Edmonton Elks offensive lineman Chris Pashula was born and raised in Calgary. He went to St. Francis High School before moving on to the University of Calgary where he played five seasons with the Dinos. He says playing in the Grey Cup in his hometown will be something special. “It’s really cool, growing up here and coming with my dad (and) watching games, and then thinking getting to play the high school championship here, that’s the coolest thing,” Pashula said. “(Now) getting to come here and play university in the city I grew up in, that’s cool, but to come here full circle in the Grey Cup is pretty unreal.” Pashula says without his family, he wouldn’t be where he is today. “(They’re) very supportive,” he said. “When I was playing baseball and hockey growing up and then in high school (when) I wanted to switch to football and focus on that, they didn’t bat an eye. “(They) helped me pay for camps to go to. It’s all worth it to them. I’ve had lots of support coming here.” Jabari Arthur is the Elks running backs coach. He knew Pashula when he helped coach the Dinos. Arthur says Pashula’s path to the CFL wasn’t easy — he had to battle through a blood clot issue. “His story is incredible. When he first came to university, (there were) times where he was sick and we saw him in the hospital,” Arthur said. “Now he’s practicing for the Grey Cup. It’s absolutely awesome to watch him.” Fellow lineman Mark Korte is happy for Pashula and says playing the showcase game on Sunday together will be lots of fun. “He’s a very smart guy who really knows football,” Korte said. “He’s been very committed to learning it at the pro level, so he’s done a fantastic job this year. “He’s earned every opportunity he’s gotten and he’s made the most of them, so we’re pretty proud of him.”
