Monday 5 March 2012

Auggie Hangs Up His Cleats

After an eight-year career, seven spent with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Auggie Barrenechea has decided to call it a day.

Barrenechea began his career as a Middle Linebacker, but made the move to Fullback last season. He didn't play much on Offense, but he was a valuable Special Teams contributor and a highly respected locker room leader. Barrenechea was always a fan favourite, and was one of the team's most popular players during the dark days on the mid-2000s. He left in 2008 for one season in Edmonton, but came back to the Tiger-Cats in 2009 and played the remainder of his career in Black & Gold.

Barrenechea was the type of player you could always cheer for. A scrappy player who may not have been the most talented, but always looked to be one of the hardest working. His switch to Fullback in 2011 epitomized the type of player that Barrenechea was, unselfish and always willing to do whatever he could to help the team.

It will be nearly impossible to replace all that Auggie brought to the team, and it is too bad that he will leave the game without a Grey Cup ring. But who knows, maybe he can be talked out of retirement just like his good buddy Ray Mariuz was last year.

But if this is truly it for Barrenechea, thank you for everything you did for the team and the community. Your presence will be missed and best of luck in your post-football life.

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