Volume 96, Issue 49
Tuesday, November 26, 2002
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EDITORIAL
What is Fantuz's best route?
It's been quite a year for Andy Fantuz.
The Mustangs prized wide receiver set a new Canadian Interuniversity Sport
standard for his position, pulling down an astronomical 1,300 yards receiving
this season. He was Western's go-to-guy in the clutch, the poster boy
for The Gazette's "Purple Pipe" award, handed out weekly
to the Mustangs athlete that kicks the greatest amount of ass, and probably
saved puppies in his spare time.
Oh, by the way – did we mention he's an 18-year-old rookie?
The Chatham, Ontario native definitely did his part and then some for Western's football team this year. Last Thursday, as part of the Vanier Cup weekend festivities, Fantuz was given his due by being named CIS Rookie of the Year in what was the biggest no-brainier since "to study, or to party."
Fantuz has accomplished in one year what many hopeful players wish to achieve over the course of a CIS career. The question that begs answering now, is; what can "Tooz" do for an encore?
Nothing shy of winning the Vanier Cup next year with Most Valuable Player honours to boot, will suffice for Fantuz. The unenviable string attatched with setting a monster precedent in any field is that, more often than not, there is very little you can do to top it.
The pressure will be on next year and Fantuz knows it. Nothing can crush the swagger of an athlete like crippling expectations – something Fantuz can expect bucket loads of next season.
Will Fantuz fall victim to the dreaded "sophomore jinx?" It wouldn't be the first time an athlete has faltered following a terrific season. While neither of them were rookies last year, look no further than the sub-standard play of National Hockey League players Jarome Iginla and José Theodore for evidence of that. Both lads cleaned up last year at the NHL awards after breakthrough seasons, only to find life significantly less rosy this year.
Perhaps a more realistic prospect for Fantuz is that he has already achieved all he can on an individual level in the CIS. Maybe, to improve his career options, he should consider heading to a more intensive football program in the United States. He would certainly be taking a reduced role – not to mention he'd have to sit out one full season – but, because Fantuz is only 18-years-old, you have to wonder if it's worth the risk for him. Not taking anything away from players in the CIS, but he quite simply won't be pushed here like he would in the NCAA – even if it was on the practice squad.
Of course, from a Western point of view, it would be sad to see him go. Canadian universities already lose so many athletes to the lure of scholarships to the U.S. and it would be too bad to lose another.
But, just like everybody else in life, the man who wears number two for Western has to look out for number one.
LETTERS