WHSFL might have to move finals, depending on weekend CFL results

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/11/2011 (5144 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg High School Football League finalist teams will be cheering for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday – and not just because the Bombers are the hometown Canadian Football League team.

WHSFL commissioner Paul Normandeau said he has been told by a Winnipeg Football Club representative that the high school championship games — originally slated for Canad Inns Stadium on Nov. 9 and 10 — will have to be moved if the Bombers host the CFL Eastern division semifinal on Nov. 13.

The playoff scenario for the Bombers is this: beat Calgary on Saturday and finish first in the East and get a bye to the division final… or, if the Bombers lose and Montreal beats B.C.,  Montreal will win the East and the Bombers host the semifinal.

“If the Bombers win or Montreal loses, we will be playing our championship games here in the stadium on the 9th and the 10th,” Normandeau said.

“If the Bombers lose and Montreal wins, then we’re going to either play Nov. 14 and 15, that’s a Monday and Tuesday, here in the Stadium or the 9th and the 10th at East Side (field). I’ll meet with the coaches (of the finalist teams) after our press conference on Monday, Nov. 7 and we’ll discuss it — it’s up to the coaches. But we’ll know by Saturday night what our situation is.”

Normandeau said was told by the Bombers that they need the field for the whole week before the game.

“They have to re-paint the logos and do other work and he (the official) was very apologetic but they need the whole week to do that,” Normandeau said.

Darren Cameron, the Bombers’ director of media relations, said there are many logistical issues that would make it difficult to have the high school finals in the Stadium next week if the Bombers are hosting a playoff game next weekend.

“Due to the fact it would be a playoff game, our stadium operations would be working throughout the week to remove all field logos from the turf and replacing with all league sponsors for playoff games. This is a major process in itself and would prevent the field from being ready until Sunday,” Cameron said in an email from Calgary. He noted the painting would have to start on Monday.

“We also must account for inclement weather factoring into this. This scenario has happened in previous years and we’ve had to prepare for alternate locations.”

Normandeau said he sent an email to the high school coaches earlier this week outlining the WHSFL’s situation and has received mixed reactions.

“Some are angry, they’re voicing their opinions. But there’s no use getting excited about it because we don’t know yet,” Normandeau said.

“I’ve got feedback and it’s basically split down the middle (if the WHSFL has to change the location or dates). Some want to wait until the 14th and 15th to play in the Stadium, the Big House, and others just want to get it over with and play at East Side.”

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca