U13 2012

These Toronto Argonauts had a special bond.
They might not have been the biggest, fastest or most heralded. But they had each other's back.
Ray, who came over from the Edmonton Eskimos in a blockbuster off-season trade, credits GM Jim Barker and rookie head coach Scott Milanovich for choosing the right pieces in assembling what was to become a Grey Cup champion squad.
"Scott and the staff and Jim coming out of training camp didn't necessarily pick the best, most-talented guys," said the veteran quarterback. "They picked guys that were going to be good teammates over some of those guys.
"That's where it's got to start with. It's got to start with the locker-room and how everybody gets along and everybody playing for each other out there. I think that's been the biggest difference for us."
Barker says he and Milanovich both believe "it's not necessarily the 46 best players but it's the best 46 players."
"That means the 46 that can work together the best," the GM said in an interview Monday. "Through the year, we went through players and we did make different moves but it was about finding the right blend of players - of veterans and rookies."
Milanovich referred to that brotherhood in his pre-game speech Sunday.
"Find strength in your teammates when things gets tough," he said.
An even-keeled coach who prepares meticulously, Milanovich laid out what was expected. Argos players knew they didn't have to worry about the changing moods of their head coach or jump through hoops, just execute what they were told.


Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/Grey+champions+bonded+early/7613089/story.html#ixzz2DRbtt6jY