Calgary Stampeders share favourite Labour Day Classic memories
Memorable Loss on Labour Day
“It’s weird, but the one that stands out the most was a loss. Mike McCoy was my backup at QB. It was hot, and we wore our blacks, and it was just so hot on that old turf, and we ended up tied. We went to overtime, and they got a field goal. And then we throw a ball down to the one-yard line on second down. And (head coach) Wally (Buono) says, ‘OK, let’s go for it, and Mike did the short-yardage package. We got it into the end zone, but they had called a late timeout. So we went for it again and didn’t get it — and it was game over and an Edmonton win. We went to Edmonton the next week and whooped them, which is nice to remember. But that Labour Day game is right there for me — the one that I can’t get out of my brain.”
Reflecting on a Heartbreaking Loss
Football games have a way of leaving a lasting impression on players, even when they don’t end in victory. For one player, a Labour Day matchup against Edmonton stands out as a particularly memorable loss. Despite the intense heat and a tied score that led to overtime, the game ultimately ended in defeat for his team.
Turning Defeat into Motivation
Although the loss on Labour Day was a tough pill to swallow, it served as motivation for the team to come back stronger in their next game against Edmonton. The following week, they were able to turn the tables and secure a decisive victory, proving that setbacks can fuel future success.
While wins may fade from memory over time, it’s often the losses that stick with us and drive us to improve. This player’s recollection of that fateful Labour Day game serves as a reminder that even in defeat, there are lessons to be learned and opportunities for growth.
