Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Vanier Cup: The nouveau riche can be so uppity

The best way to imagine the Vanier Cup is as a MMA fight between Galen Weston and Jim Balsillie.

Weston represents old, blue-blood, moneyed Upper Canada. The privileged, mostly living off past glory. It's been a long time since the Westons were in the spotlight, but they quietly go about doing their thing, still a player in certain good neighborhoods.

Balsillie in the nouveau riche. Brash and aggressive. He's made his money in a way that the old guard don't completely understand. Although everyone respects how wealthy he is, he still has trouble getting into the really good parties. He has years to go before the old boys accept him as one of their own.

Outsiders look at both and understand how impressive their accomplishments have been. An argument can be made that either has been the most significant player in the business of this country. There is something to be said about a long-term contribution to growth and a long standing commitment to excellence. But, there is also something exciting about watching the new kid come out of nowhere to so completely dominate.

So, the game is a true battle royale between two giants. At its competition the winner may lay claim at being the best ever.

Balsillie versus Weston. It was only a matter of time, really.

Related: Two sides come full circle - London Free Press

(Balsillie by two touchdowns)

1 comment:

Rob Pettapiece said...

If Balsillie/Laval wins, can Waterloo claim a finder's fee? We could use some good football karma.