Your Redblacks just got a mauler!
Morning from the Valley — here's what's growing in Winkler-Morden.
Okay, so I saw this headline about the CFL draft, and my first thought was, "Oh, a Winnipegger. Good for him." But then I started thinking about what it *means* when a kid from our province, from the Prairies, gets that top pick. Giordano Vaccaro, an offensive lineman from Winnipeg, just got picked first overall by the Ottawa Redblacks. He told the coach, "I can promise, you got a mauler." And you know what? That’s the kind of grit we see all over Manitoba, including right here in the Pembina Valley.
This isn't just about one football player; it’s about the kind of work ethic that builds something. You see it in our manufacturing plants, like Friesen Corporation or Triple E, where people put their heads down and get the job done. It's the same spirit that built the Corn and Apple Festival into what it is today, or that keeps the Stanley Agricultural Society thriving. We're not always the loudest, but when it comes to delivering, whether it’s a new line of cabinets at Decor Cabinets or a top-tier athlete, we show up.
What This Means for Winkler-Morden
* **Local Pride:** Seeing a Manitoban excel on a national stage reinforces that our province produces top talent, in sports and beyond. * **Role Models:** For young athletes playing for the Winkler Flyers or the Morden Bombers, it shows that dedication can really pay off. * **Grit and Growth:** It's another example of that prairie determination, the same kind that's driven Morden's impressive 14.5% population growth in five years.
We're building something special here, from the fields to the factories to the football stadiums. This community, with its blend of established families and vibrant newcomers, understands what it takes to put in the work and come out on top. It’s a story of growth, hard work, and proving what we’re made of, and it’s a big part of why Winkler and Morden are a national model for rural success.
Corinne Dueck, MiTL Sports Desk.
You can hear more takes like this on the morning show with Keith and the gang — check it out live at mornings.live.