Archie Amerson

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Archie Amerson
No. 9
Date of birth (1974-08-24) August 24, 1974 (age 49)
Place of birthSan Diego, California, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)RB/SB
CollegeNorthern Arizona
High schoolMorse High School
Career history
As player
19972000Hamilton Tiger-Cats
2001Toronto Argonauts
20012004Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Career highlights and awards

Archie J. Amerson (born August 24, 1974) is an American former professional Canadian football running back and slotback who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 1997 to 2004, appearing in 122 regular season games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and one regular season game for the Toronto Argonauts.[1] In 1999, he was part of the Tiger-Cats team that won the 87th Grey Cup. He missed the entire 2005 season due to injury and was released by the Tiger-Cats afterwards. At the time of his release, Amerson was one of the most prolific receivers in Tiger-Cats history, ranking third in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, fifth in kickoff return yards, and sixth in touchdowns.

Amerson played high school football at Samuel F.B. Morse High School in San Diego, California. He went on to play college football for the Dixie State Rebels from 1993 to 1994 and was named a junior college All-American each year. He then played for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks of Northern Arizona University from 1995 to 1996. In Amerson's senior year of 1996, he won the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in Division I-AA (now FCS) football.

High school career[edit]

Amerson played high school football at Samuel F. B. Morse High School in San Diego as both a running back and defensive back.[2][3] In 1991, Amerson primarily played as a cornerback. Although officially designated the backup running back for Morse that year, he never carried the ball. Amerson's role sharply shifted as a senior in 1992 when the coaching staff played him as the team's lead running back in addition to his role on defense. In October, Amerson rushed for 197 yards and four touchdowns in a 48–0 win over Patrick Henry High School.[4] Amerson's strong game against Patrick Henry saw his role on the team increase as he ran for 675 yards and 13 touchdowns over a three-week period.[5] He finished his only season as a running back for Morse with 1,475 rushing yards to lead his section.[6] Amerson was designated the offensive player of the year in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) after Morse won the CIF San Diego section championship.[7][8] While in high school, Amerson also played Little League Baseball for the Skyline Pirates. He made California District 42's All-Star team in 1992.[9]

College career[edit]

In 1993 and 1994, Amerson attended Dixie State College, now the four-year Utah Tech University, and played for the Dixie State Rebels, now the Trailblazers. He rushed for over 3,000 yards with the Rebels and led the nation among junior college running backs in 1994, recording 1,691 yards and 20 touchdowns.[10][11] He was named to the junior college All-America team in both years with the Rebels. In December 1994, Amerson was suspended from playing in the Dixie Rotary Bowl after being arrested in connection with a "brawl".[10] After the 1994 season, Amerson transferred to Northern Arizona University with hopes of playing on defense. His plans were halted by an injury to Northern Arizona's starting halfback. Amerson was forced to remain a running back and continued successfully at that position, rushing for 1,117 yards with 12 touchdowns in 1995.[11]

Amerson had an All-American season in 1996, rushing for 2,079 yards on 333 carries with 25 touchdowns.[12][13] He recorded a career-high 289 rushing yards in a September game against the Portland State Vikings.[11][14] On October 5, Amerson scored seven rushing touchdowns against the Weber State Wildcats. This earned him multiple Division I-AA records, including most touchdowns, most rushing touchdowns, and most points scored with 42 points.[11][15] Amerson received the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in Division I-AA football.[13] He was later inducted into the Northern Arizona University Athletics Hall of Fame, and Northern Arizona retired his jersey (number 9) in honor of his college career.[11]

Professional career[edit]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats[edit]

1997 season[edit]

Amerson was eligible for the 1997 NFL Draft but went unselected. Instead, he played professionally in the CFL, initially being signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The team placed Amerson on their practice squad to start the season, but he was forced into action after Ted Long suffered a groin injury.[16][17] Amerson started in his first career appearance against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, catching his first career touchdown pass in the 18–33 loss.[17][18] While the Tiger-Cats continued to struggle during the game and dropped to a 0–3 record, Amerson's performance was praised, with The Hamilton Spectator calling him "the quickest back ever".[19][20] He followed his first game with a breakout performance against the heavily–favored Toronto Argonauts, running for 100 yards on 18 carries.[21] By the end of August, Amerson led the Tiger-Cats' offense with 298 rushing yards, 12th most in the CFL despite not playing in the first two games.[22] After being briefly sidelined with a foot injury, Amerson returned to a starting role and rushed for 139 yards against the Calgary Stampeders in late September.[23][24] He finished the season with 1,044 combined rushing and receiving yards along with five touchdowns over 15 games. Amerson struggled with ball security throughout the season, recording six fumbles.[1] The Tiger-Cats nominated Amerson as top rookie in the CFL.[25]

