CFL Toronto Argonauts

Hello, Argos! Leo Cahill named goodwill ambassador

Published on June 8, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Mississauga, ON – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club and Siemens Canada Limited announced today in a press conference the return of legendary coach Leo Cahill to the Argonauts' organization. Leo was named a goodwill ambassador with the Club and will establish a deep public connection with the Argonauts' alumni and bring back cherished memories to Toronto fans. He will also educate youth about the impact this team has made on the city.

The Argonauts, in partnership with Siemens Canada Limited, have also created the LEO CAHILL AWARD which will be presented annually at the end of the high school football year to a high school football coach within the greater Toronto area who best exhibits the drive and determination necessary to succeed both on and off the playing field. The criteria for the award will be determined by a board that will be established in the immediate future. The award will be a $10,000 bursary, which will be granted to the recipient's high school football program to ensure the long-term growth of that program.

Originally from Illinois, Leo Cahill was head coach of the Toronto Argonauts from 1967-1972 and then again in 1977-1978. He was General Manager of the Argonauts from 1986-1988. Under his leadership, the Argos went to the Grey Cup finals in 1971 and 1987. He recruited players including Joe Theisman, Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, Paul Warfield and current Toronto Argonaut and CFL All Star Orlondo Steinauer. Leo also worked as a sports commentator and authored the book "Good Bye Argos" in 1972.

Commented Cahill, "I'm delighted to be back with the Argos. The team has been a big part of my life. Although I've been away from football for some time now, I watch it regularly on television and relive my memories of the team. I look forward to sharing the great history of the franchise with Argo fans of yesterday, today and tomorrow. I hear so many stories about high school football programs being dropped – my hope is that this bursary helps to fund and create tomorrow's Canadian football stars. It's about time someone created this type of award to nurture a feeder system. The contribution of high schools to the future of Canadian football is crucial. We are looking for coaches who have a real passion for the game and their team."

"At Siemens in Canada, we feel strongly about our obligation to be integrated into the fabric of the communities in which we operate, through the art of giving," said Steve Jones, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, Siemens Canada Limited. "We are extremely pleased to partner with the Argos on the Leo Cahill Award, and look forward to building a program with lasting benefits through sports and education."

"We are thrilled to welcome back Leo to the Argo family. His links to the history of this franchise, as well as his drive to find the football leaders of tomorrow, makes him the obvious choice for this award. We are excited to partner with Siemens Canada and for their commitment to grassroots football," said Toronto Argonauts President/CEO Keith Pelley.

Siemens is one of the largest and most diversified companies in the world, providing innovations in areas such as health care, information and communication, energy and power, industry and automation, transportation and lighting. In Canada, Siemens is a multi-billion dollar company headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, with more than 6,200 employees located in 70 offices and nine manufacturing facilities.

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. Season ticket hotline: (416) 341-ARGO.

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