Grey Cup Frenzy Adds photo of billboard

This billboard went up Wednesday on Fisher Street near Princess. Photo by Phil Novak.

North Bay honoured one of its finest athletes Monday afternoon at City Hall. Toronto Argonaut linebacker Mike O'Shea stood proudly in front of his fans.

He was excited about the opportunity to share the Grey Cup with his hometown.

"It's a tremendous honour the share this with fans and people I know, acquaintances and people who have supported me throughout my career, starting in high school at Widdifield, and going forward. I’ve had a lot of help along the way," O'Shea said.

"It’s nice to be able to come back to North Bay and say, 'I’m Mike O’Shea from North Bay.'"

The November championship is now the third of his career, but never before did he get the chance to share the trophy publicly with the city of North Bay.

Mini Me?
This was supposed to be a two part ceremony in North Bay, as the city was hoping to unveil a large Mike O’Shea billboard (on the corner of Fisher and Princess street) Monday afternoon, but the cold temperatures outside led to a change of plans. Instead the city presented O’Shea with a mini version of the billboard.

A North Bay Role Model
Mayor Vic Fedeli, who had to remove his Tiger-Cat yellow tie before he could accept his Argonaut jersey, believes O’Shea is a tremendous role model for kids of all ages in the Gateway city.

“It’s a great chance to show North Bay that you can come from a small place and do well across the country,” Fedeli said.

“We are putting up a billboard "The Yardstick of Success" to let the young people know that there are great role models who went through the school system here.”

O’Shea certainly had his share of fans lined up for autographs. Ten-year-old Dillon Guido was one of the first people to get an autograph from the Argonaut star.

“I haven’t played football before, but I want to play next year though,” the shy 10 year old said while staring at his new autographed football.

For those who are trying to expand the minor football program in North Bay, an event like this is a touchdown for the sport.

“It’s great for us in North Bay in the football community, high schools. Now as we start our minor program it’s just great for the guy who represents us and has that much class and dedication,” said North Bay Bulldogs General Manager Tom Graham.