CFL Toronto Argonauts

Argo veterans O\'Shea and Levingston earn awards

Published on October 27, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Toronto, ON – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club would like to congratulate LB Mike O'Shea and KR Bashir Levingston on earning CFL Player of the Week honours. O'Shea was recognized as the CFL ADT Defensive Player of the Week, and Bashir Levginston has earned Special Teams Player of the Week for an unparalleled fourth time in 2004.

Levingston recorded two kick returns for touchdowns in the first quarter of play against the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats, including one on the opening kickoff. His 97 yard kickoff return touchdown was the third in his career, tying him for second place in CFL history for most kickoff return touchdowns in a career (Hal Patterson & Larry Highbaugh), and making him the first-ever Argonaut to accomplish the deed. His second touchdown of the night was a 115 yard missed field goal return, the second of his career and the season. Levingston's feat marks the fourth time in five weeks that an Argonaut player has been named the Special Teams Player of the Week. Player of the Week judge Bob Krouse was impressed by Levingston's clutch play: "Pivotal games require big time players to step forward. Bashir Levingston definitely fits that category. He set the pace on the first play of the game by returning the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. Not satisfied with this spectacular play, he proceeded to return a missed field goal 115 yards for a touchdown. An unbelievable performance!"

This is the first time since 1997 that fan favourite Mike O'Shea has been named the CFL ADT Defensive Player of the Week. His performance was unmatched by any other player on the field; O'Shea served up 7 defensive tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 special teams tackles and an interception return for 25 yards. All at once, he displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran and the tenacity of a young CFL hopeful. Player of the Week judge Bob Krouse was inspired by O'Shea's intelligent play: "O'Shea was instrumental in helping the Argos defence hold the League's best running back to 54 rushing yards and his aggressive tackling resulted in fumbles. O'Shea was not one dimensional; his ability to read pass patterns netted him his 25-yard interception return. O'Shea is a wily veteran."

Argonaut DB and backup kicker Chris Hardy received an honourable mention for his incredible play on special teams. Hardy was pressed into action when starting kicker/punter Noel Prefontaine fell with an injury. Hardy was good on 3 of 3 field goal attempts, including one from 40 yards.

The CFL also announced yesterday the team nominees for the CFL Outstanding Player Awards. Kevin Eiben earned three as he was named the Argonauts' Outstanding Player of the Year, the Defensive Player of the Year and the team's Outstanding Canadian. Veteran centre Chad Folk was named the club's Lineman of the Year, while K/P Noel Prefontaine was named Special Teams Player of the Year. Finally, Queen's graduate Jonathan Landon was named the Double Blue's top rookie.

Toronto's next home game is Thursday, October 28, 2004 against the Montreal Alouettes. Game time is 7:30 PM ET at the SkyDome.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America's oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 14 Grey Cup championships to their credit. Full roster details are available at www.argonauts.ca. For individual game tickets, please call (416) 872-5000.

Check out the Toronto Argonauts Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Canadian Football League Stories from October 27, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central