PLAYER #83 - AL PFEIFER (1951, 53-56)

Al Pfeifer may live as far away in North America as any ex- Argo, but he still tries to keep in touch with his former team.

"I keep following them whenever I can," said Pfeifer, from his home in Phoenix, Arizona. "I hear they're in first place now. Flutie must be doing a hell of a job."

Pfeifer, who was one of the best receivers in Argo history, would no doubt love to have played with Flutie, although he did play with some other great ones, such as "Nobby" Wirkowski, Arnold Galiffa and Tom Dublinski. They helped him put up some unbelievable statistics, breaking all Argo reception records in the 1950's.

A native of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, Pfeifer attended Fordham University in the late 1940's, where he was coached by none other than Vince Lombardi. "You had complete respect for the man, and he had complete respect for his players," said Pfeifer, who said having Lombardi coach him in his formative years was the best thing that could have happened.

Drafted by the NFL's New York Giants, Pfeifer played a bit in the Big Apple, and then came to the Argos.

"I came up in 1951 and they only allowed eight imports," said Pfeifer, who like most imports played both offence and defence. "I played both ways for three years, and then I signed a contract to play only offence."

He finished the first year with 43 catches for 799 yards, but took the next year off to serve in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Unfortunately, he missed the 1952 Argo Grey Cup win, and didn't get a chance to win the big prize again.

But he still put up great numbers. Upon his return in 1953, he joined with Al Bruno to form a great combination, and became the main man in 1954, when he set Argonaut records and led the league with 68 receptions for 1,142 yards. He broke both records the year after, when he totalled 75 catches for 1,342 yards, and also set a record with 15 touchdowns, all in only 12 games. In 1956, he upped the reception total to 78, for another 993 yards.

Overall, he finished with 299 catches for 4,726 yards, and had his various records broken by the likes of Terry Greer and Darrell K. Smith. Not bad company, eh!

Pfeifer finished his football career with Ottawa in 1957, and began his post-playing career by working with Eaton's in Toronto until the mid-60's. That's when he was offered a job in Winnipeg running a manufacturing plant, and he stayed in the west by accepting his next job in Calgary, which was manufacturing western horse equipment. 10 years ago, he moved south to Phoenix for a similar job selling equestrian equipment, and also for the abundance of golf courses and warm weather days.

"(Golf) is the most thinking game alive," said Pfeifer, whose job often takes him to California, and more excellent golf courses there. He also goes up to Calgary on occasion to see his daughter Judy, who hires talent for the Calgary Stampede. He has three other children: daughters Mary and Linda, and son Ross.