By: Mark Dewit
Offensive Lineman, Toronto Argonauts

A graduate of the Calgary Dinos program, Mark just completed his first season with the Argonauts after being drafted in the 6th round, 42nd overall by Toronto in the 2008 CFL Draft. The promising 22 year old played all 18 games with two starts, both at left guard and both against his hometown Calgary Stampeders.

In a three-part series, Mark describes the ups and downs of his first season of professional football in Toronto in “Road to the CFL”.

Previous entries: PART I PART II

PART III:
September 20th was a date I had circled on my calendar for the entire season. It was the day we played in Calgary against the Stampeders. I knew going back to my hometown to play would be one of the best experiences of my first year. Due to an unfortunate injury, Jude did not make the trip to Calgary. This would mean I was getting my first career CFL start in Calgary. Playing in front of all my family and friends was one thing, but getting my first start in front of them was a dream-come-true. While I did manage to convince some of them to wear blue and cheer for Toronto, most of them still chose to wear red and cheer for the Stampeders. Unfortunately, we lost the game, which meant that I got a hard time from pretty much everyone I knew.

Although our team did not win as many games as we all had imagined, my first CFL season will always be a memorable one. The friendships I made this year with the players, as well as other members of the Toronto Argonauts organization will last a lifetime. One group of people that I feel has to be commended for their effort is the coaching staff. Although the wins weren’t coming like we hoped, they were always working day and night trying to help turn things around. I’d like to thank them for that. One thing that I will always remember is that I got to play for a CFL coaching legend: Don Matthews.

Overall, my first year in the CFL was an amazing experience and I can only hope that every year of my CFL career is as memorable as my first. There are a few people who deserve to be thanked for their behind-the-scenes contributions to the football team. First, Erin Brooks and her team of athletic therapists, they often work longer hours than the players themselves and without them none of us would be healthy enough to play an 18-game season. Second, Danny Webb, Tom Bryce and the rest of our equipment managers who took care of all our equipment needs and were always around to help us with any problems we had. I’d also like to thank my parents, Sheryl and John Dewit. They have been the two biggest influences in my life and without them there is no way I would be where I am today.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the great fans we have in Toronto. Without all of you, there is no Canadian Football League. This is truly “Our League” and I will always be proud to be a Toronto Argonaut.

Previous editions of 'Road to the CFL' - Bryan Crawford (2005) Part 1 | Part 2, Brian Ramsay (2007) Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3