1998 season[edit]

During the offseason, the Tiger-Cats signed running back Ron Williams. Williams was known for power running and was described as a "210-pound battering ram" by The Hamilton Spectator.[26][27] The presence of Williams allowed the Tiger-Cats to develop Amerson further as a receiving back, and the team further experimented by designing plays where Amerson lined up as a slotback and using him as a kick returner.[28][29] He went on to catch 65 passes for 750 yards and five touchdowns in addition to rushing for 703 yards and three touchdowns.[1] Amerson immediately established himself as a viable receiving option in the season opener against Calgary when he caught six passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns.[30] In late July, Amerson caught a short pass and ran 74 yards for a touchdown against the Stampeders. The play was described as "the Ticats' biggest play so far this season" by Larry Sicinski of The Hamilton Spectator.[31] Amerson remained effective on the ground, rushing for 114 yards in an early August game against the Edmonton Eskimos, but he continued to struggle with fumbles throughout the season.[32][33]

In a mid-August victory over the Eskimos, Amerson threw the first touchdown pass of his career to wide receiver Andrew Grigg after lining up as a running back. In the same game, he caught a career-long 89-yard touchdown pass.[34] By September, Amerson was considered a potential nominee for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award.[35] Toward the end of the season, the Tiger-Cats began to use Williams and Amerson in distinct roles, with Williams performing most of the ground work while Amerson acted as a receiver.[36] Amerson finished the season sixth in the league in all-purpose yardage.[37] The Tiger-Cats lost to the Stampeders in the 86th Grey Cup. In the final quarter of the Grey Cup, Amerson caught a short pass and ran for a 47-yard completion to set up a touchdown. During the play, he dodged two Stampeders defenders (Darryl Hall and Alondra Johnson), causing them to collide. Both Stampeders players were injured on the play, with Johnson losing consciousness.[38]

1999 season[edit]

Amerson became a free agent after the 1998 season but expressed a strong desire to continue playing for the Tiger-Cats.[39] Hamilton re-signed Amerson to a one-year contract worth approximately $50,000 in late March with a team option for an additional year.[40] Amerson spent time practicing as a punt returner during training camp despite not having returned a punt since high school.[1][41] In the regular season opener, Amerson returned a punt 42 yards to set up a touchdown drive.[42] In the second game of the season, Amerson suffered a knee injury which forced him to miss several games.[43] He returned in mid-August, catching a touchdown in his first game back against the Montreal Alouettes.[44] In a September rematch against the Alouettes, Amerson caught a career-high eight receptions.[45]

Amerson's role as a rusher was greatly reduced in 1999, both due to his early knee injury and the returning Williams, who developed into the team's featured power back. Amerson's only significant rushing play was a career-high 70-yard touchdown run in late September.[46] After Amerson re-injured his knee in October,[47] Tony Akins received his first start in which he recorded 257 receiving yards. After Akins' first game, head coach Ron Lancaster told the media that Amerson would primarily be used as a kick returner going forward, with Akins remaining in the lineup even after Amerson returned.[48] Despite this, Amerson continued to see time as both a receiver and punt returner upon his return later that month.[49] He finished the season with 47 receptions for 700 yards and five touchdowns through 13 games played.[1] The Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the Calgary Stampeders 32–21 in the 87th Grey Cup, making Amerson a Grey Cup champion.[50]

2000 season[edit]

