Grant Shaw had a chance to put the Huskies up a couple with under 20 to play when he lined up a 35 yard field goal. The kicker had gone 5 for 5 on the day, but his sixth kick was not to be. The miss cost the U of S a chance to chase down their Vanier Cup dream, and that is too bad. But in sport there must be a winner and a loser, that's just the way it is.
Now, I have nothing against Grant Shaw, in fact, I've never met him. There's a good chance his a real nice guy and a great teammate. And let's face it, the entire play didn't go right from the beginning. The holder mishandled the snap (probably throwing Shaw's timing off) and the kick may have been deflected by the Dinos at the line. All tough breaks.
No....My beef is with none of this...These things happen. There were dozens of other plays that one could point to that would have contributed to the Huskies narrowly losing...No, No. The reason I am sour is because of what Shaw did after the game.
"Grant Shaw declined comment." Are you kidding me? A University kicker declined comment? I know my colleagues in Saskatoon and how hard they cover this team all year and now, the key player in the key play of the season won't talk. Shame on you Mr. Shaw. Have some guts. Be a man for goodness sake.
In March I had the good fortune of covering the CIS Women's National Basketball Championship. Player of the year Kelsey Hodgson was shut down in her first game of the tournament and felt she let her team down...Tears flowing from her eyes, she came to do an interview. The young girl composed herself for 5 minutes to speak with us, but as soon as the cameras were off...on came the tears. Classy move by her to speak with us.
Same tournament. Sunday final. The U of R Cougars had just lost the National title on their home floor. Several 5th year players, eyes red with tears came forward to do interviews. Chelsea Cassano, Jessica Lynch and Meghan Cherkas all stood and talked while the tapes rolled. Do you think it was an easier on them than it would be on Grant Shaw?
Its a tough break for the young U of S kicker and I hope he bounces back, but I also hope he realizes that there is "No crying in football, " at least when its time to do an interview.
