@powertochange:

Fame is a funny thing

Written by Eric Reynolds

December 23, 2011

The pyramids are spectacular. Niagara Falls is powerful. The Grand Canyon is enormous.

But some things are famous for what they mean to people – what they represent – and not for what they physically are. If you don’t share the same sentiment or appreciation, fame can seem like the strangest thing.

I think these thoughts as I run my hand along the bumpy, scratched, lackluster “tin” of the Grey Cup as dozens queue to get their picture with the trophy they’ll never win. Why are they here? Why all the pictures? It’s all about what the trophy represents.

The Grey Cup has a rich legacy and here it is in front of me, less-than-grand, but all the more impressive for it. It’s clearly not desired for its elegance but rather as an emblem of excellence and triumph.

It’s fun watching people – no one really knows how to hold a trophy that they didn’t win, everyone but Mark Washington that is. Mark is the Defensive Backs coach for the Grey Cup champs, and smiles casually beside the silver cup.

Dave Klassen, chaplain of the BC lions, is Mark’s close friend and goofily poses for a few less-than-famous shots (sorry Dave). They love their jobs and are still basking in the lingering celebrations of the Lion’s win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on November 27.