A look back at 2018

[Mike Hogan]

I just wrote this for the website. It became the never-ending column, but it's pretty thorough.

I'll post it here and ask you to share your personal highlights from the season. They may be related to the games, they could be something that happened with friends or family.

I look forward to reading your submissions.

Hoagie

https://www.argonauts.ca/2019/01/18/hogans-top-18-18/

[gilthethrill]

A great read on a tough season. Well done sir.

[doubleblue]

Great article Mike.

I was interested on your comments of llevi Noel. I was hoping the Argos would take him in the second round back in 2016 (I wanted Lauzon-Seguin at #1) and thought they were lucky he was still there in the 4th. Maybe it was because he had gone back to Junior Football from U of T, don't know, but the fact they had him at #15 on their board made me feel I wasn't wrong about him. They have brought him along slow as he learns how to be a Pro receiver but he should be ready for a full time spot in the ratio now. IMO

[Downtownfan]

Great piece Mike-- glad to have you giving us the inside scoop.

[Mike Hogan]

Thanks for the kind words all, much appreciated, but I was hoping to find out your highlights of this year, on the field and off.

[Jon Gonzo]

Great read Hogie!

I think people appreciate this type of writing more than you think. I found the article very relatable and doubt I am alone -- I just love to read about the inside stuff.

For a football fan it feels like you are gaining insight. GOLD. The mainstream media doesn't cover this type of anecdotal blog-styled writing and insight is like currency to the fan(atics).

I can't speak for everyone but if you blogged your travels with the team, I for one would be sure to read them.

Just my 2cents. Thanks again.

[Argofan_1000]

I didn't like seeing the QB's get hurt throughout the league. Seeing Ricky creamed, that was a low for me. I have been an advocate of getting rid of the on field ratio. I would like to see the player that best fits the situation be on the field. I am all for keeping the team ratio but do believe it hinders the game with this rule. I don't think the players need this any more. It may of been needed decades ago but coaches juggling lineups because of this needs to go, They need to substitute based on situation, I think.

I didn't like the treatment of Carter. He has faults, but being the grownups here we should of taken the high road with this young guy. Also the stubbornness of the coach with us faltering, I was angry at Trestman

Always love the play of SJ. I still can't believe the Als let this guy walk.

I am hoping the QB situation gets resolved. We need one of these guys to evolve into the next Ray. Don't know if they have the tools

[Will]

The away viewing party at Real Sports was a great idea! The knock on the Argo fanbase is that we are sometimes too willing to sit on our couches at home and watch the game, but congregating in one spot to watch a game gets visibility out there, and will only help to defuse stereotypes as time goes along.

[GregR]

Great article Mike! Loved getting the behind the scenes look.

[argos1873]

2018 was such a crappy year, I don't even want to read. Though I'm sure its good, since you wrote it Hoagie.

[R.J]

Went to the Shipyard a couple of times in 2018 and quite enjoyed. That, the Grey Cup rings, and $5 beers are about the only real positives I can think of.

[Neely2005]

The come back win against Ottawa.

Best home schedule that I can ever remember.

$5 Beers in the stadium.

Grey Cup rings, twice.

[AngeloV]

Getting out to 9 games with buddies and having a great time regardless of the game's outcome.

Meeting up with some great members of this site including Will, gilthethrill, Argo57 and Ravi. If I missed anyone, apologies.

[Mike Hogan]

Hey Gonzo;

I appreciate the kind words, but if I write from that angle too much I fear it may change my relationship with the players. I don't want them to change how they'd act around me if i wrote a column like that. I think that I slide behind-the-scenes info that I acquire into my articles in a subtle way, still giving Argo fans "inside" stuff that others reporters can't get. The podcast also lets me talk about stuff that may not find its way into an article. I love your idea, but I'd be really uncomfortable doing it. I also really hate writing in the first person. LOL

I remain open to any suggestions though.

Thanks. to all for the kind words, I'm really happy you enjoyed the column.

