Twas the night before training camp!

Twas the night before training camp, and throughout Montreal
The ’09 Stingers were gathering for a new season this fall.
The equipment was hung in their lockers with care,
In just one more day football, again, would be there.

Rookies and veterans all snug in their beds,
While visions of touchdowns and sacks danced in their heads.
And Craney in his PJ’s, and McGrath in his cap,
Still racking their brains on what to do on each snap.

With a new season comes hope and a whole bunch of chatter,
But at the end of the day only one trophy will matter.
Away is the off-season, gone like a flash.
Faster than Ferdinand in the forty yard dash.

The moon will set and the sun will rise,
And this years Stingers will appear before our eyes.
Ready to work as hard as it takes,
Blood, sweat and tears and complete body aches.

MacKay will quarterback and offense, so lively and quick,
Protected by linemen who promise to be as strong as they are thick.
The bird gang will ‘call’ and this season will fly,
But running backs with bird names, I still don’t know why?

Receivers will flank to the left and the right,
But it will be Coach Brad’s signal calling that is sure to excite.
Once the play is in, defenses will moan.
Because on any given play a number of Stingers can find the end zone.

A touch of Donnelly here and a splash of Mitchell Jr. there
Numerous spins by Watson promise to scare.
Mahoney with the ball is always a sight
And if that’s not enough Concordia’s ‘Black D’ is sure to spoil your night.

Fifth year man Mark Deslauriers is once again back,
Bringing with him a ferocious, a potent defensive attack.
On the line stand JP, Turp, Forbes and a bear,
If you get through still standing, Greenwood will be there.

Those caught crossing the middle will have their heads simply Hum.
If you are unclear what I mean, Nick, will kindly demonstrate where the expression comes from.
So keep the ball to the outside if you think that is best,
And quickly find out new Stinger Taylor is ‘Prime’ for the test.

If the defense should falter or the offense should stall,
Then their special teams units will answer the call.
Regimbald is their general in this game of chess
Just don’t ask him to spell Rene Paredes.

No matter the name being displayed on their back,
There is only one name to describe the whole pack.
C-O-N-C-O-R-D-I-A
And for all those who wear it there is no other way.

So bring on the Redmen and the Gaiters too,
The green and gold foxes and the Carabin blue.
And in Quebec City the Laval Rouge et Or,
Lest we forget last years Coupe Dunsmore.

But the past is the past and now a new season begins
I won’t spoil the ending; you’ll have to tune in to see who wins.
You don’t have to wait long, for tomorrow the Stingers unite,
And embark once again on the Quebec conference fight.

The start will be simple, McGrath, to his team give a whistle,
And together they will run like the down of a thistle.
But you’ll hear them exclaim as they run out of sight
“Football is back at Concordia, to all comers good-night!”

Welcome to Dan Rodrigues

The Concordia Stingers are pleased to announce Dan Rodrigues will take over the Stingers Update, a student-athlete blog covering the football team's season. A native of Oakville, Ont., Dan is in his fourth year as a wide receiver with the Stingers. He switched majors in 2008 and is now in his second year studying in Concordia University's prestigious Journalism program.

Dan will share his opinions and experiences with the Stingers football program and offer some insight on life around the Concordia athletic complex. A gifted writer, his wit and keen intelligence will surely keep Stinger fans entertained.

Check back regularly to get an insider’s view of Concordia football and life in a Stinger uniform.