Two Cougar Legends join the 50 game club

When the Cougars played their last game of the West Coast challenge last weekend, the club saw 2 of its long serving stalwarts play their 50th game.

Stu “SuperCoach” Grills

On January 15th, 2001, together with mate James Lay, Stu co-founded the Vancouver Cougars. Over the next 5 years, Stu has been the driving force of football in BC. From the lowly beginnings of trying to promote the club through flyers on his Toyota Tercel, to taking a self banishment to Australia after the 2003 Grand Final loss, to the establishment of a 2nd Vancouver side and recently a 1st up trip to the US Nationals, Stu has seen it all. Stu remains one of only 3 players (Hilton, Edgar and Campo) still playing from the Cougars first season in 2001.

Throughout his (soon to be) 50 games, Stu has been a dominate force for the Cougars in any position he’s played, whether its been as a strong marking CHF or CHB, to a high flying ruckman, to a long bomb goal-kicking specialist who loves to snag the goals that count.

In his forth season with the Cougars in 2005, Grills showed his continued dominance of the game in the NWPAFL by winning the most hotly contested BCFooty goal-kicking tally for many years with 25 majors for the season.

Off the field, he’s coached the Cougars for 5 of their 6 seasons with a winning (28-17 record through 47 games and 3 premierships). During that time, he’s managed to coin many memorable coaching terms, with none more popular than his “4 games within a game” mantra.

He’s also managed to raise his voice when excited to such a high decibel level that it is non audible to the human ear but can be heard by dogs 3 miles away. Throughout his tenure he’s also been a phenomenal behind the scenes servant for the club - be it serving on the Board, organising raffles, running the bar after the games, picking up medicals supplies, drumming up sponsorship etc.etc.

Congrats Stu on 50 great games.

Cougars Career Highlights
First played – April 2001
Games – 50
Goals – 55
Awards – Cougars Founder. Cougars President 2001; Coach 2001-2003 and 2005-06; Leading Goal-kicker 2005; Triple Premiership Player.
Coaching Record – 30-20

Doug “Glamour Boy” Vargo
(the following was not written by Doug)

The well groomed “GlamourBoy” Vargo has experienced a fantastic football career with the Vancouver Cougars AFC. Since joining the Cougars in early 2002 he has quickly became an integral part of the team – not only from a playing perspective but also on the social side of the ledger. First and foremost it has been Doug’s well presented presence on the field that has captured the eyes of many football followers.

He has been a leader on the field – fulfilling the role of Captain for three seasons, and always offers support to new players around the club.

Vargo has an exceptionally long and accurate kick with a deft touch around the goals (although many would argue that he seems to have kicked as many points as goals during his time at the club). He is capable of rising to great heights for a spectacular mark (can’t seem to pull down the hangers though) and is capable of winning the hard ball. There is no doubt that Doug attracts a lot of attention from opposition players whether playing at Full Forward or Ruck Rover – not always because of his around the field play but more likely because of his attention toward the goals.

Vargo has been a great Cougar in front of the big sticks over years. He is now not only about to break a milestone as far as games played but will also be knocking on the door of the illusive 100 goal tally.

Vargo also falls in to the oxymoron category of personalities – being well educated, well dressed, well versed in many popular topics, generally having impeccable tastes for food, clothes and women yet bizarrely – he remains a loyal supporter of the Collingwood Football Club!!!

Doug has also been a great supporter of the club off the field – attending as many social events as possible and organizing several sensational events to lure more players. The Calgary Stampede expedition has now become a yearly journey thanks to his efforts. Moreover, end of year football trips to Vegas have been the brainchild of Vargo and this year will be bigger and better than ever, coupled with the US Nationals games.

Season 2006 saw another personal milestone, which finally witnessed Doug becoming involved on the board level at the club as the Finance Manager/Treasurer.

Well done Doug Vargo on reaching 50 games.

Cougars Career Highlights
First played – April 2002
Games – 50
Goals – 95
Awards – Cougars Captain 2002, 2005-06; 2nd Best and Fairest 2003, 3rd 2005, 4th 2004; Leading Goalkicker 2002, 2003; Triple Premiership Player.