by Rob Aspin (CUP)

At York University’s con- vocation on Oct. 28, the school awarded Canadian Football League hero Michael (Pinball) Clemons with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his commitment to the city of Toronto and the example he has set for young football players across the nation.

Prior to convocation, a breakfast was held in Clemons’ name. With university officials and York’s football team in attendance, Pinball presented himself in his usual upbeat manor, despite the

fact his Toronto Argonauts had been eliminated from the playoffs the night before.

A graduate of the College of William and Mary in the United States, Clemons was signed by the Argonauts as a free agent in 1989 following graduation. He has been a member of the team since then, first as a player for 11 years and now as rookie head coach.

“The first thing is there is a little bit of reservation,” said Clemons about receiving the degree. “I don’t know if I’m wor- thy of such a distinguished award. People have told me that ‘Hey, you do deserve this,’ and I still find it a little hard to believe. Right now, it’s almost shocking.”

At just five feet six inches tall, Clemons is a perfect example of a man whose heart is larger than his stature. During his time with the Argos, he has been involved in such charity organizations as the United Way and the Boys and Girls Club.

York president Lorna Marsden felt Clemons was a solid choice for the degree despite her unfamiliarity with the football star. “I have to confess that I didn’t know about him at all,” said Marsden. “I am not knowledgeable about athletics, but the more I read

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about him, the more I realized [he is a] real role model.”

Now head coach of the Argos, Pinball is fully aware of the struggles student athletes face on a daily basis. As a former college athlete, he knows that managing classes, practices and travelling to games takes a great deal of effort.

“T will say to all the stu- dents to work hard, stay committed to your efforts and never give up,” said Clemons, but he reminded stu- dents of another important thing as well. “Make sure you have bal- ance in your life. So many times we Strive for great position, but we don’t have great disposition. I think our life is measured by the people that we affect in a positive way, not how much money we make or what car we drive.”

With his honourary degree in hand, Clemons left prior to. the completion of convocation to catch a plane to Montreal for the Argos’ final game of the season.

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