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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Gotta be the shoes

By: Paul Wiecek and Adam Wazny

Posted: 11/21/2011 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

PERHAPS the best decision Bombers running back Chris Garrett made on Sunday -- and he made many good ones during a 190-yard performance -- was made before the game even began.

After testing the footing during the pre-game warmup, Garrett decided to try out a different set of cleats that Bombers equipment man Brad Fotty had tucked away for exactly the kind of icy conditions in place.

Garrett had never worn the shoes before, but was thrilled that he did.

"They had extra grip. As I was running, I could cut easier," Garrett said. "These shoes really helped a lot."

"If it helped him mentally and physically do his job," said Fotty, "I'm cool with that."

OF the many Bombers who will be getting their first taste of Grey Cup attention, no player has a better (or more unlikely) story than Michel-Pierre Pontbriand.

The fullback and special teams player joined the Bombers practice roster back in August, after playing for Canada at the International Federation of American Football Senior World Championship in Austria. Before that, though, Pontbriand was essentially a retired player, having been away from the on-field action for four years.

Now, the 28-year-old from Quebec City is starting member of a Winnipeg side that's going to the Grey Cup. Quite a shocking turn of events for former Laval Rouge et Or product.

"It was always a dream to be a champion in the big league," he said with a big smile after Sunday's game. "Since I was young, since I was at Laval, it was always a dream to play in this game. Now we're living the dream -- I'm living the dream and we'll work hard to make it happen at the end.

"Sometimes in life you have to believe."

Though this is his first Grey Cup experience, Pontbriand might be counted on by the coaching staff to provide a little championship know-how this week. He won three titles with Laval and will no doubt be one of the thousands in attendance at BC Place Friday night, when his alma matter takes on McMaster in the 2011 Vanier Cup.

THE Bombers might be moving to a new stadium but the club isn't going anywhere on the radio dial. The club announced a seven-year extension with CJOB 680 to continue as the radio broadcast rights holder.

-- Paul Wiecek and Adam Wazny

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 21, 2011 C2

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