Grey Cup champion brings trophy to Waterloo

Tyson Hergott brought the Grey Cup to his former high school in Waterloo. Tyler Kelaher spoke to the Toronto Argonaut about winning the CFL championship.

Tyson Hergott of Waterloo is still getting used to the title of champion since winning the 111th Grey Cup with the Toronto Argonauts in his rookie season.

“It’s almost hard to wrap your head around,” he told CTV News. “It’s definitely an exciting thing, amazing thing, so I’m just trying to soak it all in.”

It was a fast ascension to the pinnacle of his sport.

At this time last year, the 23-year-old was a University of Waterloo Warrior, preparing for the CFL combine. On Friday, he walked the halls of St. David Catholic Secondary School while lifting the Grey Cup over his head.

“To be there with all the guys and all the teammates, and we worked so hard to collectively get to that goal, when the clock hits zero and we won – it was just surreal,” Hergott said.

Friday was a full-circle moment for the defensive lineman, who suited-up in 16 games for the Argos in 2024, by bringing the trophy back to the place his football journey began.

“Grade 9, I came out playing football and I just tried making the most of it,” Hergott said. “I don’t know if I ever thought that it would be a great career for me and that I could do it professionally.”

His high school coach shared that sentiment.

“Never in 100 years would I say that kid is going to win the Grey Cup,” Pat George told CTV News.

Despite his size and athleticism, George said Hergott’s most noticeable attribute was his character.

“Great enthusiasm, great energy,” he recalled. “[He was] outstanding for us. Played both sides of the ball.”

Students at St. David packed the school cafeteria for the Grey Cup presentation. Hergott took photos with the trophy, signed autographs and took questions.

“Whatever you want to do, you can do,” Hergott said to the rows of high school students. “There’s no limitations. As long as you work hard and do everything you can, you’ll accomplish whatever you want.”

“[I’m] super proud of his journey and, as a coach, that’s something you always hope for one player,” George said. “To have that actually happen, I think is just fantastic.”

Fans can meet Hergott and see the Grey Cup at Morty’s Pub in Waterloo from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.