Sep
Buono sets CFL record in Lions win
Courtesy Globe and Mail:
Wally Buono is known as a tough, no-nonsense football coach, someone who is loath to show emotion or weakness on the field.
But after recording his 232nd career victory on Saturday, Buono established a new CFL mark for coaches, and was reduced to tears and mush.
The B.C. Lions general manager and head coach began crying during an on-field interview with TSN, when his thoughts turned to his mother, who is afflicted with Alzheimer’s and lives in a Montreal nursing home. Then, after addressing the team, Buono was filled with patriotism and sentiment for the CFL, saying the league is important to Canadians and has blessed his life.
“Honestly, all I hope is that the league is around and healthy for a very long time to come,” Buono said after a 23-17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. “I’ve put a lot of my life into this league, and it’s given a lot to me.”
In the locker room, Lions players presented Buono with a game ball and a photo montage as the B.C. Place Stadium crowd of 27,515 dispersed. Quarterback Buck Pierce said the team wanted Buono to earn the record at home, when his family could be present, and team captain Angus Reid said Buono was quick to credit his players for his 20 years of success on the sidelines. Buono said he would give game balls to his wife, Sande, and his youngest daughter, Christie, who sends him a note after every game.
Buono, 59, is the most tenured coach in the CFL by a wide margin, and owns 200 more victories than his current counterparts.
Don Matthews, who set the record for career victories in 1997, breaking the old mark of 147 wins owned by “The Professor” Frank Clair, was in attendance and predicted that Buono’s record will never be broken. Matthews, who is retired and living in nearby Oregon, made the trip to Vancouver to pass the torch.
“If I’m going to be No. 2, I’d want to be No. 2 to Wally,” Matthews said.
The Lions built a 14-point lead in the first half, but trailed 17-14 midway through the third quarter as the visitors lulled them to sleep.
B.C. scored on their first three possessions, getting a 15-yard field goal and a 68-yard punt single from Sean Whyte, and a one-yard touchdown run from Martell Mallett.
They were helped by two interceptions from halfback Korey Banks, and a botched punt by Toronto. Long snapper Steve Schmidt hiked the ball into up-back Bryan Crawford, handing B.C. excellent field position.
Whyte would add a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter before the Argos responded with 10 points in one minute.
After a 44-yard field goal from Justin Medlock, rookie safety James Green blocked a Whyte punt. Jordan Younger scooped up the ball and trotted 18 yards to the end zone.
In the third quarter, Toronto converted two third-and-short situations on its first drive. Jamal Robertson capped the march with a one-yard touchdown, giving the Argos a 17-14 lead.
Whyte tied the game, than put B.C. ahead, with field goals of 41 and 32 yards. He kicked another 32-yard field goal with 32 seconds remaining.
