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Toronto Argonauts

Argos give Medler second chance

May 20, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is pleased to give RB Derek Medler a second chance at football. The team has signed the CFL rookie to a contract.

The 5’9”, 215 pound Kitchener, Ontario native is a former OUA second team all-star and CIS Offensive Player of the Week. In 2003, Medler rushed for a Golden Hawk single season record 1,420 yards, a number that, at the time, sat second in the all-time OUA record books. At the annual East-West Bowl game in 2003, Medler scored the only touchdown of the contest.

Toronto Argonauts Head Coach Michael “Pinball” Clemons remarked, “First, I was contacted by Derek’s pastor that he is someone who is working hard toward a new start and we should look at him. Next, I was contacted by my agent Gil Scott, one of the most respected agents in the country, who also chose to represent Derek because of the commitment he was making to pursue his career in football and become a positive role model in the greater community. Finally, from my own perspective, I see parallels between Derek’s size and ability and the challenges he has overcome to make it to this level and I have a genuine belief in the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.”

Adam Rita, Argonauts’ Vice President, Football Operations, commented, ““We are very excited to have a player with such high skill level like Derek Medler be available to us. He has a low centre of gravity which makes him hard to tackle. He can make you miss or run you over. We are looking forward to his participation in training camp and show the brilliance that he exhibited a year ago at Wilfrid Laurier. We understand he is in the process of working through some issues and are giving him the chance to prove himself.”

On his signing, Derek Medler stated, “I am really grateful for the opportunity the Argos have given me and there is no way I am going to let them down. I have been training intensely and am looking forward to joining my new teammates on May 28.”

Derek Medler

Running Back

5’9”, 215 lbs

Wilfrid Laurier

Born: Kitchener, ON

May 29, 1981

1st Year Argos / 1st Year CFL

2003: Named three-time Laurier Athlete of the WeekÂ…Named All Canadian and earned single season rushing record for LaurierÂ… Participated in East-West Bowl game scoring the contestÂ’s only TD and was named the BowlÂ’s MVPÂ…Recorded 1,420 rushing yards on 177 carries and 3 TDsÂ…also had 2 receptions for 18 yards.

2002: Named 2nd Team OUA All-StarÂ…Named CIS Offensive Player of the Week rushing for 257 yards on 27 carriesÂ…Named Laurier Rookie of the YearÂ…recorded 146 carries for 871 yards and 2 TDsÂ…also had 7 receptions for 90 yards.

Personal: Majored in Arts at Laurier...attended Preston Secondary School where he earned league MVP for WCSSA CountyÂ… Son of David and Wendy MedlerÂ… Â… has one sister, MelissaÂ… works at his fatherÂ’s electronic store called Krazy KellyÂ’s in Guelph, ON Â… enjoys golfing, fishing and weight training.

The 2004 Grey Cup Champion Toronto Argonauts are North AmericaÂ’s oldest professional football club, having celebrated their 130th anniversary in 2003. The Toronto Argonauts have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. To purchase 2005 season tickets or to get more information about season ticket packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO. Full roster details are available at www.argonauts.ca.

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