In 2000, Amerson was used heavily as a receiver and kick returner, recording 70 receptions for 1,198 receiving yards and six touchdowns as well as 948 return yards over 51 kick returns, all career-highs at the time.[1] In a July game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Amerson caught a 74-yard touchdown pass in the eventual 40–34 win.[51] He followed this up with five catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns the next month when the Tiger-Cats played the Roughriders again.[52] Following this, Amerson was named player of the week and described by The Hamilton Spectator as both halves of "Hamilton's one-two punch".[53][54] In September, Amerson caught a 75-yard touchdown pass to help the Tiger-Cats defeat the Alouettes 15–9.[55]

While Amerson had his best season as a receiver through September, he was criticized for his play toward the end of the season. The Hamilton Spectator described him as "slumping" in October while pointing out his poor yardage per punt return (6.8 yards).[56][57] The Calgary Herald stated that Amerson had "disappeared" over a seven-week period when he caught only 25 passes for 302 yards and no touchdowns, statistics far below those he had set earlier in the season.[58] Despite the slump, Amerson finished with career-high receptions (70), receiving yards (1,166), and touchdowns (six) while finishing second in the CFL for all-purpose yards (2,407).[1][59] The Tiger-Cats lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 22–20 in the East Division semi-final. Amerson scored a touchdown for the Tiger-Cats, but he later lost 16 yards on a crucial pitch play with 90 seconds left on the game clock. After the failed run, the Blue Bombers received the ball back and kicked a field goal to win the game.[60][61]

Toronto Argonauts[edit]

Amerson again became a free agent after the 2000 season. Rather than pursue Amerson, the Tiger-Cats elected to sign fullback Duane Forde. The signing represented a shift from a receiving back to a running back who primarily blocks.[62] In May 2001, Amerson signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Argonauts.[63] The Argonauts expected to use Amerson as a running back, slotback, and return specialist.[64] Head coach Mike Clemons stated that he expected Amerson to break records with the Argonauts, but Amerson's time with the team was short.[65] In the first game of the season, he suffered an ankle injury that forced him to miss several games.[66][67] During this time, receiver and return specialist Greg Hill became increasingly involved in the offense and began to fill the multi-purpose role originally expected of Amerson. The Argonauts dropped Amerson from the active roster and offered him a position on the practice squad in late July.[68] In late August, the Tiger-Cats re-signed Amerson. Clemons later told the media he had been discussing the possibility of re-signing Amerson with other members of the coaching staff when the Tiger-Cats acquired Amerson.[69]

Return to the Tiger-Cats[edit]

2001 season[edit]

Immediately after signing with the Tiger-Cats, Amerson played in the Labour Day Classic against Toronto, catching a touchdown pass and returning a punt for 24 yards.[70] While the Tiger-Cats initially expected to use Amerson more in the rushing game than they had in the past, the team returned to using him as a receiving back by the end of September due to weaknesses in the offensive line.[71] As the season progressed, Troy Davis emerged as the Tiger-Cats' starting running back and leading rusher while Amerson was used as a receiving back.[72] After missing a game in early October due to bruised ribs, Amerson was effective as a receiver for the rest of the month, finishing with three touchdowns in the last two games of October.[73][74][75] Due to a coaching decision to rest Davis prior to the playoffs, Amerson started in the final game of the regular season against the BC Lions.[72]

According to The Province, the Tiger-Cats "rode Amerson's coattails" on their way to a 24–14 win against the Alouettes in the Eastern Semi-Final.[76] He finished with 250 all-purpose yards, a receiving touchdown, and a punt return touchdown. His 94-yard punt return touchdown set a team record.[76] Amerson received widespread praise for his performance in the game, and The Hamilton Spectator described him as the "Ticat hero who almost got away".[77] The Tiger-Cats lost to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the East Final the following week. Amerson's most significant play of the East Final was a "leaping" catch in the third-quarter, but it was called back due to an offensive holding penalty.[78]

2002 season[edit]

After Mike Morreale left the Tiger-Cats in free agency, the team moved Amerson to the slotback position. The change of position placed him consistently on the starting roster for the first time in his career.[79] Amerson's first receiving touchdown of the season tied a July game against the Stampeders, which the Tiger-Cats later won 34–31 in overtime.[80] Two weeks later, he caught nine passes for 221 yards against the Ottawa Renegades.[81] By the beginning of August, Amerson had emerged as "the top of the pile of Hamilton Tiger-Cats receivers" (ahead of Hall of Famer Darren Flutie) and was second in the league for receiving yardage.[82] After an injury to starting running back Troy Davis in September, the Tiger-Cats utilized Amerson both as their starting slotback and backup running back, as they lacked a third-string running back.[83][84] The majority of his production continued to come as a slotback. He recorded 147 receiving yards in the first game after being listed as a running back on the roster, including a touchdown catch in overtime to win 35–28 against the Montreal Alouettes.[85]

