Squamish resident Carol-Ann Eppele had no idea last week if her son Joe Eppele would be starting on the offensive line for the Toronto Argonauts Saturday (Sept. 11) against the B.C. Lions.
By Friday evening, she learned he was a go and the news came from no less a source than the Argos head coach.
But her sons play status could have remained a mystery until he stepped on the field if it wasnt for a chance encounter.
I was going to meet Joe at his hotel for dinner on Friday, but he was nowhere to be found, said Carol-Ann.
She ventured to the lobby and ran into Argonauts head coach Jim Barker.
I introduced myself to Jim and told him I was Joes mother and was looking for him, she said.
While helping Carol-Ann find her son, Barker told her Joe has been working really hard in practise, and while he still has work to do, the coaches have been telling him all week to practise as if hes playing.
Carol-Ann then shared her hopes to see her son play live against the Lions to which Barker bluntly replied, This week hes starting at left tackle.
After seeing the surprise on her face he quipped, He didnt even tell you yet?
Carol-Ann was thrilled. She and Barker found Joe in a team meeting reviewing video. During their dinner she noted her son seemed confident on the eve of his pro debut.
He wasnt really nervous at all, she said. He seemed ready to play and focussed.
Game day came at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 11) afternoon and Carol-Ann scored tickets directly behind the Argos bench thanks to a generous co-worker.
Sporting an Argos shirt, she said she was heckled and taunted by fans upon arriving at her seat.
I told everyone in my section that my son is starting today for the Argos and they cheered for him with me, she said. A few of the fans were asking why he didnt come play with the Lions.
Ultimately it was a disappointing game for Joe and the Argos as they fell 37-16 to the Lions, but Howe Sound Sounders head coach Rob Ryan, who was watching Joe and the game closely from the stands, felt he played a great game.
For him to come in and play the way he did in his first game was incredible, said Ryan.
Its really impressive considering that hes only just learning the Canadian game. I didnt see him make any noticeable mistakes out there and thats all you want out of an offensive lineman, especially someone playing their first game.
Carol-Ann made her way to the Argos dressing room following the game and she said Joe was disappointed with the loss but was satisfied with his game personally.
I asked him if he thought he played well and he nodded his head, she said. He said there were things he could have done better but its such a team game and I think he was down that the team lost.
He said as much in an interview with Toronto Star reporter Chris Zelkovich in the locker room after the game.
After a game like that Im going to have thoughts and regrets that I should have done better, said Joe.
Despite her son being on the losing end of the game, Carol-Ann said she will never forget having the opportunity to watch him make his professional debut.
To actually be there for his first pro game was just great, she said. I didnt expect to be able to say I did that.
Joe and the Argos host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at the Rogers Centre on Sunday (Sept. 19).
