It was a heartwarming end to a trying and emotional week for Pete Costanza.
Moments after the Stampeders’ 23-20 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Saturday, the Calgary receivers coach was presented with a special game ball in the locker-room by veteran pass-catcher Nik Lewis on behalf of the entire club.
>> Video: A special game ball
It was a collective act of condolence to recognize Coach Costanza’s loss in his immediate family — Pete’s father Richard passed away earlier in the week — but also to honour his commitment to his football family. After attending memorial services on Friday, Costanza returned to the club in time to be on the sidelines for Saturday’s game.
The coach was touched by the presentation of the game ball.
“It was an amazing gesture,” he said. “My dad would be real, real appreciative of it. We had the services (Friday) and I knew he’d want me to be back. He knows how much I love the game and he loved the game. And he’s always enjoyed watching this group of guys play, so this is special. It’s the most special game ball I’ve ever gotten. We’ll put his name on it and it’ll go up on his trophy case.”
Football played an important role in the father-son relationship.
“He took me to my first Dolphins game — I was born in Florida and we had season tickets, probably since I was two or three years old,” Costanza recalled. “ I remember him picking me up at school and taking me to Monday night games. You know, I loved the game because of him. He took me to the game and introduced me to it. He coached me when I was growing up and he came to watch all the games he could make when I was in high school and through college. He was a great influence on me and I know he was here tonight helping us win.”
After the special locker-room presentation, each member of the Stampeders receiving corps gave their coach a hug.
“My receiving corps, they’re a special group of guys,” he said. “I’ve always told them — together, we can do anything. I wasn’t here this week and they picked up the slack for me and together, they got it done in practice and had a good week. It’s special when you can achieve something together.”