In early October, Amerson missed a game with a leg injury but returned the following week to catch two touchdowns against the Argonauts.[86][87] Amerson finished the season with 970 yards on 61 catches with six touchdowns.[88] The Tiger-Cats did not make the playoffs after losing in the final week of the season.[89]

2003 season[edit]

Amerson was re-signed by the Tiger-Cats in January 2003 to a deal that involved "substantially more" than the $45,000 he received the previous season.[90] The Tiger-Cats lost several receivers to retirement or trades, and Amerson was one of only two starting receivers left on the team from the previous year.[91] Through the first half of the season, the Tiger-Cats receivers struggled. Amerson led the team in receiving yards, but he often was double-covered by opposing teams and struggled to get open.[92][93] Amerson was also criticized for dropping passes in important situations.[94] He recorded 960 receiving yards and four touchdowns during the regular season.[1] The Tiger-Cats finished the season with a 1–17 record amid controversy after the owners of the team failed to pay players, including Amerson. While the CFL took over the team and paid players their full salaries as recorded with the league, Amerson reportedly lost $40,000 in expected salary due to a portion of his contract being unregistered with the league.[95]

2004 season[edit]

During the offseason, Amerson remained in Canada for the first time during his career to train with incoming receivers' coach Paul LaPolice.[96] The Tiger-Cats receivers, including Amerson, started the season more successfully than the previous year. Through the first three games, Amerson was ninth in the CFL in receiving yards with 224 yards on eight catches.[97] Amerson caught 47 passes for 894 yards and five touchdowns through fourteen regular season games. In October, an injury forced Amerson to undergo surgery to repair the torn cartilage in his knee.[98] He returned in the Tiger-Cats' semi-final loss to the Argonauts.[99]

Retirement[edit]

Prior to the 2005 season, Amerson signed a two-year contract extension with the Tiger-Cats, and he was expected to feature heavily among their receivers.[100] Shortly before the start of training camp, Amerson experienced nerve issues in his left leg which prevented him from running. While the prognosis was initially optimistic, the media considered his season to be "compromised" by the start of the regular season.[101][102] The source of the injury was a herniated disk which pressed against nerves and caused muscle atrophy throughout Amerson's left leg.[103] Amerson remained out for the entire season and was released by the team on January 31, 2006.[104] As of his retirement, Amerson was one of the most prolific receivers in Tiger-Cats history, ranking third in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, fifth in kickoff return yards, and sixth in touchdowns.[105]

Season statistics[edit]

[1] Receiving Rushing Punt returns Kick returns Misc
Year Team GP Rec Yds Avg Long TD Att Yds Avg Long TD PR Yds Avg Long TD KR Yds Avg Long TD Tkls Fumbles
1997 HAM 15 40 414 10.4 46 1 144 630 4.4 64 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 34 17.0 17 0 3 6
1998 HAM 18 65 750 11.5 89 5 160 703 4.4 69 3 0 0 0.0 0 0 24 594 24.8 54 0 3 4
1999 HAM 13 47 700 14.9 60 5 4 67 16.8 70 1 25 183 7.3 42 0 18 393 21.8 57 0 0 2
2000 HAM 18 70 1,198 17.1 75 6 6 16 2.7 10 0 51 351 6.9 38 0 51 948 18.6 40 0 5 2
2001 TOR 1 5 32 6.4 15 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 42 21.0 28 0 0 0
2001 HAM 9 26 380 14.6 41 5 21 120 5.7 25 0 29 231 8.0 25 0 3 67 22.3 32 0 2 4
2002 HAM 17 61 970 15.9 53 6 11 53 4.8 13 0 8 105 13.1 68 0 1 7 7.0 7 0 4 3
2003 HAM 18 75 960 12.8 45 4 9 41 4.6 9 0 4 51 12.8 23 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 7 0
2004 HAM 14 47 894 19.0 68 5 1 24 24.0 24 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 0
Total 123 436 6,298 14.4 89 37 356 1,654 4.6 70 8 117 921 7.9 68 0 101 2,085 20.6 57 0 27 21