Hoagie

[Argo57]

Getting out to 9 games with buddies and having a great time regardless of the game's outcome.

Meeting up with some great members of this site including Will, gilthethrill, Argo57 and Ravi. If I missed anyone, apologies.

Agreed Angelo, roll on June!

[argonaut11xx]

As an argofan since they wore those awesome baby blue uniforms in he mid 1970's, i've stuck with this team through the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

After that surprising and amazing Grey Cup victory, i was pumped looking forward to the 2018 season.

For some reason, maybe around the time that Ricky went down, it just seemed like the team went on a very slow auto-pilot. They were boring. Not fun to watch. No highlight, no emerging star.

I PVR'd every game as usual. But unlike almost every year before, it was not a priority to watch the game live. I cared less and less as the season progressed.

My friends and family know that im VERY selfish for 18 days a year, and maybe a few extra if the Argo's make the playoffs. Last year after watching the mishandling of Franklin, Carter, and the boring predicable offence. I actually did other things when there was an Argo game, and by the time they came to BC to play, i didnt even go. (the year prior i took 15 people)

The passion is still there, but needs to be reignited, my gut worries for this team, and the league in general.

Writing this while wearing an Argo hoodie, and Argo cap. I have Argo banners on my living room wall, and other Argo memorabilia.

Bottom line about 2018, it was a season that made it VERY hard to be a passionate argofan, there was little to cheer about and fewer positive things to follow.

Dont have a clue what the answer is, but sure do hope that somehow this team can provide a spark to its loyal but dwindling fanbase.

At least it will be almost impossible to be worse in 2019

I just want something, anything to get excited about

[Argo57]

As an argofan since they wore those awesome baby blue uniforms in he mid 1970's, i've stuck with this team through the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

After that surprising and amazing Grey Cup victory, i was pumped looking forward to the 2018 season.

For some reason, maybe around the time that Ricky went down, it just seemed like the team went on a very slow auto-pilot. They were boring. Not fun to watch. No highlight, no emerging star.

I PVR'd every game as usual. But unlike almost every year before, it was not a priority to watch the game live. I cared less and less as the season progressed.

My friends and family know that im VERY selfish for 18 days a year, and maybe a few extra if the Argo's make the playoffs. Last year after watching the mishandling of Franklin, Carter, and the boring predicable offence. I actually did other things when there was an Argo game, and by the time they came to BC to play, i didnt even go. (the year prior i took 15 people)

The passion is still there, but needs to be reignited, my gut worries for this team, and the league in general.

Writing this while wearing an Argo hoodie, and Argo cap. I have Argo banners on my living room wall, and other Argo memorabilia.

Bottom line about 2018, it was a season that made it VERY hard to be a passionate argofan, there was little to cheer about and fewer positive things to follow.

Dont have a clue what the answer is, but sure do hope that somehow this team can provide a spark to its loyal but dwindling fanbase.

At least it will be almost impossible to be worse in 2019

I just want something, anything to get excited about

Haven’t seen you post as much in a while, nice to see you back!

[argonaut11xx]

Haven’t seen you post as much in a while, nice to see you back!

Thanks, if i may quote John Cleese, " I'm not dead yet"

[Argo57]

Thanks, if i may quote John Cleese, " I'm not dead yet"

Perfect👍

[Jon Gonzo]

Hey Gonzo;

I appreciate the kind words, but if I write from that angle too much I fear it may change my relationship with the players. I don't want them to change how they'd act around me if i wrote a column like that. I think that I slide behind-the-scenes info that I acquire into my articles in a subtle way, still giving Argo fans "inside" stuff that others reporters can't get. The podcast also lets me talk about stuff that may not find its way into an article. I love your idea, but I'd be really uncomfortable doing it. I also really hate writing in the first person. LOL

I remain open to any suggestions though.

Thanks. to all for the kind words, I'm really happy you enjoyed the column.

Hoagie

Thanks Hoagie, really like that draft-room war strategy you wrote up in the past also. JGM