Mixing business and ( oof!) pleasure

Skydiving aside, Argo is strictly down to earth, by Rick Matsumoto

Argonaut linebacker Kevin Eiben is the East Division candidate for the CFL’s outstanding Canadian award for the second consecutive year. The 26- year-old from Delta, B. C., gained that recognition by leading the East in defensive tackles with 113. Eiben, 6 feet and 215 pounds, lives for the rush that comes from stopping a ball carrier dead in his tracks: “ Any time you’re able to lay a good smack on an opponent and he feels the hit and gives you an acknowledgment that it was a good hit, that’s what football is all about.” He has been playing football since he was 6, so the idea of hitting a much bigger player such as Robert Edwards, the Alouettes’ 235-pound running back, in today’s East final doesn’t faze him: “ Whether a back is big or small, fast or shifty, it’s just a matter of getting him down.” Eiben sat down with Unplugged last week. Your father played strong safety at the University of Cincinnati and your uncle was a fullback at the University of Nebraska. Were you destined to become a football player?

There was a football mentality in our family. Actually, all sports. . . . We played basketball, baseball, my sister played softball, my other sister was a cheerleader. We were a sports family. Did you have a sports hero growing up?

I really admired Barry Sanders ( Detroit Lions running back). I admired his small frame, but at the same time he was punishing on defensive players. Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., is a long way from Delta, B. C. How did you wind up there?

After my high school career my father and I put together a highlight tape and sent some down to U. S. schools. I got a lot of attention from Division II and one AA schools. Bucknell gave me the best offer and also it’s a great academic school. What did you major in?

Business management. You are obviously going to use that education in your off-season job in the Argonaut front office. How did that opportunity come about and is a front office career with the Argos or any other sports organization your goal for when your playing days are over? When I was going to Bucknell, I knew my degree would be a great asset in the business world. After Bucknell, I went to Florida State to do my masters in sports management, so I thought ( the two degrees) would be great assets this offseason to help the Argos in any way I can and also gain experience. You and fellow Argo linebacker Ray Mariuz went to Australia after last season. Why Australia? We knew Australia was a great time and their summer is our winter. We wanted to go somewhere warm while it was cold here. Actually, Mariuz and I met up with (linebacker) Michael Botterill from Montreal. We had a chance to see things from the Australian perspective. Do you have any extended vacation plans for after this season?

I just bought myself a house in Ajax. All my attention right now is on completing the mortgage and moving in. What’s the last movie you saw? The Fog

( sequel). I didn’t mind it. . . . It was really graphic and pretty disgusting at times. What kind of music do you like?

I’m a fan of all kinds of music. My favourite right now would have to be Jack Johnson. I went to check him out at a concert last August at the (Molson) Amphitheatre and I enjoyed the music. It’s really relaxing. You have a tattoo on your back in Asian characters. What does it say and what does it mean to you? My second family growing up was that of a good friend of mine named Paul Chung, who is of Korean background. I told him I wanted to get a poem my father had given me, that I . . . followed on my pathway through life ( tattooed down his spine). The poem was called “ Choose Not To Be A Common Man” and I got it done in Korean characters. What’s the scariest thing you’ve done?

Skydiving. We went skydiving in Australia. . . . It’s totally safe, and boy it was an adrenalin rush for sure. The scariest part is when they open that door and the wind hits you and you say, “ I’m about to jump out of this plane at 14,000 feet.” Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat. What kind of car do you drive?

I drive a 2001 Dodge Dakota sport pickup truck. I’m just a truck kind of guy. Do you have a steady girlfriend?

I do have a serious girlfriend and I’m actually looking forward to her moving out here in January to be with me. What’s the ideal woman for you? My girlfriend. Someone who has a great personality, is down to earth and makes me laugh. If you could sit down and have dinner with anyone, who would that be and why? Wayne Gretzky. See what he has to say. I think he’s a great role model for kids as well as a great athlete. If not Wayne, Muhammad Ali, another great. * Listen to a portion of the Kevin Eiben interview online at www.thestar.com/podcasts