Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Shayne Gauthier arrived in his hometown of Dolbeau-Mistassini on Monday with the Gray Cup in his luggage.
The native of the Ste-Marguerite-Marie sector won the precious trophy for a second year in a row last December, after defeating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
For the occasion, the City of Dolbeau-Mistassini held a ceremony, during which Shayne Gauthier signed the municipality’s guestbook.
In the afternoon, the athlete who will turn 30 in two weeks was welcomed as a champion by members of his family.
“It all started here. I won my first championship here. I wanted to allow Dolbeau-Mistassini fans, my former teammates and my family to be able to celebrate with me,” said Shayne Gauthier.
The pandemic had prevented him from celebrating his first Gray Cup two years ago. This time, he was not going to miss such an opportunity.
“These memories will be invaluable. I will keep them all my life. I also want the City to be able to have those memories too,” added the linebacker.
Several members of his family would not have missed this day for anything in the world. “Since he’s been high, we’ve been following him,” said his aunt Denise Charbonneau, putting her hand at the level of his belt. He tried so hard. He deserves what’s happening to him.”
Another aunt, Noëlla Simard, was very happy with her success. “We are super proud. He’s a good player. He’s a champ.”
An uncle of Shayne Gauthier, Louis-Michel Boily, was sorry not to have been able to enjoy his nephew’s first Gray Cup in 2019.
“The first time they won it, we were two days away from having it, but there was the pandemic. There, we got it. We were really proud.”
The parents of the footballer bulge their chests to see the success of their son. The basement of the family home has become a museum of the football career of number 44 with a multitude of objects, equipment and trophies.
Shayne’s father, Patrice Gauthier, is particularly proud to have his boy’s rookie season jersey, as well as his two Canadian Football League Championship Trophy caps. (LCF)
“It’s really good memories. These are caps that I would not give away, let’s put it. I wouldn’t even put them on. They are there. These are trophies,” he exclaimed.
Patrice Gauthier receives this visit as a gift from his son. “We took a lot of time. He was never deprived of playing sports. Where he is today is like a reward he gives us.
The mother of the double champion, Marie-Anne Charbonneau, is delighted that he has reached such a level of play.
“When he started playing football, we started saying, if he can play up to the Rouge et Or at Laval University, we’ll be happy. But this is the Canadian League. It’s even more.”
Both Shayne’s parents are happy that he hasn’t forgotten his roots.
“That Dolbeau-Mistassini sees the cup, I’m really proud,” testified Patrice Gauthier. At least, we will have had the cup in Dolbeau-Mistassini for the rest of us.
“The pride I have is my son who brings the cup, added Marie-Anne Charbonneau. Sainte-Marguerite-Marie is a little lost corner. To show the Cup here, of a young person who comes from a small parish, is important.
Shayne Gauthier is happy with what he has accomplished. “I am proud to come from here and to represent this city at the Canadian level,” confided the one who has just signed a contract for a sixth season in the Canadian Football League.
This day at home will remind him that the people in his area are behind him.
Reference-www.tvanouvelles.ca