BY SCOTT
HADDOW
Sudbury Spartans offensive lineman Pat Walsh is going out on
top with his head held high.
The veteran lineman will play his last NFC game this weekend,
when he suits up for the second annual NFC All-Star Game, which
takes place at Queen's Athletic Field. Game time is 7 pm.
Walsh made the all-star game after being named a First Team
All-Star as an offensive lineman. It was the 13th time in his
long 18-season career Walsh had earned a place on the First
All-Star squad.
Walsh has decided to retire from NFC football, and
Saturday's game will be his swan song.
"It feels good to go out like this...at the top of my game,"
said the Sudbury Secondary School graduate. "It gives an
indication I can still play and at a high level. I had a good
year and it's nice to be recognized by your peers. I am
retiring because my body says it's time to pack it in. It took
me two weeks to get over the aches and pains of the season."
It was fairly easy decision for Walsh since he had three NFC
Championship crowns under his belt, a slew of all-star nods and
a young family.
"I wanted to move on and start doing other stuff with my
life," said the veteran player. "I have more responsibility
with the young one (one-year-old daughter Kayla). I want to get
into more golfing. I want to spend more time with my family.
Football takes up a lot of time in the summer but I have no
regrets."
The sport of football gave plenty to Walsh that he will
cherish as the years roll on.
"I had a great time playing," said the 37-year-old. "I had a
lot of good coaches and met a lot of people who were positive
influences on my life. I look back and there's nothing I
wouldn't have done differently. I have three championships and
friends for the rest of my life. That was the biggest thing I
got out of football...friends."
Because of his slick NFC resume, Walsh's memory banks are
flooded with countless good times.
Winning the 1992 championship and seeing teammate Dave St.
Amour break the points record with an injured shoulder are the
most vivid memories Walsh takes with him. In the early 90s
though, he experienced what he considers one of his finest
moments.
"One of my favourite memories was sacking Oakville
quarterback Mark Demerling," said Walsh. "It was rare anyone
ever got close to him let alone sack him. He didn't like to get
hit, but I got him good. It's a moment that really stands out
for me."
Walsh was a pillar of consistency for the Spartans and was a
main ingredient in the success of the team's running game.
"There's no substitute for Pat's experience," said head
coach Chris Bartolucci. "He's very knowledgeable and he's a
pleasure to run behind. The numbers running backs Dan Leduc and
Stephen Gravel got (both were fifth and fourth respectively for
total yards) were a direct result of Pat. Whenever we needed a
tough yard, we ran on Pat's side. He's a well respected player
around this league."
In his 18 years, the game changed Walsh for the better.
"It opened a lot of doors for me," said the child and youth worker. "I learned a lot about myself and the commitment it takes if you want to succeed at anything in life, not just football."
