www.pgcitizen.ca | Saturday, June 13, 2009 11 sports

Lineman’s improvement thrills Lions

Mike Beamish lege level would indicate a dead end in Rayford, who spent his entire CFL rookie a Pro Football Hall of Famer who spent 15 Canwest News Service hopes of graduating to a professional foot- season in 2008 on the practice roster, has NFL seasons breaking the mould of what a ball career. shown up stronger and with and a re-dedi- should be. Hendricks was six- ABBOTSFORD — Caesar Rayford, the But this week, after just five days of cated attitude thanks to Chris Boyko, the foot-seven, 220 pounds. He had elongat- second-year B.C. Lions defensive lineman camp, Rayford has earned the distinction Lions strength and conditioning coach. ing arms like Inspector Gadget. with the wingspan of a pterodactyl, could as the Lions’ most improved player. In- The six-foot-seven, 260-pound lineman The reference is lost on Rayford, who have been an all-American stroke on the deed, he is actually in the hunt to replace has put on 20 pounds of muscle and now was only four years old when Hendricks heavy eights at the University of Washing- two-time defensive player of the year Cam resembles an NBA power forward. retired in 1990. ton, where rowing is a tradition. Wake at rush end. “He’s definitely a diamond in the rough,” But Rayford does have a unique body The Huskies might have put those long How can this be? Boyko says. “If he keeps developing the type that could re-define the position of limbs to better use in a shell - instead of “It amazes me they couldn’t develop a way he is he’ll definitely be a force to be in the CFL. keeping Rayford in one as “a third-down player of his natural ability with the facili- reckoned with. Genetically, he’s got the “He came back bigger, stronger, more pass rush guy” with the varsity football ties they have there (Washington),” says size and the height. But he’s an extremely determined and it’s amazing how he’s team. Lions head coach Wally Buono. “If they hard worker. He’s improved his speed and quickened his feet,” says Mike Roach, the How many games did Rayford start in had done this when he was 17, 18, 19, 20, his strength. And he’s so young still (23). Lions defensive line coach. “He does look his four seasons at Washington? “None,” look what he might have become? We did He’s got so much upside. As a trainer, you different than the rush ends you would came the reply Thursday at Lions training it in less than a year. If he had been at this love to have a guy like that.” normally see. He’s not blocky. Guys like camp. point when he was 20, we’d probably be Buono jokingly refers to Rayford as “The him normally play tackle in the NFL. But Normally, zero starts at the major col- watching him on TV (in the NFL).” Mad Stork”, a reference to Ted Hendricks, he’s an end. We’re pleasantly surprised.”

Derby champ looks ahead • Entertainment! • Food! • Fun! • Prizes! • Fireworks! The Associated Press 12th Annual LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird says the horse will run next in the West Virginia Derby before even- STUART LAKE tually pointing to the Breeders’ Cup Classic later this year. Chip Woolley says Mine That Bird’s next races will be the Grade II US$750,000 race at Mountaineer Park on Aug. 1, then the Grade I $1 ENTRY million Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 29. F FIISSHINGHING DERDERBBYY From there, Woolley says, the course is uncharted, but the goal is the FEE Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. July Long Weekend - Mine That Bird - Canada’s champion two-year-old male last year - re- $ turned to Churchill Downs in Louisville on Thursday after finishing third July 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, 2009 50.00 to Summer Bird in last Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. Mine That Bird also Per finished second to Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. Fort St. James, BC Participant

Thousands of Dollars Cancer hits cyclist to be won in Fort St. James’ The Associated Press Fignon has written a book, “We “FAMOUS RAINBOW were Young and Carefree,” in PARIS — Two-time Tour de which he describes his use of am- FISHING DERBY” France winner Laurent Fignon phetamines and cortisone. The 48- says he has advanced cancer in the year-old Frenchman won the Tour Tickets available at: digestive system and is undergo- in 1983 and 1984. Northern Troutfitters - Prince George ing chemotherapy. “Two months ago, I was diag- Omineca Sports - Vanderhoof Fignon announced his illness on nosed with cancer of the digestive Various Ft. St. James locations Thursday. He says doctors told tract,” Fignon said in an interview him the cancer probably wasn’t with Europe-1 radio. “I started caused by taking performance-en- chemotherapy two weeks ago. It’s hancing drugs during his career. going well.” 00661117 DERBY INFO LINE (250) 996-7023 e-mail: [email protected] Ronaldo offer accepted Fax: (250) 996-7047 Hosted by the Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce — 1-800-608-7698 The Associated Press LONDON — Manchester United accepted a world-record transfer offer for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid on Thursday, clearing the World Player of the Year to negotiate personal terms with the Spanish club. The Premier League champions received an unconditional offer of 80 million pounds (C$145.2 million) for Ronaldo, and unlike in the last off- season manager Sir Alex Ferguson told the Glazer family which owns the club that he is willing to see his 24-year-old star performer join a ma- jor European rival.

WORLDWIDE McNabb hungry Escorted Tours for Super Bowl MUSIC CITIES - Fly to Branson & return from Nashville. Branson, Memphis & Nashville. The Associated Press 8 days ...... July 27, Oct 12 LONDON & PARIS PHILADELPHIA — Fly to London & return from Paris. Donovan McNabb got a big raise. 8 days ...... Aug 13, Nov 5 Now he wants to deliver that elu- NEW YORK CITY - Fly to & return from New York City. Two Broadway Shows! 5 days...... Aug 13, Sept 17 sive championship. McNabb will NEW ORLEANS GETAWAY Peace and quiet — collect US$24.5 million over the Fly to & return from New Orleans next two seasons, a $5.3-million 5 days ...... Sept 15, Nov 9 661176 even at full throttle. raise over two years. The Eagles have come close sev- Trust Honda. eral times in McNabb’s 10 seasons 1-800-562-9999 in Philadelphia. 32 YEARS OF SERVICE

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