Tim Switzer
The Leader-Post

REGINA -- Tamon George and Stanley van Sichem are trying to keep their football careers on track.

The University of Regina Rams defensive players each spent time working with the U of R Cougars track and field team this winter to prepare for the CFL evaluation camp, which runs today through Sunday in Toronto.

"I definitely wanted to get faster and learn how to run properly especially knowing I'll have to run a 40(-yard dash)," said van Sichem, a defensive end who trained and competed in sprint events throughout the season. "You just learn little things technique-wise to get the most speed out of your stride and how your foot comes down."

That will be far from the only advantage the players have when they spend the next three days working out in front of and interviewing with CFL scouts and coaches.

The pair are still in touch with others who have gone through the process and are now in the CFL, including former Rams offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte (now of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers) and ex-Saskatchewan Huskies defensive back Paul Woldu (Montreal Alouettes).

"You just hear certain questions they ask and certain things about how the day goes," said George, a defensive back. "Any little bit you can get before can help you in the long run."

George might need the tips the most -- not because he isn't on the CFL radar, but because he is one of the players who certainly is.

George was ranked 13th on the league scouting bureau's list of potential draftees from Canadian universities.

"I wouldn't say there is more pressure, but from that position I want to go up," said George, 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds. "I have to perform more impressively than 50 other guys so I can climb that list. I don't want to stay stagnant at this point."

This is not the first experience the two have been through together. They came in as Rams rookies together in 2005 and attended the East-West Bowl in the spring.

All winter they have been in the gym together trying to be prepared for three days that could help shape their futures.

"It almost seems not fair," said van Sichem. "You work so hard and suddenly you could get a cold and have a (bad) weekend. Or nerves might take over and you can make silly mistakes. Once you get to a certain point of being an elite athlete, though, you should shine under pressure. It's days like this you work toward."

"The closer it comes, all the preparation turns into a relaxation," said George. "You go through it ever single day in your head. If you fully prepare yourself, it all kind of takes care of itself."

Scott McHenry, a Saskatoon-born Huskies receiver, is the only other player from the province at the camp.

Those invited to the camp from Saskatchewan have been successful in being drafted in recent years.

Rams receiver Chris Bauman went first overall to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2007 and Huskies safety Dylan Barker, a Moose Jaw product, went in the same spot to the same team last year.

The Rams have also seen E-camp invitees LaBatte, Chris Getzlaf and Teale Orban go in the draft. Those players, however, don't necessarily know how much their weekends in front of the scouts mattered in the long run.

"In (Woldu's) case, Montreal didn't really acknowledge him at the camp itself," said van Sichem. "Some teams will be aggressive and talking to you a lot. This is just a weekend for coaches to maybe get to know you on a personal level than how well you test. What it comes down to is how well you can play football. (The tests) give them a good indication, but it doesn't always mean you'll be a great football player."

Courtesy: www.leaderpost.com