CFL B.C. Lions

Lions 2003 Draft Pick Carl Gourgues Invited to East-West Shrine Bowl

Published on December 11, 2003 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


VANCOUVER, B.C. December 11, 2003 – BC Lions Head Coach and General Manager Wally Buono today announced that 2003 Draft Pick Carl Gourgues is headed to the East-West Shrine Bowl on January 10, 2004 at Pac Bell Park in San Francisco, California.

"I am very happy for Carl because he has accomplished some tremendous things recently, first with his Vanier Cup victory and now his selection to the Shrine Bowl," said Buono. "The experience he will gain from playing in the Shrine Bowl is invaluable."

The Lions recently re-signed the 6'2", 290-pound Gourgues, who they originally drafted in the third round (24th overall) of the 2003 Canadian College Draft. A native of Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Gourgues attended 2003 BC Lions training camp, before returning to Laval University for his final season of college eligibility. He was a key member of Laval's offensive line this season, and the Rouge-et-Or went on to win the 2003 Vanier Cup 14-7 over St. Mary's. Gourgues was named a 2003 1st Team CIS All-Canadian at guard.

The East-West Shrine Bowl is the annual college all-star game comprised mostly of athletes competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The game has been played every year since 1925 and proceeds go to the Shriner's Hospital. The head coach of the East Team this year will be Nick Saban from Louisiana State University. This year is not the first time a Lions prospect has taken part in the East-West Shrine Game. Slotback Jason Clermont played in the 2002 edition of the game, and was later selected by the Lions in the first round (4th overall) of the 2002 Draft. After the season, he was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie.

Gourgues was stellar for Laval in 2003, helping quarterback Mathieu Bertrand become a 2nd Team CIS All-Star, after leading the nation in passing efficiency. Behind the stellar blocking of Gourgues, Bertrand was 141-218 for 2,395 yards with 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Gourgues was also a CIS All-Canadian in 2001, and he captured the JP Metras Trophy as the nation's most outstanding offensive lineman that season. In 2002, he helped Laval to the QIFC championship game, where they lost to McGill. A business major at Laval, Gourgues was born on July 8, 1980.

BC Lions season tickets for 2004 are now on sale. To order 2004 BC Lions season tickets at 2003 prices, be sure to put down a deposit by December 15th, 2003. To find out more information check out www.bclions.com or call 604.589.ROAR (7627).

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