Generations of CFL fans excited for Labour Day Classic at Hamilton Stadium

Tickets are already sold out for the Labour Day Classic at the Hamilton Stadium next week, where the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will face longtime rival the Toronto Argonauts.

Fans are hoping the weather holds up for the 54th year of the game, to watch a rivalry that is as strong as ever.

It’s a show with a long-standing rivalry dating back to 1949. For any team, the first line of sight is the Grey Cup, the next is the Labour Day Classic.

“If there’s one game each team wants to win, it’s the Labour Day Classic,” said Rick Zamperin, the play-by-play announcer for the Ticats Audio Network.

Zamperin is the voice of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and recalled his favourite game.

“It was a phenomenal game for Troy Davis,” said Zamperin. “He ran for a franchise record amount of yards on the ground, and Ticats-Argos tied in overtime — it was a phenomenal game.”

Zamperin said when it comes to this year’s Labour Day Classic, all rules and records go out the window.

“Toronto is coming off a big win at home last time around in terms of their regular season, and they needed that win,” said Zamperin. “Hamilton is coming off a couple of losses in a row.”

Zamperin still has faith the Ticats have the momentum.

The next generation of football players hyped for Labour Day Classic

During the beginning of training camp for the senior football program at St. Jean de Brébeuf Secondary School, students get ready while talking about the Ticats and the Argos.

“No matter what day you see them play, especially Labour Day, it’s always the show to watch,” said Michael Caprio, the quarterback for the Brébeuf Braves.

Jahurane Maseko, who plays as a defensive end, transferred from Toronto’s Central Technical School two months ago, and even played with the Junior Argos.

Now at Brébeuf, he’s being swayed to the black and gold.

“It’s probably going to be a competitive game, because both teams are good,” said Maseko, “but — and I hate to say this — the Ticats are going to win.”

Other players at camp feel the same way.

“Overall, I think we have a better offence and we can shut down their defence easily,” said Gabriel Kartsomanis, who plays for the Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School football program as a wide receiver. “I think our QB can get the job done.”

“I think they’re winning one hundred per cent,” said Alexander Ayantayo, another student from Bishop Ryan who plays on the defensive line. “I feel like their offence and defence are amazing — their special team’s ability to punt the ball is amazing.”

Akarika Dawn is the star corner of Brébeuf’s senior football program.

Bishop Ryan happens to be one of their biggest rivals, and has this advice for the Ticats before Monday’s game.

“Just calm down, and play your game,” said Dawn.

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