Personal life[edit]

Amerson is the son of Archie Amerson Sr., who played minor league baseball for teams associated with the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.[28] He was born in San Diego, California, where he returned in the offseason during his CFL career.[82] Amerson's brother, Andrew, played college football for Cal State Northridge and Troy State. Andrew Amerson briefly signed with the Toronto Argonauts but did not play in any games.[106]

After retiring from football, Amerson taught classes at a gym owned by his father in San Diego.[107] In August 2006, he ran a summer camp for children interested in football. The camp was affiliated with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.[108]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Maher, Tod; Gill, Bob (2013). The Canadian Pro Football Encyclopedia: Every Player, Coach and Game, 1946–2012. Maher Sports Media. p. 145. ISBN 978-0-9835136-6-7.
  2. ^ Brand, Steve (September 29, 1992). "Morse and Lincoln: neighborhood battle on the football field". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. C3.
  3. ^ Brand, Steve (October 4, 1992). "His nickname is up for grabs, but Lincoln can't handle Smith". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. H15.
  4. ^ Brand, Steve (October 24, 1992). "Amerson breaks loose for Morse". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. D6.
  5. ^ Brand, Steve (November 10, 1992). "As playoffs loom, Komets look to end Centurions' streak". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. E7.
  6. ^ Brand, Steve (November 24, 1992). "Buckle your chinstrap if you want to line up against this City team". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. C4.
  7. ^ Brand, Steve (December 15, 1992). "Morse aces begin reaping rewards". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. E5.
  8. ^ Brand, Steve (December 13, 1992). "Different paths lead to the top – Morse beats Poway with solid defense to capture 3A title". San Diego Union-Tribune. p. H1.
  9. ^ Brents, Phillip (July 29, 1992). "District 42 takes it on the chin – again". The Star-News. p. B3. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  10. ^ a b Pattison, Dan (December 3, 1994). "Dixie 12 players short for today's bowl game". Deseret News. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d e "No. 9 Archie Amerson – The Walter Payton Award Winner, The Hall of Famer, The NCAA Record Holder, The Lumberjack". Northern Arizona. Archived from the original on March 20, 2017. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  12. ^ "Grambling in midst of more problems". The Atlanta Journal and Constitution. December 19, 1996. p. E2.
  13. ^ a b "Sports shorts". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. December 20, 1996. p. 2D.
  14. ^ "Extra points". St. Petersburg Times. September 22, 1996. p. 14C.
  15. ^ "Football championship subdivision records" (PDF). NCAA. Retrieved March 19, 2017.
  16. ^ Dickins, Jeff (June 23, 1997). "Richardson faces early retirement: Disc injury lands Tiger-Cat in sick bay". Hamilton Spectator. p. S3.
  17. ^ a b Dickins, Jeff (July 10, 1997). "Amerson's the latest to join Ticat roster". Hamilton Spectator. p. D3.
  18. ^ Korchok, Kathryn (July 12, 1997). "Ticat errors prove costly in loss to Blue Bombers". The Toronto Star. p. E5.
  19. ^ "Game Day:: Tiger-Cats vs. Argonauts". Hamilton Spectator. July 17, 1997. p. D6.
  20. ^ "Sudsy must win ... tonight". Hamilton Spectator. July 17, 1997. p. D2.
  21. ^ Clarkson, Michael (July 18, 1997). "Flutie yanks another one out of hat Sluggish Argos have tough time with lowly Ticats". The Toronto Star. p. C4.
  22. ^ Clarkson, Michael (August 30, 1997). "CFL Report Flutie eager at the half". Toronto Star. p. C8.
  23. ^ "Game Day:: Tiger-Cats vs Argonauts". Hamilton Spectator. September 13, 1997. p. E4.
  24. ^ Dickins, Jeff (September 22, 1997). "So close ...: Cats kick themselves for losing 25–21 to Stampeders". Hamilton Spectator. p. S3.
