1. Thanks for agreeing to answer some questions for us today. To start off, tell us a bit about yourself!
I spent around 13 years in the broadcast journalism world both in Los Angeles (where I grew up) and in Columbus, OH. (where I moved for what was supposed to be a year to get my Masters). And then she walked through the door, and the rest is history. I've been in higher ed for 13 years now. My first teaching position was at Texas Tech University. I then moved to Pittsburgh and taught at Point Park University for seven years before taking a spot at Robert Morris University three years ago. Currently, I am the Director of our Center for Innovative Teaching and Directed Engaged Learning, and an associate professor in the School of Communications and Information Systems.
2. What attracted you to the CFL?
Of course, I'm a sports fan; and like many Americans, football is a sport I watch closely. But over the past six years or so I've become increasingly disenchanted with the NFL. As that interest began to decline, I started watching CFL games. I find the game to be more enjoyable to watch. There is more passing, more daring play calling, more enthusiasm on the field, and, mostly, I appreciate the apparent absence of ego and commercialism.
3. What do you like about the CFL? Anything you dislike?
Part of that answer is in question 2. I'll add that the larger field allows for more potential for the offense. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a big fan of the rouge. It's different. It's a bit quirky. But it also can be an important scoring device.
If there's one thing I dislike it's that the teams can't attract more top-line players from the States. If the league had deeper pockets, then there would be a chance for players to see their options in Canada as more than just a kind-of backup plan.
4. Do you have a favorite team? How about favorite players?
I've loved the city of Toronto for a long time, so the Argonauts became my favorite team quite easily. In fact, I've been to two Argonauts games. Like most people, I can't wait for the move to BMO. Rogers Centre doesn't work well for that team. I also picked Saskatchewan as a second choice, so to speak. Basically, I figured I had to decide between Calgary and Saskatchewan, who were the two best Western Division teams for a few years.
As for favorite players, I like those players who wear their heart on their sleeve when they play. I think Chad Owens is an example of that. Kory Sheets did the same in Saskatchewan. Chip Cox looks like he falls into that category. But Anthony Calvillo was my favorite when he played. A leader. A champion. A great family man. And someone who embraced living in Canada.
5. Ever made a trip to a game? If so, how was the experience?
Twice to Toronto and once to Montreal. My family and I saw the Argos and Lions in 2013 as part of our vacation to Toronto and Ottawa. In 2014, an academic convention I attend almost every year was in Montreal, and the Alouettes were playing the Eskimos. I couldn't pass that up. (And what a beautiful walk down the hill as the evening sky serves as a backdrop to the downtown buildings.) I then won one of those write-the-caption-for-this-picture contests on the Argos home page a couple weeks later. My boys and I took in that game.
I must thank Lauren Roberts, who is one of the many game-day personnel at Argos games. He gave me his two free tickets to the game my family and I attended in 2013. You'll almost always find the two of us on Twitter when Toronto is playing. We share a few good laughs when we can.
6. What kind of reaction do you get from fellow Americans when you tell them you follow the CFL?
They often scratch their heads and wonder if I've lost a few brain cells. None of my American friends dislike the CFL, but almost no one on that list has actually watched a couple games. Yes, it's a different game than is played in the U.S. Sure, the talent levels are not the same. But I try to convince them that if they give it time, they'll like it. I have convinced my two sons to pay attention to what's going on. That's a start!
7. Anything else you'd like to share?
One of these years, I've got to get to a Grey Cup. The problem is that it traditionally falls on Thanksgiving weekend in the U.S. I've not quite figured out how to convince my wife, her family and my family that I need to ditch all of them so that I can go to the game. Any hints would help!!
8. How can others get in touch with you to talk CFL?
I'm on Twitter at @morettiphd. I also check my email far too often, so you can email me at morettiphd@gmail.com. Just be sure to put something like "Fellow CFL fan" or something like that in the subject line. If I see a name that I don't recognize, I generally immediately delete that message.
Thanks!
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Just a couple of comments from my end. Lauren Roberts was one of the first people on Twitter to welcome me to the CFL Twitter community. I wanted to also thank Anthony for taking the time to answer these questions for me, it's definitely appreciated!
Also, as far as the Thanksgiving thing goes, good luck with that. I'm fortunate to have a very understanding wife!
Again, if you want to be a part of this series, please get in touch with me either on twitter at @usfltecmo or by e-mail at usfltecmo AT hotmail DOT com.
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