The greatest basketball show on earth
Globetrotters guard TNT Lister helps Rachael Simmons spin a ball on her finger Monday evening after the first quarter of the Globetrotters game at the Canalta Centre. For more pictures and coverage from the event go
Last spring, Medicine Hat’s Connor McDonough was picked fourth over-all by the Hamilton TigerCats, the highest a Gas City player has gone in the draft. A product of the local minor and high school football system, McGough is mature beyond his years, a tremendous young man who is likely to enjoy a long career in the CFL. He looked back at his roots.
“I played for the Parkside Pythons. That was my first year in Grade Eight. Lloyd Bray was my coach. My last year at CHHS in 2012 we won the Rangeland championship. Ron Metz was my coach.”
A running back and defensive end in high school, McGough played four seasons with the University of Calgary. Twice a Canada West All-star, his Dinos won the Hardy and Mitchell Bowl, 2013 and 2016, losing the Vanier Cup to Laval both years.
A glass half full type of guy, Connor McGough has always been a winner Going 0-8 to start the season with the Ti-Cats was a new experience for him. “It was very unfamiliar,” he said, ‘but at the same time, it helped me grow as an athlete and as a man to take on adversity and overcome what people say isn’t possible. It has taught me to be mentally strong and persevere.”
To get through the losing streak, the 6’1”, 250 lb. former Viking says, “I kept focus on one task at a time, one step at a time, trying to do it the right way, the best way, in order to achieve the common goal which is to win the game.” It must be working because the Ti-Cats have won three of their last four games.
Upon graduation from CHHS, “The only interest in me was from the University of Alberta and at that time they were going through a lot of coaching changes. So I wasn’t really sold on being there. Then I got a call from Calgary and when I went there it felt like home, the players were very welcoming when I attended summer camp. From that experience, I felt Calgary was the best option for me.”
After graduating from U. of C., McGough waited for the CFL draft. Did he expect to go so high?
“Honestly, I didn’t,” he admitted. “At the CFL Combine they told me I’d likely go early in the first round. But you never know when it comes to draft day. Lots of things can occur. I was thinking going in the second round would be more realistic. When the draft started I was paying attention a lot more closely because I remembered that earlier conversation. It happened to work out. I was stunned, to be honest. It was so exciting. It was great to be with my family and friends and share that memory which I’ll keep with me my whole career. It was a pretty surreal moment, very special, something I’ll never forget.”
Off to Hamilton and his first professional training camp. What was the biggest adjustment from university to the pros? “I guess, for me, it was the awesome speed. Everyone plays at a high level. So it was speed and knowing the plays like the back of your hand, knowing the details.”
You’ll see No. 93 on TV in just about every kicking situation. Successful coaches have always believed special teams are just as important as offence and defence. McGough agrees. “It’s a crucial aspect of the game in the CFL. With only three downs, field position is crucial. I enjoy it. It’s us versus basically the whole other team when you’re out there. You never know who is going to block you. It’s a fun aspect of the game.”
McGough wants to start on the defensive line. “I’ve been in for some plays here and there. I’m hoping to play a lot more. It’s about being patient and waiting for the opportunity. In practice you pay attention to every detail. It’s all about gaining the coaches’ trust, showing you can execute every time , demonstrate you can be an individual they can rely on.”
Fellow Viking Aaron Crawford has helped him adjust to the CFL. “He’s a great individual who helped me out tremendously, not only with the living situation but what the coaches are looking for.”