he was used to returning to the play after his kicks. He has now found his rhythm as a kicker.
Very emotional moment
Leroux had some special moments at the Dunsmore Cup. “I was the one who had the honor of carrying the Laval University flag and it was very emotional moments that I will remember for a very long time,” said the man who was playing his last career home game. It was important to me because it was the players who chose. I’ve been in Laval for five years, including four years as co-captain. The Rouge et Or program brought me a lot.”
