Bill Tapuska introduced Pat MacDonald, noting that Pat started with the University of Alberta as defensive end. He played briefly with the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

His fondest memories (so far) of football were playing for the Grey Cup winners, Calgary in 2008 and Montreal in 2010. He circulated the rings as proof. His positions were as a defensive end and on specialty plays. In this past season he was volunteer coach of the University of Calgary Dinos.

Pat spoke of experiences as a player. One experience was needing to bulk up to play defence - moving from a usual 240 lbs to 300. And then having the uncertainty and anxiety of playing/not playing. High levels of emotions. When not on the field, players are expected to help others on the sidelines. He stressed that football is fun, violent and short-lived.

He mentioned he has had seven concussions, and veteran players often have more. On the team, acceptance is the attitude towards injuries.

Getting into the NFL is partly politics and being very, very good. The American high schools and colleges have vastly better training and sponsor/fan support.

Equipment is getting better, and, at the same time, the level of violence is increasing due to larger players, the need to win and the football culture.

Families of players suffer from what football leaves. Time away, high level of testosterone, peers that are a bad psychological pool, violence at "play" that comes home. Training that is incompatible with normal society. Hhmmm, not all glory. Peer support is now more common among players and sometimes from former players.

Why are there so few Canadian quarterbacks in the CFL? There is a need for better coaching, and playing earlier. In the US, the number of players and teams is more than proportionally larger than Canada. The university level needs support - financial, coaching, lower tuition, time to play and sponsors and fans.

Sport fosters teamwork, competition, self reliance and motivation. These traits are helpful for everyone.

Ted Valentine thanked Pat, and presented him with a memento of the occasion, a Boltman. Ted (according to unconfirmed sources) has held season tickets to the Calgary Stampeders for over 50 years.

reported by Jim Willson