Empty seat at Bombers-Riders Banjo Bowl held for Sun's Ted Wyman
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Published Sep 07, 2024 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 2 minute read
Regular readers of our Blue Bombers pages may have noticed a difference this season. Something missing.
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Someone missing, actually.
Long-time Winnipeg Sun sportswriter and editor Ted Wyman has been off since May, fighting a battle with cancer.
Ted was hoping to get to Saturday’s sold-out Banjo Bowl, filling a press box seat that’s remained open all season, but wasn’t able to make it.
So the Bombers took it upon themselves to go see him – virtually.
The team set up a camera and microphone at the end of Friday’s final practice and players were given the opportunity to send a video message Ted’s way.
More than a dozen messages of support were compiled. Here’s a sampling.
O-lineman Pat Neufeld: “Keep fighting brother. We have your back. Our hearts and souls are with you. We’ll see you back out here soon.”
Running back Johnny Augustine: “Ted, man, wish you were here. In all my years here, honestly, you’ve been great, you’ve been amazing. All I see this as is an obstacle. Just keep fighting and know that we’re thinking about you and we love you, brother.”
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Kicker Sergio Castillo: “Hey Ted, keep fighting the good fight. Keep planting the seed of faith, day in and day out. You’re one day closer to overcoming this.
Safety Brandon Alexander: “Praying for you and your family. We’re here with you, we’re here for you.”
Receiver Drew Wolitarsky: “We miss you, bro. You always bring such a good smile to this building. This game is going to be for you. We wish you could be here. We miss your questions, we miss your energy. Wishing you the best, man.”
Defensive end Willie Jefferson: “We’re going to handle business for you. Wish we could hear your voice. See you soon.”
Quarterback Zach Collaros: “We’ve missed you all season long. Wish you could be here for it. We know you’ll be watching from home. I know you’re probably supposed to be impartial, but I hope you’re pulling for us. We’re all thinking about you. We’re all praying for you. Keep fighting, and we hope to see you soon.”
Ted received the video late Friday.
“Pretty overwhelming,” he told me via text. “In a good way.”
It’s unclear how long Ted will be away, but one thing is clear.
Nobody will fill his seat in the press box, just like nobody can fill his shoes covering the Bombers.
[email protected] X: @friesensunmedia
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