ARGOS INK DEALS WITH THREE 2009 DRAFT PICKS
Re-sign Pollari, Sawler and sign-up Quinney
Courtesy Toronto Argonauts Communications

Mississauga – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club added non-import depth today by re-signing its 2009 CFL Canadian Draft picks OL Zachary Pollari (Western Ontario) and OL Gordon Sawler (St. Francis Xavier) while also signing free agent FB Peter Quinney (Wilfrid Laurier). Quinney was taken by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2009 CFL Draft with the 35th overall pick.

Pollari, selected in the 4th round, 26th overall, by Toronto, and Sawler, who was the Argos’ 5th round, 36th overall, pick in the 2009 CFL Draft, both attended Argonauts training camp last season. Both players then returned to their respective schools to complete their final years of eligibility and continue their studies.

Quinney, meanwhile, is new to the Argos fold but very familiar with the Double Blue. He grew up just outside Toronto in Belleville, Ontario, and idolized Argonaut legend Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons. Quinney won a Vanier Cup championship as a member of the 2005 Golden Hawks and played three different positions (fullback, slotback and tight end) while in university.

Zachary Pollari
Offensive Lineman
6’6”, 263 lbs.
Western Ontario
Born: October 2, 1986
Billings, Montana
Non-Import
Acquired: Re-signed with Toronto on January 11, 2010.
2009: Drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the fourth round (26th Overall) of the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft. Signed with the club on May 27, 2009 and released on June 25 to return to school.

College: Three-year starter on the offensive line at UWO…Played five seasons with the Mustangs (2005-09)…Recruited as a defensive lineman but moved to offensive line after his second year…2009 Started every game for Western Ontario at right tackle…2008 Started every game at right tackle…Selected to play in the 2008 CIS East-West Bowl…Started in Vanier Cup championship...2007 Started every game on the offensive line at either guard or tackle as a junior…2006 Dressed in every game as a backup defensive end and played special teams as a sophomore…2005 Dressed in every game as a defensive end and played special teams as a freshman.

Personal: Zachary Pollari (PRO: Paul-a-rye) is a graduate of Centennial C.V.I. in Guelph, Ontario where he was named school and district lineman of the year. He played his club football for the Guelph Bears and was a member of Team Ontario in 2004. His parents are Frank and Joan and he was a criminology major in college. He has a twin sister named Carolyn who goes to Montana State. In his spare time, Zach enjoys working out, watching movies and hanging out with friends. He aspires to be a teacher one day.

Gordon Sawler
Offensive Guard
6’4”, 280 lbs.
St. Francis Xavier
Born: February 15, 1987
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Non-Import
Acquired: Re-signed with Toronto on January 11, 2010.

2009: Drafted by the Toronto Argonauts in the fifth round (34th Overall) of the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft. Signed with the club on May 27, 2009 and released to return to school on June 25.

College: Played five years at St. FX (2005-09)…2009 Played in all 9 league games as the starting right tackle…2008 Played in all 9 league games as the starting right tackle… Anchored a line that allowed his team’s rushing game achieve 168.5 yards per game.

Personal: Gordon’s parents are Kathleen and Gordon. He was an English major in college and his twin brother Jamie, who now works as a roughneck in Calgary, used to play football at St. Francis Xavier. Gordon’s older sisters are Laurie and Rebecca. His hobbies are working out, listening to music and hanging out with friends.

Peter Quinney
Fullback
6’1”, 220 lbs.
Wilfrid Laurier
Born: June 1, 1986
Belleville, Ontario
Non-Import 
Acquired: Signed by the Toronto Argonauts as a free agent on January 11, 2010.

2009: Attended 2009 CFL Evaluation Camp, and tied for first with 23 reps on the bench press…Selected by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the fifth round, 35th overall, of the CFL Canadian Draft…Attended training camp with Winnipeg and released.

College: Played five years (2005-09) at WLU...Played three different positions during his career (FB, SB, TE)...2009 Named player of the game on October 10, against Windsor with 2 receptions for 32 yards and again on October 17, against Guelph with 4 receptions for 54 yards…2005 Won the Yates Cup and the Vanier Cup championships.

Personal: Peter was inspired by Michael “Pinball” Clemons’ adaptability and determination in addition to his accomplishments off the field. If not playing football, he would continue to pursue his education at teachers college and/or obtaining a Masters degree in Kinesiology. While attending Centennial High School in Belleville, Ontario, he was athlete of the year five times and named MVP of his senior football, rugby, and wrestling teams. Quinney was also a Principal’s Award winner.

The Toronto Argonauts are North America’s oldest professional football club, celebrating their 137th anniversary in 2010.  As Toronto’s #1 community team through player involvement, community programs and The Argos Foundation, the Toronto Argonauts, a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL), have 15 Grey Cup championships to their credit. The Toronto Argonauts are privately-owned by two Toronto-based businessmen.  For 2010 season ticket and group sales packages, please contact the sales team at (416) 341-ARGO.  For more information on the Toronto Argonauts Football Club, please visit argonauts.ca.