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Toronto Argonauts

Daryl Waud Returning Home as An Enemy in Blue

August 1, 2015 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


TORONTO - While everyone in an Argos uniform is appropriately pumped for Monday's date with the rival Tiger-Cats, there's perhaps no one on the roster more excited, or with more of an emotional attachment to the game, than defensive lineman Daryl Waud.

Waud grew up a Hamiltonian, just a few minute drive away from Ivor Wynne Stadium, where he would head along with his father and younger brother to watch the Tiger-Cats.

"I was a huge Ticats fan growing up, born and raised," said Waud following the team's final practice on Saturday. "We were actually in the film room and we saw a clip from Ivor Wynne Stadium and that really took me back to being a kid, watching the 'Cats."

And like any true Tiger-Cats fan, Waud hated the Argos.

"I've been to a bunch of the Labour Day Classics against the Argos," he said with a smile, fully understanding the irony of the situation. "I was one of the kids booing the team from the stands."

Daryl's father David was drafted by the Argonauts in 1983, and lasted one preseason game in Double Blue before being cut. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, Waud remained a Ticats fan and raised his sons the same way.

Cut to May 12, 2015. The CFL Draft is underway, and with the third pick of the second round, 12th overall, the Argonauts decide to select Waud.

"At first I saw a 416 number on my phone and I was like, 'Toronto?' I was taken aback," said Waud of his draft night experience. "A buddy of mine had texted me during the day and said that if I got a call from a Toronto number, don't pick up."

Now five weeks into his first CFL season, Waud is progressing into the player the Argonauts thought he'd be when they put him second on their draft board. Waud has taken up a position in the middle of Toronto's defensive line in rotation with fellow national Cleyon Laing, and recorded his first sack in last week's win over the Lions.

"I'm getting used to the speed of the game and the defensive system we have here, obviously I just want to keep improving as the weeks go on," he said. "(Getting that sack) felt amazing, it's always nice to get the first one under the belt. It was a big play for me, a big moment, and I'm just going to keep improving on it."

Though coaches often impress onto players the importance of not getting up too much for one individual game, no one can blame Waud for being excited at the prospect of returning home, though he understands what will come with entering Tim Hortons Field as the enemy.

"I'm not going to be surprised at what that environment is like, I've sat in those stands before I know exactly what this rivalry is all about," said Waud. "Obviously I'm thrilled to be (in Toronto), I'm so happy with how everything worked out for me and I'm excited to get down to Hamilton, put on a good show, and come back with the win."

Watching Waud play live will be a significant contingent of friends and family from Hamilton and beyond, forcing the rookie Argonaut to put the squeeze on some of his teammates for their tickets to the game.

"I had to request an extra 10 tickets," he said, "My dad bought his a while ago but I've had a few buddies text me saying they're going to scalp some tickets before the game. I've got a big crew coming out."

I'll have some nerves at the start but I'm just going to stay focused on my job and what I need to do in order for the team to win," Waud said. "It's going to be a special game for me for sure."

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