  25. ^ Harding, Mark (October 23, 1997). "Flutie, Lester Smith top CFL awards list 1997 Argonauts 'remarkable,' Matthews admits". The Toronto Star. p. B3.
  26. ^ Sicinski, Larry (February 5, 1998). "Tiger-Cats boost their running game". Hamilton Spectator. p. D5.
  27. ^ Sicinski, Larry (June 11, 1998). "Ticats get their backs up: Archie Amerson and Ron Williams agree there's healthy competition afoot for offensive backfield spots". Hamilton Spectator. p. C5.
  28. ^ a b Richer, Shawna (July 17, 1998). "Ticats' Amerson has that scoring touch At 5-foot-8 versatile back may be small in stature, but he's making big plays on the field". The Globe and Mail. p. S11.
  29. ^ Dickins, Jeff (July 21, 1998). "Running or receiving, Amerson gets it done". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  30. ^ Sicinski, Larry (July 3, 1998). "No way to finish: Ticats must learn to play tough in final quarter". Hamilton Spectator. p. F1.
  31. ^ Sicinski, Larry (July 30, 1998). "Modest gains a huge leap for Tiger-Cats". Hamilton Spectator. p. D3.
  32. ^ Sicinski, Larry (August 10, 1998). "Cats still top dogs". Hamilton Spectator. p. S9.
  33. ^ Milton, Steve (August 1, 1998). "Of Archie, Franco and other short hops". Hamilton Spectator. p. E3.
  34. ^ Sicinski, Larry (August 14, 1998). "Smokin'!: Tiger-Cats annihilate Eskimos again". Hamilton Spectator. p. F1.
  35. ^ Milton, Steve (September 24, 1998). "Ticats too good a team to honour individuals". Hamilton Spectator. p. D1.
  36. ^ Sicinski, Larry (October 28, 1998). "Amerson among elite in all-purpose yards". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  37. ^ Maki, Allan (November 21, 1998). "Ailing Williams promises he'll play or take pay cut Tiger-Cats running back predicts Amerson will be winner of MVP in Grey Cup". The Globe and Mail. p. A28.
  38. ^ Ewing, Lori (November 23, 1998). "Hall discovers A.J.'s wallop: Stamp knocked unconscious by teammate". Calgary Herald. p. D5.
  39. ^ Sicinski, Larry (March 6, 1999). "Amerson plays waiting game: Free agent only has eyes for Ticats". Hamilton Spectator. p. E5.
  40. ^ Sicinski, Larry (March 31, 1999). "Amerson decides to stay; TiCat running back opts for new one-year deal in $50,000 range with Hamilton". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  41. ^ Sicinski, Larry (June 24, 1999). "CAT NIPS". Hamilton Spectator. p. C2.
  42. ^ "Ticats whip Bombers: Winnipeg fans treated to more misery". Calgary Herald. July 9, 1999. p. C4.
  43. ^ Sicinski, Larry (July 30, 1999). "TiCats notes". Hamilton Spectator. p. E2.
  44. ^ Beacon, Bill (August 13, 1999). "Full house watches Als win". The Vancouver Sun. p. E4.
  45. ^ Sicinski, Larry (September 15, 1999). "Akins opens some eyes in debut". Hamilton Spectator. p. F1.
  46. ^ Sicinski, Larry (September 27, 1999). "Cats feelig better; Hamilton finally beats Als to clear mental hurdle". Hamilton Spectator. p. S6.
  47. ^ "Lancaster gives it back to Ritchie". Hamilton Spectator. October 11, 1999. p. S3.
  48. ^ Sicinski, Larry (October 11, 1999). "Akins' debut a dazzler; Buffalo Bills' castoff scores four touchdowns in first CFL game". Hamilton Spectator. p. S2.
  49. ^ Sicinski, Larry (November 13, 1999). "TICAT GAME DAY". Hamilton Spectator. p. E03.
  50. ^ Banks, David (November 29, 1999). "Burnt Stampeders secondary lights into officiating". Calgary Herald. p. C3.
  51. ^ "Ticats hold off Riders". The Ottawa Citizen. July 22, 2000. p. F2.
  52. ^ Sicinski, Larry (August 12, 2000). "Amerson runs wild on Roughriders". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  53. ^ Sicinski, Larry (August 16, 2000). "Past woes shouldn't be extra motivation". Hamilton Spectator. p. E3.
  54. ^ Ireland, Joanne (August 18, 2000). "Game Day Snaps: Edmonton Eskimos vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders". Edmonton Journal. p. D1.
