Shoveling first, then football one day before Vanier Cup

Less than 24 hours before playing one of the biggest games of their young lives, McMaster’s football Marauders held a final walk-through on a snow-covered Molson Stadium field Friday.

But prior to tossing around the pigskin, they were first called upon to clear away the white stuff.

A light snow dusted Montreal overnight, and it was all hands on deck before the walk-through as players and coaches grabbed shovels to clear the playing surface.

Led by Offensive Co-ordinator Jon Behie, a makeshift snow crew criss-crossed the field, clearing snow and allowing the players to see the lines and hashmarks under a clear but cold Montreal sky.

Among those at the walk through was another “first-year” Marauder, Athletics Director Glen Grunwald. Just three months into his new job, Grunwald said the success of the football team is a reflection of the commitment to excellence across the McMaster campus.

“It’s just great evidence of the quality of the program we have, the character of our coaches, and the talent of our student-athletes,” he said.

Grunwald said the high degree of McMaster pride and spirit is evidenced by the throng of alumni and supporters who are expected at the game Saturday and by the many more who will watch the Vanier Cup at campus viewing parties and events across the country.

“Our fans are really getting behind us,” he said. “We’re all going to be cheering for the Maroon tomorrow.”

On the night prior to the game, McMaster’s Alumni Association is funding a final dinner for the players and coaches. On the morning of the game, the Alumni Association is holding a pre-Vanier breakfast for alumni and fans at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

The 50th Vanier Cup between McMaster and the Universite de Montreal kicks off at 1:00 pm. It can be viewed on Sportsnet 360.