The Edmonton Elks opened training camp on Sunday, and the question on everyone's mind was whether it's too early to talk about the Grey Cup. After five consecutive seasons without a playoff berth in a nine-team league, mentioning the championship might seem premature. However, the team's leadership is embracing the goal from the start.
Coach Kilam Sets the Tone
Second-year head coach Mark Kilam addressed the media at Clarke Park, making it clear that the Grey Cup is the ultimate objective. 'You can start talking it,' Kilam said. 'In house, we know what our goal is. We know our plan to get there and we're just going to attack every day.'
For a franchise that has endured its share of struggles, the approach is reminiscent of Fight Club rules: don't talk about it to outsiders. But Kilam and his team are focused on internal goals, letting external perceptions slide.
Quarterback Cody Fajardo's Perspective
Former Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo, who joined the Elks last season as a backup but quickly became the starter, offered a nuanced take. 'Actually, I think it's a little bit different. I think you talk about Grey Cup Day 1, and then you stop talking about it,' Fajardo explained. 'Because then you want your focus to be right in front of you.'
Fajardo emphasized that the team's ambition is not merely to make the playoffs but to win the championship. 'This isn't a team that, We just want to make the playoffs. Oh, we just want to make a run. It's, We want to win a Grey Cup, and this roster is good enough to win a Grey Cup.'
A Shift in Mindset
The Elks are no longer content with simply returning to respectability. Fajardo's arrival last season sparked a late playoff push that fell just short, but the belief in the locker room is strong. 'You only have so many years left,' Fajardo said. 'I'm in the business of winning games and I'm in the business of winning Grey Cups.'
While recent history suggests lofty ambitions, the team is unapologetic about its goals. As training camp progresses, the focus will shift from talk to action, with each day dedicated to improving and reaching that ultimate prize.