  55. ^ Beacon, Bill (September 11, 2000). "Ticats' goal-line stand stops mighty Als offence: Montreal ends home win streak, loses QB to injury". Edmonton Journal. p. D4.
  56. ^ Sicinski, Larry (October 20, 2000). "TICAT GAME DAY". Hamilton Spectator. p. E6.
  57. ^ Sicinski, Larry (October 28, 2000). "Ticat Game Day". Hamilton Spectator. p. E4.
  58. ^ "Game Day". Calgary Herald. November 5, 2000. p. B4.
  59. ^ Sicinski, Larry (November 4, 2000). "Lancaster looking to end winless woes". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  60. ^ Sicinski, Larry (November 13, 2000). "Cats are champs no more; Grey Cup defence ends as visiting Bombers win on late field goal". Hamilton Spectator. p. D1.
  61. ^ Harding, Mark (November 13, 2000). "Bombers rally past Tiger-cats Blue Bombers 22, TiCats 20". The Toronto Star.
  62. ^ Kernaghan, John (February 28, 2001). "Signing of veteran fullback sends Ticats in a new direction". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  63. ^ "Argonauts sign Amerson to two-year deal". The Toronto Star. May 26, 2001.
  64. ^ "Not revenge, he really doesn't like opponents". The Vancouver Province. Canadian Press. June 21, 2001. p. A55.
  65. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (June 12, 2001). "The Tiger-Cats' quest begins; Key dates; Tabbies open crowded camp with two-a-days". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  66. ^ "Injuries ail Argos offence". The Vancouver Province. Canadian Press. July 13, 2001. p. A51.
  67. ^ Harding, Mark (July 25, 2001). "Argos' punter may get boot". Toronto Star. p. C7.
  68. ^ Harding, Mark (July 27, 2001). "Argos hand pink slip to former Ticat; Amerson ponders going on practice roster". Hamilton Spectator. p. E2.
  69. ^ Milton, Steve (August 31, 2001). "No wonder Boatmen are pitiful; Argos thought about reactivating Amerson when Cats pounced". Hamilton Spectator. p. E2.
  70. ^ Wallace, Andrew (September 4, 2001). "Nice guys sinking Argos". Toronto Star. p. E1.
  71. ^ Milton, Steve (September 27, 2001). "Tiger-Cats putting the brakes on running game". Hamilton Spectator. p. E2.
  72. ^ a b Beamish, Mike (November 6, 2001). "Game Day". The Vancouver Sun. p. C12.
  73. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (October 6, 2001). "Stamps ready for Cats". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  74. ^ "Ticats clinch playoff berth with win over Saskatchewan: Roughriders eliminated from post-season contention after loss in Hamilton". The Vancouver Sun. Canadian Press. October 22, 2001. p. D8.
  75. ^ Beacon, Bill (October 29, 2001). "Tiger-Cats nail down second place: Hamilton gets home-field advantage in the post-season from plummeting Alouettes". The Vancouver Sun. Canadian Press. p. C2.
  76. ^ a b "Archie Amerson gets an A: Scores two TDs in leading Tiger-Cats past Alouettes". The Vancouver Province. Canadian Press. November 12, 2001. p. A25.
  77. ^ Milton, Steve (November 12, 2001). "Ticat hero who almost got away; SPORTS; Hamilton came close to losing Archie Amerson". Hamilton Spectator. p. D6.
  78. ^ Milton, Steve (November 19, 2001). "Shortcomings obvious; Now is about the best time for the Tiger-Cats to copy a page from Winnipeg's book of success". Hamilton Spectator. p. D6.
  79. ^ Milton, Steve (June 26, 2002). "Amerson has a chance to put the past behind; A big season could mean bigger pay day". Hamilton Spectator. p. E2.
  80. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (July 13, 2002). "A thriller by Hitchcock; Safety's interception at Ticat two-yard-line leads to Osbaldiston's winning field goal". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  81. ^ Sekeres, Matthews (July 26, 2002). "Renegades win a thriller: Ottawa blows big lead, then holds on; Renegades 38, Tiger-Cats 37". Ottawa Citizen. p. B1.
  82. ^ a b Hemsworth, Wade (August 1, 2002). "Amerson's adjusting to key role". Hamilton Spectator. p. E4.
