Courtesy Regina Leader Post:

When he played in Las Vegas, Anthony Calvillo dealt with practising in the parking lot of a hotel casino. In Hamilton, Ont., it was the physical and mental anguish of being on a terrible team.

And now this.

Although his wife, Alexia Kontolemos, is suffering from a form of cancer and continues to undergo treatment, the veteran quarterback has vowed to play the entire season with the Alouettes. Calvillo, of course, took a leave of absence last October (after Kontolemos was stricken with B-cell lymphoma) and was replaced down the stretch by Marcus Brady.

“I don’t see myself leaving the team,” Calvillo, 35, said Saturday, as the CFL team’s training camp began with physicals followed by team and individual meetings. Montreal players hit the field this morning for the first time, albeit at an indoor stadium.

“I’m committed to be here the entire season, and don’t see myself leaving,” said Calvillo, the Als’ regular starter since 2000. “If she’s in hospital, my commitment is to be here. But that’s easier said than done.”

Kontolemos, according to Calvillo, has completed her chemotherapy treatments, but has yet to start radiation. She has a PET scan scheduled for Wednesday, following which doctors will determine the course of her remaining treatment.

“But she’s doing well and looks well,” Calvillo stressed.

It was during the winter, once Calvillo determined he could and would return for a 15th CFL season, he and his wife sat down and discussed how and why this would occur. A pro athlete’s life isn’t always easy. Training camp lasts three weeks and is out of town. Not only will there be regular road trips during the season, the Als will stay out West between July games in Saskatchewan and B.C.

“I’m definitely going into an area I’ve never been, having my wife battle cancer,” Calvillo admitted. “The tough part will be if she has to go back for chemo treatment and I continue playing. The biggest challenge will be whether I can do it mentally, if she’s in hospital and I’m playing. That’s my battle.

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