Concordia's Thursday Report

Assistant Registrar Peter Regimbald, and his son Scott, a Stampeder.

by John Austen

Assistant Registrar Peter Regimbald says that Sunday, Nov. 25, was the longest day of his life. It was filled with trepidation, anticipation — and ultimately, much celebration at the Olympic Stadium.

Regimbald’s son Scott is a member of the Calgary Stampeders, who won the Grey Cup, beating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in front of more than 61,000 fans at the Big O. “It was a long, agonizing day for [wife Diane] and me, but in the end, it was a very exciting moment,” Pete said. “To see Scott compete for the national championship and then win it in his home town was just tremendous.”

The Stampeders arrived in Montreal six days before the game, and Scott was able to visit his parents in their Pointe Claire home for a few minutes each day. “He even took Diane out to lunch. Believe it or not, they went to la Belle Province for a poutine.”

While he rarely offers his son tips, Peter Regimbald knows a thing or two about football himself. Growing up in Lachine, he played for the Juvenile Lakers before spending four years with the NDG Junior Maple Leafs in the late 1950s and early 60s. He made it to the professional ranks, playing for the Montreal Alouettes in 1964.

Scott, 26, began his football career in the West Island where he was a star member of the Lakeshore Peewee Cougars at the age of 13. He left home four years later to play CEGEP football in Lennoxville for the Champlain Cougars. He then contacted more than 50 schools in the U.S. about the possibility of getting a scholarship.

He had several offers from the likes of Maryland and Kentucky, but eventually chose the University of Houston, where he played for — the Cougars.

“For a Canadian kid to step in and play four years at a top school like that and letter every season is quite something,” Peter said.

“I remember watching him play a game in Tennessee in front of more than 104,000 people. That was an incredible experience, and he played very well. He’s good in high-pressure situations.”

Scott, who played tight end at university, was drafted in the first round last year by the Stampeders. “He’s proven to be very versatile,” Peter said. “He can play fullback, tight end, tackle, slotback and wideout. From all accounts, they’re very happy with him in Calgary.”

Scott lives year-round in Calgary and trains five days a week to keep in shape. He’s about to enter his option year with the Stampeders.

“He’s remained pretty much injury-free throughout his career,” his father said. “He’s an intense physical player. He’s always been very focused and driven.”

Peter says his son is happy in Calgary, but like every football player, he still harbours dreams of playing in the National Football League. “You never know,” Peter said. “He always accomplishes what he sets out to do, so nothing would really surprise me.”