Circle these dates on your calendar (mini-camp)

[ArgoRavi]

From the following article, it looks like the Argos will be holding their mini-camp in Bradenton, Florida from April 24th to April 26th.

http://www.cfl.ca/article/teams-head-south-as-mini-camps-get-underway

[ArgoRavi]

Has anyone heard any news out of this mini-camp? Media coverage seems quite sparse.

[Argo57]

I heard about it several days ago, keep checking the Argo website and have seen nothing, made me wonder if I had the dates wrong but evidently not.
Hamilton recently their held their mini-camp and several clips are on their website as well as several articles in the Toronto Sun.
Have to give Ticats credit they are at least creating a buzz and keeping their name out there.
Argos need to do more of the same and capitalize on last years success!!!

[mchesher03]

All I could find on the Argos website was that an open try out date was being held this Saturday (the 27th). We're not trying to be secretive like the Eskimos are we (likely much easier to do in Toronto given our media here)

[ArgoRavi]

I think that it is simply the case that Toronto media outlets don't want to pay a reporter to go to Florida to cover this which is too bad. A couple of years ago, the Sun did send a reporter to cover the mini-camp in Florida but no such luck this year. The Argos, from a PR perspective, would have been better off to do this mini-camp in Toronto but there may have been football reasons and other logistical reasons why they are conducting this in Florida instead.

[bluto]

kinda ticked about this.

i actually did as Ravi suggested in the OP and circled the dates on my calendar (ok, i put them into my crackberry... same diff). and then waited anxiously to see what sort of news would come out from either the official site or the media. i didn't even care what sort of news it would be: bios about prospects signed to compete, or maybe a writeup about a returning veteran and his perspective on our title defence, or maybe a piece about our new OC reuniting with Milanovich and returning to T.O... hell... anything... it isn't as if there aren't plenty of stories surrounding the team that practically write themselves.

3 day camp comes and goes and not a thing on the OS and none of the local media can be arsed to send anybody there to see what the champions are up to. (while in the same period of time, without even trying to find them i saw 2 writeups from the Allouette's minicamp). shame on them.

maybe a few of us should've gone to minicamp and wrote the articles ourselves. it sure as hell isn't going to happen any other way.

[294life]

kinda ticked about this.

i actually did as Ravi suggested in the OP and circled the dates on my calendar (ok, i put them into my crackberry... same diff). and then waited anxiously to see what sort of news would come out from either the official site or the media. i didn't even care what sort of news it would be: bios about prospects signed to compete, or maybe a writeup about a returning veteran and his perspective on our title defence, or maybe a piece about our new OC reuniting with Milanovich and returning to T.O... hell... anything... it isn't as if there aren't plenty of stories surrounding the team that practically write themselves.

3 day camp comes and goes and not a thing on the OS and none of the local media can be arsed to send anybody there to see what the champions are up to. (while in the same period of time, without even trying to find them i saw 2 writeups from the Allouette's minicamp). shame on them.

maybe a few of us should've gone to minicamp and wrote the articles ourselves. it sure as hell isn't going to happen any other way.

same ArgodomeArgodomeArgodomeArgodomeArgodomeing, i mean b-i-t-c-h-i-n-g happening for the als on their forum.

[Argocister]

same ArgodomeArgodomeArgodomeArgodomeArgodomeing, i mean b-i-t-c-h-i-n-g happening for the als on their forum.
Although at least the ALS site has some interviews available about the mini camp.

[Argo57]

Sometimes I think the Argonauts marketing philosophy (including merchandising) is direct from the Stone Age!!
If you want to continue to build from the Grey Cup buzz laying low is not the way to go. The CFL and the Argos lost a generation of fans (now in their late 30 and early 40's) with the short sighted TV blackout rule meanwhile the NFL marketing machine keeps on ticking along.
Unfortunately the majority of the fans are not like the diehards on this forum who actually take the time and make the effort to seek out info regarding the team.
If you act like a second rate organization you will be treated as such!!!

