Buck’s a good guy and his team’s award makes it official

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This article was published 27/10/2011 (5151 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BREAKING NEWS: Buck Pierce is a good guy.

OK, maybe that’s not the scoop of the century, but the Bombers quarterback was recognized Wednesday as the 2011 recipient of the Ed Kotowich Good Guy Award, the club has announced.

The award, which recognizes players for their excellence on the field, leadership and extraordinary effort in the community, is handed out annually by the football team.

“I’ve always found it important to make sure you give back and do a lot of work,” Pierce said. “You don’t do it for recognition; that’s not why I do it, but it is nice to be recognized. We’ve done some good things in the community in just the short two years that I’ve been here.”

The former B.C. Lions pivot has been a permanent fixture in the city since joining the Blue and Gold before last season, choosing to live in Winnipeg year-round following his disappointing, injury-plagued 2010 campaign.

When not speaking at events or reaching out on behalf of the organization, he has donated his time to charities such as the United Way and has participated in the “I Love to Read” program at various Manitoba schools.

Pierce said his first Winnipeg winter was a rewarding experience. “It gave me a chance to get in touch with the people of Manitoba and Winnipeg.”

Kotowich, a celebrated member of the community during and after his playing days, was a former outstanding offensive lineman who played for the Bombers from 1955-61. Defensive tackle Doug Brown was last season’s Good Guy Award winner.

BEWARE THE ARGOS: Part of the message from head coach Paul LaPolice this week is a warning to not take the last-place Argonauts lightly when the Bombers (10-6) host them at Canad Inns Stadium Friday (7 p.m., TSN, CJOB).

Their record is 4-12 but the Boatmen aren’t exactly done for the season, according to LaPolice.

“They beat Calgary two weeks ago, right?” he said.

What isn’t arguable is the fact Toronto did manage to bully the Bombers 25-24 last month in a game that saw Winnipeg use three quarterbacks.

TICKET COUNT: The club announced that more than 28,000 tickets have been sold for Friday’s contest, the final regular-season home game at Canad Inns Stadium.

Sellout or not, the game will set a new season attendance record for the organization. After the first eight home dates, the club has welcomed 236,257 through the stadium turnstiles. Once the first 16,545 enter the stadium Friday, the team will set a new single-season attendance record with every fan who comes in afterwards.

The 2011 season is the first one in which the club will pass the 260,000 mark in attendance. Winnipeg has averaged 29,532 fans per game — nearly 800 more than the previous record of 28,739, set in 1985.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @wazoowazny

Injury scare

Uh-oh. Defensive back Jovon Johnson went down awkwardly Wednesday and suffered a slight left ankle injury. He left the practice and did not return to the field. Exhale, Bomber fans: it appeared to be minor.

Steven struggles

In seven starts this season, Toronto quarterback Steven Jyles is completing just 56 per cent of his passes and has twice as many interceptions than touchdown passes (10-5).