ALIVE AND KICKING
46-year-old Paul McCallum back with the Lions to handle field goals
The only kicking Paul McCallum has done this year is as coach of his 15-year-old daughter’s soccer team.
That’s about to change — in a big way.
Monday, the B.C. Lions signed the 46-year-old McCallum for their final regular season game and the CFL playoffs. The move came after Richie Leone missed two field goals and two converts in the Lions 24-6 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday.
McCallum is the second-leading scorer in CFL history and he retired — the first time at least — with an 80.38-per-cent success rate on field goals. His career lasted 23 years.
“I have to do what I have to do,” said Wally Buono, the Lions head coach and general manager. “I don’t want Richie to lose his confidence. I don’t want the team to lose confidence in him. If we do nothing, it’s not good. “This was a good solution.” McCallum was asked if he was surprised when Buono called Monday.
“Very,” he said. “It never entered my mind, but we’ll make this work.”
Leone might have the strongest leg in the CFL, but his accuracy has been an issue and his performance against the Roughriders Saturday was troubling. He missed field goals of 30 and 45 yards and two converts. On the season, he’s 35-of-51 on field goals and 25-of30 on converts. His 68.6-per-cent success rate on field goals is lowest in the CFL among kickers with more than 20 attempts.
“I can’t go into the playoffs with everyone knowing we might be behind in one area,” Buono said. “A field goal is a scoring opportunity that either gives you momentum or takes away momentum. I think at this point, it’s better to calm the waters.”
McCallum will practise with the Lions Wednesday and figures to dress against the Roughriders Saturday at B.C. Place. Buono said he still hasn’t determined how he’ll handle the kicking chores, but said he’s considering using McCallum from 47 yards and in and Leone for longer kicks.
As for converts, Buono said: “I might go for two all the time.”
McCallum last kicked for the Lions in 2014 and spent 2015 with the Roughriders, going 29-for-36 in field goals before he was released at the end of the year.
Ironically, he signed a one-day contract with the Lions in March so he could retire as a member of the organization. Turns out that was premature. “Yeah, I am,” McCallum answered when asked if he was excited about the opportunity. “I’ve been away from it for a long time — at least it seems like a long time. But I think my leg has a little juice in it to do the job.”
The Surrey product’s best year with the Lions came in 2011 when he made 50-of-53 field goals, including 30 straight at one point. His 94.34-per-cent success rate is the second-highest in CFL history.
He was also been building a career in real estate during his playing days and was in the process of opening a fitness centre in Kamloops when Buono called.
“We talked about it and here we are,” McCallum said.