Clemons, Higgins and Maciocia announced as this year's Coach of the Year Finalists
January 24, 2006 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
Toronto, Ontario - The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced today that Michael Clemons, Tom Higgins and Danny Maciocia have been selected as finalists for the 2005 Coach of the Year award. Also announced today, CFL MOP Damon Allen and his brother, NFL Hall-of-Famer Marcus Allen will be the keynote speakers at the 2005 Coach of the Year Luncheon, in celebration of this year's outstanding CFL head coaches and in support of Stop the Violence' - The Argos Foundation.
Selected by 51 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada, the CFL Coach of the Year award recognizes the commitment and efforts of head coaches across the League, with special honours going to the coach who most demonstrates exceptional leadership, discipline and dedication to excellence during the regular season. The winner of the award, the Annis Stukus Trophy, will be announced during the luncheon in Toronto on February 23rd, 2006.
The Allen brothers will be joined by their father, Harold Allen Sr., at the luncheon to address the important role that leadership and mentorship play in the lives of today's youth. Their father helped mold them into the people they are today, much like CFL coaches help shape the players on their teams. Leadership and mentorship are also an integral part of Stop the Violence' - The Argos Foundation, an initiative launched by the Toronto Argonauts in August 2005 aimed at addressing issues of violent and gun-related crimes through increased awareness. Working with community and business leaders, Stop the Violence continues to raise funds to support existing community programs and new initiatives in this ongoing effort.
On the 2005 Coach of the Year Finalists (listed in alphabetical order):
In 2005, Michael 'Pinball' Clemons led the Toronto Argonauts to an 11-7 record, their first Division title since 1997 and their fourth-straight playoff appearance. Under his leadership, veteran quarterback Damon Allen was honoured as the CFL's Most Outstanding Player. This is Clemons' fourth Coach of the Year Finalist nomination in as many years.
In his first season as head coach of the Calgary Stampeders, Tom Higgins guided the Stamps to a dramatic improvement from the 2004 season when they finished 4-14. In 2005, Calgary finished the campaign with an 11-7 record, second in the West Division. Higgins led the Stampeders to their first home playoff game since 2001 and their first winning record since 2000.
In his first year as a head coach, Danny Maciocia led the Edmonton Eskimos to an 11-7 record and a playoff berth. The Quebec-born coach not only handled head coaching duties, he also called all offensive plays. Under his guidance, quarterback Ricky Ray set a single season CFL record with 479 completions and slotback Jason Tucker led the League in receiving yards with 1,411 yards.
Here are the details of this not-to-be-missed luncheon:
DATE: Thursday, February 23, 2006
TIME: 11:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
LOCATION: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel
The Canadian Room
100 Front Street West
Toronto, ON
TICKETS: $125 per person or $1250 per table
CONTACT: www.argonauts.ca or (416) 341-2731
About the Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) operates in nine leading cities across Canada. Building on a strong past toward a stronger future, the CFL celebrates Canada's game with fans across the nation. The 94th Grey Cup will be played in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 19, 2006. For additional information, visit www.cfl.ca.
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Canadian Football League Stories from January 24, 2006
- Maciocia named a finalist for CFL Coach of the Year honours - Edmonton Elks
- CFL Off-Season Transactions - CFL
- Clemons, Higgins and Maciocia announced as this year's Coach of the Year Finalists - CFL
- Smart, McGuire and Szarzynski invited to training camp - Montreal Alouettes
- Coach Berry answers fans' questions - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
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