Esks toughing out the cold
By Gerry Moddejonge, QMI Agency
|
  
|
  Edmonton Eskimos' Jerome Messam celebrates his team's win over the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL Western Finals at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Nov. 13, 2011. (PERRY MAH/QMI AGENCY)
|
The Edmonton Eskimos are staying true to their namesake.
Despite having Sunday's division final and the Grey Cup taking place inside BC Place Stadium Ñ not to mention the new, state-of-the-art indoor practice facility at Commonwealth Stadium Ñ the Eskimos are bracing the elements and practising outdoors this week.
At least to start.
"Given the size of our indoor facility, we want to make sure our guys have their spacing down correctly," head coach Kavis Reed said of his half-sized fieldhouse. "So we'll practise outside as the weather permits. But there will be a day or two spent inside because we want to get good repetition and not have to worry about the weather or anything like that."
The Eskimos have yet to hold a practice in the snow, given the mild fall in Edmonton. But 10-15 cm are expected by Thursday.
"It keeps the guys humble," Reed said. "We're Eskimos for a reason. This is Edmonton, we need to practise outside, get the space, get the fresh air. Spending all that time indoors is not good for you anyhow.
"This is a game where you have to adapt to various circumstances. I think being uncomfortable is good for us."
gerry.moddejonge@sunmedia.ca
@SunModdejonge
