Rapanaro Not A Better Safety, But Is A Better Man

If linebacker Giancarlo Rapanaro fails to make it in the CFL, he has every right to equally blame new Governor General David Johnston, alleged petty thief and steroid trafficker Nathan Zettler and the overreaching, overreacting CIS, too.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the spring returned free agent Rapanaro to the Laurier Golden Hawks as an undersized linebacker. One they encouraged to give free safety a shot.

And that was the plan. Until Waterloo Regional Police arrested Zettler, 23, his Waterloo Warriors teammate Matthew Valeriote, 24, and former teammate Eric Legare, 26, as part of a break and enter investigation.

The arrests led to stash of steroids; which led to every Waterloo Warrior football player being tested for performance enhancing drugs; which led to several violations and the suspension of the program; which forced free safety Mitch Nicholson to flee Waterloo and land at Laurier.

Nicholson was one the several who could be — should be — seen as unjustly found guilty of wrong-doing-by-association; punished for the literal crimes of others.

Waterloo athletic director Bob Copeland said at the time the time the blanket punishment fit the crime — meanwhile, Canadian academia is still waiting word for the first psych 101 class to be collectively failed as a result of three first-year students caught cheating — that “integrity [had] been the guidepost” in making the decision and that to suggest Johnston’s pending appointment as GG was connected to the process was “baseless.”

Is that to say the president of a school engulfed in “the biggest steroid scandal in Canadian university history” had no say in whether the punishment fit the crime? Furthermore, is that to suggest to Waterloo’s coaches, athletic director and president held no responsibility in the matter? All are still a part of Waterloo — except Johnston, of course, and Nicholson, who was free to leave. Had no choice but to leave if he wanted to pursue football.

Nicholson’s arrival left Rapanaro stranded at linebacker, a position he was essentially told he’d never play professionally. Not at 5-foot-11, 197 pounds.

But like many wayward Warriors, who landed on teams across the OUA landscape, Rapanaro now had to make the best of a bad Waterloo situation; one that now affected him and his dreams.

Some saw this situation coming sooner than others.

Rapanaro played linebacker and never complained — at least not publicly.

“Whatever I can do to help the team, I’m happy to do it,” said Rapanaro … “It might take some time for me to learn a new position at the pro level, but hopefully, the (CFL) teams have seen what I can do.” — Waterloo Region Record, Nov. 10, 2010

He could have laid plenty of blame at the feet of his rival president and athletic director. But he didn’t.

Perhaps he could have sued; such frivolous suits are not unheard of these days. Instead, Rapanaro  simply played football.

He finished second on the team with 22 tackles, had a sack and two interceptions.

Rapanaro could have resented Nicholson. Instead, he held him in high regard.

“Mitch had a huge impact on our team. To come in and fill the shoes of (All-Canadian) Courtney Stephen (who transferred to Northern Illinois), that’s pretty special.” — Waterloo Region Record, Nov. 10, 2010

During the post-season, head coach Gary Jeffries handed him the punting and field goal duties. He averaged nearly 35 yards a punt and drilled a pair of 40-yard field goals.

Rapanaro literally played like an all-star. Acted like one, too.

“He’s just a wonderful, wonderful person. Rap always has a smile on his face. He’s a gifted athlete and an all-around great kid," Laurier head coach Gary Jeffries told Christine Rivet of the Waterloo Region Record.

No, Rapanaro never became a better a safety. But he became a better man.

Comments

[Air Yeezys]

You can share some of your article, I'm like you write something, really very good! I will continue to focus on

[Nike Air Max]

I don't know how to receive my responce. Waiting for your reply, tks!

http://www.nikeairmaxhop.com/

[Air Yeezys]

Thank your for sharing your wonderful article. I very agree with your views from here.

[New Era Caps Wholesale]

Thank you for the article, I saw after the enlightened, my idea like you, just not good at expression.

[MBT Sale]

I like this article, really pretty good, I hope to be able to see more good articles.

[Asics Running Shoes]

Saw this article after this article, make me think big, really good.

[Air Force 1]

Seriously I liked this article, the content inside the said quite reasonable.

[Jeremy Scott Adidas]

He averaged nearly 35 yards a punt and drilled a pair of 40-yard field goals.

[New Era Caps Wholesale]

Such a good writing, or by I saw for the first time. I'm quite happy, you are a good writer,thank you for sharing with us!

[MBT Sale]

This is a very useful technique. thanks for blogging about it .

[Nike Air Max]

I bow to your supreme being!

[Cheap Bikinis]

I want to congratulate the winner for the nomination race.I want to know suggestion from others.

[Nike Air Jordan]

But has the last word been said ? Is all hope to be lost ? Is the defeat final No !
http://www.airjordancollection.net/

[Nike Free]

Achievement provides the only real pleasure in life. Weep no more , no sigh , nor groan. Sorrow calls no time that's gone.
http://www.nikeairmaxfree.com/

[Ed Hardy]

Clothes do not make the man.

[Jordan Shoes]

Clothes do not make the man.

[Cheap Bikinis]

Thank you for the article, I saw after the enlightened, my idea like you, just not good at expression

[Visvim Shoes]

Your article swept me away with its vast information and great writing. Thank you for sharing your views with such passion. I like your views.

[Ed Hardy Clothing]

i agree with your views from here.

[Visvim Footwear]

the people do not take a bath, hardware will not rub perfume smells good. And distinguished reputation, are from the exposure. You-will naturally attract attention.
1

[Asics Outlet]

everyone has a life, but know not everyone lives, and even cherish life. People do not understand life, life for him, a kind of punishment.
1

[Air Max Jordan Fusion]

One good turn deserves another.
l

[Herve Leger Clothing]

Never put off till (until) tomorrow what you can do today.
q

[Swimwear Bikinis]

The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
B

[Griffey Shoes]

"Post a comment" site:http://bigmanoncampus.typepad.com/