  83. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (September 12, 2002). "Davis cracks wrist, doubtful for Als Sunday; Jarrett Smith probable starter at running back". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  84. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (September 27, 2002). "Feeling of hope lives this season in the Cats' lair; The Hamilton locker room is a genial place, despite 6–7 record". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  85. ^ Ralph, Dan (September 16, 2002). "Hamilton gets 'a gift' with win over Montreal". Toronto Star. p. D11.
  86. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (October 4, 2002). "Cats ready to Stamp out losing streak; Hamilton takes an 0–7 road record into Calgary tonight". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  87. ^ Harding, Mike (October 15, 2002). "Argonauts alive and kicking". Toronto Star. p. C1.
  88. ^ "Tiger-Cats face contract talks with 16 unsigned free agents". Hamilton Spectator. November 5, 2002. p. E2.
  89. ^ Milton, Steve (November 4, 2002). "Argos deserve playoff spot more than Cats; Tiger-Cats faded in the stretch drive". Hamilton Spectator. p. B1.
  90. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (January 23, 2003). "Cats re-sign 'Fireball' Archie; Amerson was top receiver for Ticats in '02". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  91. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (May 27, 2003). "Ticats search for which receivers will catch on". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  92. ^ Milton, Steve (July 10, 2003). "Tiger-Cats reshuffle impotent offence; Changes at receiver, tackle spots". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  93. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (July 18, 2003). "'We didn't pick the right people'; Woes began at camp: Lancaster". Hamilton Spectator. p. E2.
  94. ^ Milton, Steve (September 13, 2003). "Great news: Cats show signs of life". Hamilton Spectator. p. E1.
  95. ^ Hemsworth, Wade (October 20, 2003). "Ticats await bright future next season after dark days of 2003". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP11.
  96. ^ Milton, Steve (May 14, 2004). "Amerson vowing to exceed 1,000-yard season; TIGER-CAT RECEIVING CORPS". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP15.
  97. ^ Peters, Ken (July 7, 2004). "Just call the Ticat receivers – the happy gang this season". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP11.
  98. ^ Peters, Ken (October 20, 2004). "Ticat Amerson has surgery to left knee; Slotback hopes to return for playoffs". Hamilton Spectator. p. A1.
  99. ^ Wharnsby, Tim (November 6, 2004). "Argonauts blast Tiger-Cats; Toronto now advances to play Montreal in East Division final". The Globe and Mail. p. S1.
  100. ^ Peters, Ken (January 27, 2005). "Morreale, Amerson remain Ticats; Both receivers sign deals that'll keep them in Hamilton for next two years". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP5.
  101. ^ Peters, Ken (June 9, 2005). "Ailing Amerson is outside looking in, and he hates it". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP3.
  102. ^ "Receivers ailing on both sides as Als, Ticats meet". The Guardian. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. CP. June 22, 2005. p. B3.
  103. ^ Fitz-Gerald, Sean (September 1, 2005). "Amerson aching to get back into the lineup: Injury gets on Ticat's nerves". National Post. p. S3.
  104. ^ Peters, Ken (February 2, 2006). "Farewell to Archie; Health concerns force Ticats to release popular slotback". The Hamilton Spectator. p. SP3.
  105. ^ Peters, Ken (March 22, 2006). "Ticats taking no chances; Amerson asking for another shot at glory days". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP16.
  106. ^ "Boatmen sign receivers Amerson, Cunningham". Hamilton Spectator. Canadian Press. March 6, 2004. p. SP13.
  107. ^ Milton, Steve (July 13, 2006). "Ticats' Notebook". Hamilton Spectator. p. SP3.
  108. ^ "Cats teach kids football basics". Hamilton Spectator. August 3, 2006. p. SP3.