Behind enemy lines: The other side of the Ticats, Argos rivalry

The Tiger-Cats and Argonauts rivalry is one of the longest-lasting rivalries in the CFL, behind only the Riders and Stampeders in all-time games played.

The two teams have played more than their fair share of hard-fought games, and fans of both teams are not wont to forget that.

Most players only experience one side of this heated rivalry; however, there are a number of Ticats players on this year’s team who have been behind enemy lines. These players have donned the double blue at one point in time, but now find themselves in the Black and Gold.

Zach Collaros, Quarterback:

Collaros began his career in the double blue, prior to being traded to the Tiger-Cats.

“It feels good to be home for sure. It’s a beautiful place, thank Bob Young again for it. We’re excited for our fans to be here and it’s going to be a great game.”

Playing on both sides of the rivalry has given him a good understanding of what it means when these two teams get together.

“Neither team likes each other very much, neither city likes each other very much. It’s going to be a hard-fought game, and I think we’re just excited to be home in front of our fans and we need to deliver a win.”

Collaros and current Argos QB Trevor Harris were both tutored by quarterback Ricky Ray, and the two remain friends to this day.

“He’s a great guy, first and foremost, a great teammate. He’s a worker, he’s going to be prepared for whatever looks our defence gives to him, but I’m sure Orlondo’s been cooking up some things.”

Terrell Sinkfield Jr., Receiver:

Sinkfield played half a season in Toronto before a mid-season trade to the Ticats in 2014.

“As far as being on both ends of the rivalry, I like being on the Hamilton side, I love being on the Hamilton side. We’ve got better fans, a better stadium, and we’ve just got a better team.”

Sinkfield was traded to the Ticats the week before last year’s Labour Day Classic, and the game was his first experience of a game in Hamilton:

“I was here for that game, and the atmosphere was crazy, so I already know the atmosphere for this game is going to be insane. Home opener, season opener, we’ve been on the road, so we’re ready.”

Donald Washington, Defensive Back:

Washington was Sinkfield’s teammate in Toronto, and his roommate here in Hamilton. His experience of the rivalry has him well-prepared for this weekend’s game.

“They’re going to be fired up. It’s Hamilton against Toronto, there isn’t too much that needs to be said. There’s a lot behind this game, nobody needs to say anything to get you hyped up, everybody knows why we’re fired up to play each other.”

Washington was a member of the Argonauts when the team visited for the Labour Day Classic last season. Here is what he had to say about the energy of the Ticats fans.

“This place was crazy, it didn’t feel like every other regular season game. The energy in here is going to be electric, you’re going to feel it coming out here and we’re going to be ready.”

Orlondo Steinauer, Defensive Coordinator:

Steinauer played eight seasons for the Argos and three as a member of the Ticats. He also spent time as a coach for the Argos before settling in as defensive coordinator of the Cats. His take on the rivalry:

“You can feel it when you get out on the field. At the end of the day, it is just a football game, but to say that there’s no rivalry would be an understatement. There’s a definite tension between the two squads, and it’s fun. It makes the CFL fun.”