No clear leader in punting dogfight

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/06/2013 (4500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IT has all the makings of a decent reality show: The vet vs. the legend’s kid vs. the Aussie vs. the forgotten man.

Welcome to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers punting battle, featuring incumbent Mike Renaud, Brett Cameron, Tim Hutchison and Billy Pavolpoulas. And the fight for the right to kick has become one of the more intriguing battles at camp.

In the morning session, Renaud showcased some serious hang time and length while Cameron struggled on several attempts.

In the afternoon, Hutchinson, the Australian, and Pavlopoulas, a former UBC kicker, were strong. Pavlopoulas, in particular, showed off a mighty leg.

But as with many battles, the assessments go up and down.

“I didn’t really notice today,” Burke said in the morning, asked about Cameron specifically. “Up to this point, I thought he’s looked pretty good. Really, all of them have done a pretty good job. Certainly Mike has picked up his pace and has been more consistent.”

Burke said it’s possible two punters could remain with the team, one of them on the practice roster.

GOING TO SCHOOL: Regarding the pressure on the Bombers’ top DBs, Burke was asked if he might be too critical of his defence, given that defence has been his career specialty.

“I’ve really spent a lot of the off-season and mini-camp and rookie camp and training camp, in the offensive rooms,” Burke said. “I haven’t spent much time with the defence in meetings because I want to know exactly what’s being taught and how the offence works and all that. I’m getting a pretty good education.”

SAD NEWS: Marion Gaines, wife of former Bomber coach and hall of famer Gene Gaines, who had friends all across the CFL, recently passed away in Harbor City, Calif., after a short illness.

— Tait and Campbell