[Ballstothewall]

Sometimes I think the Argonauts marketing philosophy (including merchandising) is direct from the Stone Age!!
If you want to continue to build from the Grey Cup buzz laying low is not the way to go. The CFL and the Argos lost a generation of fans (now in their late 30 and early 40's) with the short sighted TV blackout rule meanwhile the NFL marketing machine keeps on ticking along.
Unfortunately the majority of the fans are not like the diehards on this forum who actually take the time and make the effort to seek out info regarding the team.
If you act like a second rate organization you will be treated as such!!!
Yes, instead we now subject to story after story about the new MLSE hire. During his press conference the man, said 2 line about the NFL coming to T.O, yet that was the major headline in the Star. So we will now have to put up with this for the next 3 weeks

[Mulder]

http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2013/04/27/argos_look_for_new_blood_in_florida.html

we hadn't heard anything because the mini-camp starts Sunday. (as per article)

[argotom]

I certainly hope the Sun as being by far and away best coverage in the city, will have a writer attend.

[ArgoRavi]

I certainly hope the Sun as being by far and away best coverage in the city, will have a writer attend.

The Sun has indeed sent Frank Zicarelli to the free agent camp yesterday and, presumably, the three day mini-camp which begins today. He has a good article on a protege of Rocket Ismail's who has impressed the Argos: http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/28/friend-of-rocket-ismail-stars-at-argos-mini-camp

[argotom]

Yes Ravi, two pages on the Argos free agent camp and the mini camp, it is excellent reading as usual with the Sun.

[1argoholic]

I've always liked Frank Zicarelli and got to know him at Erindale while watching Argo practices. He never drove so he had to bus it to Mississauga. He was a funny character and I'm glad he's writing great articles to keep us fans informed.

Cool story and thanks for posting Ravi.

[bluto]

Cool story and thanks for posting Ravi.

feeling much better now.

[ArgoGabe22]

He was a funny character and I'm glad he's writing great articles to keep us fans informed.

I've been to a few practices last season but left early so I never actually saw who the reporters were. This one guy kept coming with a sleeveless shirt, backpack and couldn't stop talking in this NY Italian accent. I always thought he was just some fan or someone from near by. Probably took me a 2 months to figure out it was Frank. He is indeed a funny guy.

[argotom]

Without the Sun in this city, one would never know from the other papers that there is an Argo team and a thriving CFL.
How sad in this US wannabe metropolis.

[Wobbler]

Actually, Bob Mitchell had an article about it in The Star (http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2013/04/27/argos_look_for_new_blood_in_florida.html) yesterday, too.

[D-Gap-Willie]

http://www.thestar.com/sports/argos/2013/04/27/argos_look_for_new_blood_in_florida.html

we hadn't heard anything because the mini-camp starts Sunday. (as per article)

Well it's Sunday now ---- and still not a peep about it on argonauts.ca or on cfl.ca . If it weren't for this site and Google, all out-of-town fans like myself would get no news at all about the Argos. Somebody at Argo's office is really dropping the ball -- a great way to build excitement for the upcoming season !

[Wobbler]

Zicarelli has posted an update describing a few players' performances (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/29/lots-of-quality-and-quantity-at-argos-mini-camp).

[jerrym]

Zicarelli has posted an update describing a few players' performances (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/29/lots-of-quality-and-quantity-at-argos-mini-camp).

Thanks from another out-of-town Argo fan.

[bluto]

Zicarelli has posted an update describing a few players' performances (http://www.torontosun.com/2013/04/29/lots-of-quality-and-quantity-at-argos-mini-camp).

could someone post the text of this pls? i can't get past the pay-gate... i'm over my 20 articles.

[AngeloV]

could someone post the text of this pls? i can't get past the pay-gate... i'm over my 20 articles.

Here you go:

BRADENTON, FLA. - The pace of practice has been fast, the quality of play surprisingly good given the occasion.

Jobs aren’t won in a mini-camp setting, but jobs are lost if improvement isn’t shown.

The Argos will have an enviable problem when they review their mini-camp held at the IMG Academy.

With so much talent, so much cheap, non-import material available, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if a well-known player from last year’s roster gets released when the main camp begins in June.

In the end, that’s the nature of pro football, where literally thousands of players become available each year for so few positions.

