Dein erstes Forum » sSeptember 7-18: Rio Paralympic

Out of the disaster that was last season for the Edmonton Eskimos, the team accomplished perhaps the most important task of a rebuilding squad. Rick Barry Jersey . A 4-14 record (last in the West Division) with a seventh ranked offence in terms of points scored and sixth-ranked defence wasnt pretty. Nor was the contract extension given to Kavis Reed early in the year. But few expected the Eskimos to truly compete in the tough West Division and figured 2013, the first of the Ed Hervey era, would be a rebuilding year. The main goal Eskimos fans hoped would be accomplished was, the team found what looks to be their quarterback of the future in Mike Reilly. Edmonton procured Reilly after a three-year apprenticeship in BC under one of the best QBs in the game Travis Lulay. In his first year as a full-time starter Reilly impressed with 4,207 passing yards and 24 touchdowns to 18 interceptions while missing some game action due to a late-season concussion. Buoyed somewhat by injuries around the league, Reilly was second in the league in passing and when you add his impressive 709 yards on the ground, was only 300 yards behind league-leader Henry Burris for most combined yards. The 29-year-old also proved to have the heart of a champion, a quality surely revered by the City of Champions. Reillys gutsy play made him a quick fan favourite but there is a disadvantage to his full speed, caution to the wind playing style as well. Buck Pierce was loved and respected two provinces over for his gutsy efforts the past several years. He also spent a sizable amount of time on the injured list before the Winnipeg Blue Bombers decided it best to move on from the courageous quarterback. Reilly would do well to find a nice balance between winning at all costs and career longevity, something the Eskimos are likely preaching to him as well. With the QB position solidified, the Eskimos attacked another major deficiency in landing a promising head coach in the off-season. Chris Jones learned the CFL craft with the Montreal Alouettes, picking up a Grey Cup ring in the process, before expanding his role with the Calgary Stampeders and earning another championship. He was a hot commodity when he jumped ship to the Toronto Argonauts, helping the team win the historic 100th Grey Cup, the third of his career. Jones is a proven winner and a coach that will demand results; he brings a much different style to the table than that of his predecessor, Reeds. Albeit big ones, Jones and Reilly are just two pieces of the puzzle. And the Eskimos need to get better filling the many holes they still have on the roster. The objective now may be to speed up the process. Eskimo fans will have to learn a lot more patience if the team is only checking off one item per year on the “to-do” list. That said, the Lions, Calgary Stampeders, and Saskatchewan Roughriders all figure to field contenders once again in 2014. Edmonton should be afforded at least one more year of rebuilding. With Reilly in tow at quarterback and Jones looking promising at head coach, the Eskimos can focus on building a more complete roster top to bottom. Notes Expansion Draft The Eskimos lost a trio of promising young players in the expansion draft to Ottawa. International receiver Carlton Mitchell was plucked in the first round but his loss wont be felt as much nationals Alexander Krausnick, a centre, and Justin Capiciotti, a defensive lineman. Free Agency Edmonton remains in rebuilding mode and added a couple nice pieces to their roster during free agency. The biggest chip was cornerback Patrick Watkins, who followed his defensive coordinator Chris Jones out west. Edmonton also nabbed some offensive linemen in Justin Sorensen and Andrew Jones, and national receiver Akeem Foster. CFL Draft The Eskimos had the fewest picks in the draft with just five and were one of three teams to not take a single offensive lineman. Instead, they targeted the skill positions in grabbing WR Devon Bailey from St. Francis Xavier in the first round and RB Aaron Milton from Toronto in the second round. The teams final three picks included DB Raye Hartmann from St. Francis Xavier in the fourth round, K/P Zackary Medeiros from Montreal in the sixth round, and DL Michael Dadzie from Regina in the seventh round. John Lucas II Jersey . FIFA said the suspension was requested by ethics prosecutor Michael Garcia, making Beckenbauer the first person to be punished as a result of the case. Beckenbauer refused "repeated requests for his assistance, including requests that he provide information during an in-person interview or in response to written questions provided in both English and German," FIFA said in a statement. Robert Horry Jersey . -- San Francisco 49ers offensive co-ordinator Greg Roman is a finalist to replace Joe Paterno at Penn State, his agent said Monday. https://www.cheaprocketsonline.com/ . -- Manchester United thrilled a record crowd with a brilliant opening goal -- and even Cristiano Ronaldos unexpected entrance proved futile for Real Madrid.There will be five Scholars strutting their stuff in Brazil this summer and we wish them all the best on the big stage. It has been a long, hard and emotional rollercoaster ride for all 11 of our Sky Academy Sports Scholars since they were selected for our Sky team after London 2012.With the British Paralympic athletics squad finalised on Tuesday, sprinter and long jumper Olivia Breen became the fifth Scholar to be selected for the Games.The five Scholars heading to Rio:SIOBHAN-MARIE OCONNOR (Swimming, 200IM - DOB 29/11/1995)Being part of Sky Academy has been brilliant for my training. Ive been able to do everything needed to improve and try to get to the top.Read more about Siobhan Siobhan Marie OConnor is drawing on the experience of London 2012 for Rio OLIVIA BREEN (Athletics, T38 100m, 200m & long jump - DOB 26/07/1996)Being a Scholar has given me the confidence and financial ability to make this dramatic move and I havent looked back since.Read more about Olivia Olivia Breen will line up in the 100m, long jump and 4x100m relay HOLLY BRADSHAW (Athletics, Pole Vault - DOB 02/11/1991)Sky have already given me some great opportunities and Im looking forward to more in the future.Read more about Holly Pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw will be competing at her second Olympics SAVANNAH MARSHALL (Boxing, Middleweight - DOB 19/05/1991)Johnny Nelson has helped me particularly on the physical side with my techniques, where Adam Smith has helped me mentally.Read more about Savannah Savannah Marshall is hoping to put a nightmare two years behind her in Rio MARK ENGLISH (Athletics, 800m, 4 x 400m relay - DOB 18/03/1993)Having a mentor has been immensely valuable. Chris Clemons Jersey. The advice Darren Campbell has given me on injuries, training and racing has been golden.Read more about Mark Mark English has battled back to fitness after a thee-month lay-off For the five that have made Rio, there are six Scholars that did not and have to now work on goals beyond 2016. Head of Sky Academy Sports Scholarships Tony Lester insists not making the Games isnt a disgrace.Lester says: For some the joy is in making the cut, and getting onto the team. For the more seasoned its simple, a medal is the only measure of success.You can only imagine the self-imposed pressure that our young Sky Academy Sports Scholars have put upon themselves in their quest to become an Olympian.There really is no easy route to the Olympics; its a labour of love looking to fulfil that once in a lifetime sporting ambition. The journey is filled with bumps in the road, and having an off day, you do so at your peril. Tony Lester (left) with boxer Jack Bateson who wasnt selected for Rio To make an Olympics team, you without a doubt need to be talented. But equally, luck is a key player. Catching a cold, picking up an injury in the heat of competition is all the bad luck you dont need.Lets not forget that these athletes are people too, who have not only sacrificed everything, but given their all. The one thing that can be guaranteed is that they are doing their very best.We should try not to criticise. We should take a minute to think about the journey that sports person has been on to get to that point and try to walk a mile in their shoes.WHATS COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARSJuly 30: Lucy Garner, Ride LondonAugust 5-21: Rio OlympicsSeptember 7-18: Rio Paralympics Also See: About the Scholarship Meet the athletes Blogs Videos Galleries ' ' '