SADEGHIAN OFF AND RUNNING AT MAC CAMP

By Larry Moko
The Hamilton Spectator

HAMILTON - Taking a handoff during yesterday's controlled scrimmage at Ivor Wynne Stadium, Andre Sadeghian of the McMaster football Marauders broke through the defensive line and raced 90 yards for a touchdown.

Impressive for someone who has never played a game against Ontario University Athletics competition.

Sadeghian, a tailback from Beamsville, is a transfer with two years of experience as a member of the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. He'll be eligible to play for the Maroon and White this fall.

\"We knew Andre was very gifted, but to watch him explode up the middle for 90 yards-plus was fun to see,\" McMaster head coach Stefan Ptaszek said at the conclusion of Marauders' four-day spring camp yesterday. \"He does all the little things. He blocks and catches. He's a fantastic player.\"

Ptaszek, who last December stood on the same field as an offensive co-ordinator and watched his Laurier Golden Hawks defeat Saskatchewan Huskies for the Vanier Cup championship, said Mac's spring session was productive.

\"There's enough new faces in our coaching staff that we needed to learn how to communicate with each other and to the players,\" Ptaszek said. \"And the players needed to get a feel for the direction the program is going. I think we accomplished all of those things.\"

Ptaszek, who also played briefly for Hamilton Tiger-Cats, praised the leadership shown during the four practices and scrimmage by veterans Jesse Card (defensive back), Jon Behie (slotback) and Adam Archibald (quarterback).

About 70 players participated in the workouts.

\"The tempo of the camp, because of coach Ptaszek and the new guys, was incredible,\" Archibald said. \"Everybody had a good time.

\"Obviously, a lot of us are still getting the rust off.\"

Archibald, who missed several games last season because of injuries, feels healthy again.

Ptaszek said the Marauders, as a group, worked hard and showed a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

\"We'll all be going home for the summer excited for Aug. 20 to get here,\" to open training camp.

Ptaszek said the players all have their workout programs and it appears they're a motivated group who will be on task.

When the players return to campus, Alumni Field will be completed. In fact, the artificial surface is scheduled to be in place in the next couple of weeks, in time for the opening of the Ticats training camp.

The new Athletics and Recreation Centre will be ready this fall and a new $13-million stadium is due to be completed in time for the opening of the 2007 OUA football season.

Mississauga Warriors of the Ontario Varsity Football League shared the field with the Marauders yesterday.

And about 40 game officials from across Canada -- wearing their striped shirts -- watched the two teams and participated in a referees clinic.

lmoko@thespec.com 905-526-2458

Reprinted with permission from The Hamilton Spectator.