Ricky Ray isn’t any danger of being replaced, but the tempo of the team’s workouts have certainly been beneficial.

“When you’re at home, it’s hard to replicate football training,” Ray said. “It’s nice to come out here and see a defence and throw to moving targets.”

For many, it allows a first-hand look at what’s to come.

Whether it’s head coach Scott Milanovich overseeing the offence or Chris Jones running the defence, no time is wasted and no word is minced.

EX-BEAR IGLESIAS HOPES TO CATCH ON

BRADENTON — Juaquin Iglesias thought his days in pro football had ended until the Argos presented a new start.

During his run in the NFL, Iglesias played for the Chicago Bears, a team that headed to Toronto during the 2010 season to play the host Buffalo Bills.

Iglesias was introduced to the city, enjoyed his time in Hogtown and was prepared to put aside life after football when the Argos called.

“I thought I was done,” said Iglesias at the Argos mini camp. “I got the call from Toronto and I figured I’d give it a chance.”

From a physical standpoint, Iglesias looks a little like Arland Bruce III, Toronto’s former go-to receiver who has taken his act to Montreal.

Iglesias does not have Bruce’s breakaway speed, but he’s sure-handed, knows how to get open and has certainly made an impression at mini-camp.

A lot more will be known when main camp begins, when Iglesias plays in the pre-season and competes at a position that is shaping up to be highly competitive in Argoland.

Iglesias was so convinced that his days on the gridiron had passed him by that he even re-enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the program’s all-time receiving greats.

“I was ready to go in a different direction,” said Iglesias, 25. “When Toronto contacted me, I decided to give it a shot while I still can, while I’m still young.

“I was in Toronto for a few days with the Bears and I loved the city. I had a great time. I think that helped when Toronto called.”

Drafted by the Bears in the third round in 2009, Iglesias spent two years with Chicago.

He would get invited to Minnesota’s training camp, but couldn’t stick with the Vikings.

He then spent a year and half with the Houston Texans. Iglesias was released last year.

“I thought I was done,” he said. “When you’re in the NFL, it’s like a little window. If you don’t make it, if you don’t get a call, it’s tough. I just thought it (football) was over.”

The Argos have Iglesias playing the slot position.

While he’s heard of the CFL game and receivers going in motion toward the line of scrimmage, known as the waggle, mini camp has given Iglesias is first taste of three-down football.

“I think I’ve adjusted well,” he said. “I feel good about it and I like it.”

The transition is made much easier when a quarterback such as Ricky Ray is delivering the football.

“He’s a cool guy,” Iglesias said of Toronto’s incumbent. “We talk here and there. It’s amazing how he joins Toronto and in one year the team wins it all.”

COACH TEAGUE WANTS TO PLAY AGAIN

BRADENTON — Jason Teague has briefly put aside his coaching hat to re-enter the ring that is the competitive world of pro football.

About the only regret is that Teague missed his team’s spring game on Saturday, a day when he was re-introduced to three-down football.

“The word I got is that our team (Tyler Junior College) did pretty good,” Teague said. “One of the guys is going to be signed (to a scholarship) in May and I’m really proud of that.”

Teague is 24, but he looks much younger, has auditioned in the NFL for the Houston Texans and was given a look by the Calgary Stampeders last year before being released.

He’s familiar with Argos veteran linebacker Robert McCune from Teague’s time in Calgary and is close with Brent Vinson, who is also appearing at Toronto’s mini camp.

Both Teague and Vinson are defensive backs, the two first crossing paths with the Stamps.

“We’re pushing each other,” Teague said. “We’re each trying to get over the top and make a squad.”

In Chris Jones’ defence, defensive backs must play press man coverage and they must be aggressive and be able to play fast.

Teague is long and athletic and believes the position is much harder in the CFL than it is in the NFL.

“There’s so much ground to cover and there’s only three downs,” added Teague of the CFL game. “In my opinion you’ve got to be a better DB here than in the NFL.”

Jones saw Teague on film.

“I’m willing to work hard and I definitely want to win,” Teague said. “The ultimate goal is to get that ring on your finger.”

[bluto]

thanks bro! 'preesh. :D