Argos Admiral Journal Entry #2: The Beginning

I have been racking my brain the last few weeks regarding a follow up entry to my Admirals Journal. Knowing that there is no way I can come up with something relevant to this year’s training camp, I have decided to share some of my past experiences. This experience has be tagged “The Beginning”; keep in mind I personally have always cheered on the Boatmen dating back to elementary school watching with a T.V antenna. With that said, this story starts on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in May 2007 at the grand re-opening of the Parry Sound Rona.

The guest list included sales reps, local firefighters, the Georgian Jumpers (competitive jump rope team), and finally 4 members of Argonauts cheerleading squad! This is the day that “hooked” my daughter onto the Argonauts. She was almost 5 and this was her first interaction with the organization in any particular way. Mj, my daughter, was decked out in my 2004 Grey Cup championship memorabilia when she arrived and immediately fell in love with the girls. Jennifer, Ashley, Krista, and Norah Jean were first class with everyone, especially the kids.

As the afternoon progressed and the crowds thinned out, I noticed Mj practically attached to Norah Jean. Having a conversation with a 5-year-old can be difficult, however, the smile stayed and she granted the time to make my little girl happy. Mj took pictures and received autographs including on my Argos jersey, which is on display in our cherished “Double Blue Room”.

Over the next few weeks, Mj began watching Argonaut games with me. Not for the players – sorry guys – but for Norah Jean. Mj had found her first role model and in her eyes, a true hero. A 5-year-old girl watching a CFL game to see her first hero and her 10 seconds of air time prior to a commercial break; What more could you ask for? As a father, I was proud to see my little girl watching football! As the season progressed, Mj continued to watch. To this day, the unique bond still exists between Mj and the Argonauts’ cheerleading squad. Over the year’s, this connection has become an integral part of our lives as we will always cherish the great memories that have materialized as a result of the kindness and generosity of the Argonauts organization.

In essence, this was “The Beginning” of our family bond to the Argonauts and while we each have different reasons for why we enjoy watching Argonauts football, I am proud to say to that I have had the opportunity to watch the sport I love alongside my beautiful daughter.

– Nick Quinn, #AdmiralinTheEndzone